Best way to wash canvas covers?

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astahl33
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Best way to wash canvas covers?

Post by astahl33 »

Hi all, any ideas for an easy (or not so easy) way to clean canvas? While my bimini top looks like it was hardly used by previous owner, the boot, and the 2 other canvas covers need a cleaning. I was hoping to resurrect them on the cheap before investing cash that could be better spent on crabs, beer and a modern stereo ;)

Thanks!
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Re: Best way to wash canvas covers?

Post by akorcovelos »

Take it to a laundromat with industrial size washers, then let it air dry. Worked great for me.
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Re: Best way to wash canvas covers?

Post by Table Rockin »

A mild soap, stiff brush and elbow grease is how I’ve done mine. I’ve read it’s not good to use a power washer though I have done that once.

Now washing the Bimini without taking off the canvas was fun...
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Re: Best way to wash canvas covers?

Post by tgrace98 »

I have a small electric pressure washer I use to clean mine
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Re: Best way to wash canvas covers?

Post by Table Rockin »

tgrace98 wrote: Tue Aug 04, 2020 2:07 pm I have a small electric pressure washer I use to clean mine
I have the same and I've used once to clean my mooring cover but sunbrella says dont......have you read anything about this?
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Re: Best way to wash canvas covers?

Post by Big Block Power »

Ok lay it out on the clean driveway. Get 303 sunbrella marine top cleaner then hose it down spray cleaner on it use a clean broom and be gentile and wash it down. Then rinse it off let it dry then spray with 303 sunbrella water protectant.
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Re: Best way to wash canvas covers?

Post by astahl33 »

Thanks all for the advice, hopefully I'll have some better "after" pics than the "befores" ;)
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Re: Best way to wash canvas covers?

Post by Mike in SC »

Big Block Power wrote: Tue Aug 04, 2020 5:44 pm Ok lay it out on the clean driveway. Get 303 sunbrella marine top cleaner then hose it down spray cleaner on it use a clean broom and be gentile and wash it down. Then rinse it off let it dry then spray with 303 sunbrella water protectant.
I've done almost the exact same thing. Except I used a mix of Dawn, bleach and water. Found the recipe on the "internet" so it has to be safe. A hosing down with water, then dipped the boat cleaning brush in the bucket and scrubbed. Hose off after the scrub then leave it in the yard somewhere to dry.
I would have retreated the cover with 303 but the cover was new this year. It came out almost perfect.
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Re: Best way to wash canvas covers?

Post by xlint89 »

akorcovelos wrote: Tue Aug 04, 2020 2:01 pm Take it to a laundromat with industrial size washers, then let it air dry. Worked great for me.
I was told this exact thing by the local mechanic.

His recommendation was to use just Oxy Clean
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Re: Best way to wash canvas covers?

Post by AsLan7 »

xlint89 wrote: Wed Aug 05, 2020 10:24 pm
akorcovelos wrote: Tue Aug 04, 2020 2:01 pm Take it to a laundromat with industrial size washers, then let it air dry. Worked great for me.
I was told this exact thing by the local mechanic.

His recommendation was to use just Oxy Clean
.
That's how we clean our canvas covers and bimini tops. We actually use our Mother-in-laws 30 year old washer and it works well. Just don't put in it the dryer as it will shrink quite a bit. We hang ours on her clothes line. Then we treat with 303 (30605CSR) specifically made for fabrics & canvas (vs the vinyl and rubber 303).
Never had an issue.

.
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Re: Best way to wash canvas covers?

Post by astahl33 »

Ha - I'll be sure to clean EXACTLY as pictured!
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Re: Best way to wash canvas covers?

Post by BigGib »

Another vote for mild soap, soft scrub brush, and let it air dry on the driveway. Follow it up with some 303 and you'll be set
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Re: Best way to wash canvas covers?

Post by Krob1114 »

We bought one of the telescoping soft brushes with hose attachment. So far, plain water has gotten the job done.
How often should you use the 303 Fabric Guard?
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Re: Best way to wash canvas covers?

Post by Big Block Power »

Krob1114 wrote: Fri Aug 07, 2020 4:29 am We bought one of the telescoping soft brushes with hose attachment. So far, plain water has gotten the job done.
How often should you use the 303 Fabric Guard?
When it stops bubbling. Every top is diff. I just had to do my bow and binimi. But I never use them. 3 years
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