Cleaning Canvas Tops on Boats

Cleaning boat canvas covers is difficult unless yousolution of one-quarter cup Clorox, one-quarter cup
know the secrets. Here are some tips to assist yourIvory soap and one gallon of warm water for about
so you can get out on the water where you belong.20 minutes. Again, rinse with cold water to remove all
Dodgers, cockpit cushions, sail covers and sails mustsoap. After you've washed the canvas, let it line-dry
be cleaned because salt water leaves a residue onin a well-ventilated area. The material will shrink if
fabric that attracts and holds moisture on theheat-related drying methods are used. Never try to
surface. Caring for canvas when cleaning boatfold or store canvas while it's still wet; this can lead
canvas, they key is to be gentle. Never useto premature wear and damage. Keep in mind that
detergents to clean canvas. Using a soft- bristledwashing canvas may remove its ability to repel
brush to prevent damage, apply a mild solution ofwater. Be sure to reapply a water-repellent after.
Lux, Ivory soap or Borateem in water no hotter thanThere are several canvas coatings you can buy and
100 degrees Fahrenheit. The soap Boat Booksthey can be easily bought as over the counter
recommend is Sudbury Boat Zoap. It works great oncanvas coatings or as exclusive marine products.
Sunbrella materials. Starbrite makes two products:Never use a brush on clear vinyl windows. Use
Vinyl Shampoo for cleaning and Vinyl Polish forMeguiar's Mirror Glaze in the white bottle to remove
cleaning pre-coated canvas. After light scrubbing, rinsecloudiness and fine scratches. Never roll up canvas
thoroughly with cold water.covers while they are wet. To remove soda stains
For more stubborn cases, soak the canvas in ause water with 70% isopropyl alcohol.