Bimini Cleaning

Caveman22

Caveman22

Active Member
Mar 6, 2020
217
Boat Info
310 Sundancer 1999
Engines
350 Mercruisers Blue Water, V drives
I was wondering if anyone has ever put there Bimini sections, not with eisenglass or screen, Into the washing machine on a light cycle. I would like to do my Bimini boots and the rear Bimini cover. Also I have some filler sections between the windshield and the front Bimini with nothing but little rubber clips and zippers.
 
I am sure would likely be OK. I have always just chosen to take a bucket with a little Woolite in it and a scrub brush and lay them flat and scrub them. Takes 10 min. Then hang on the fence or dry then treat with 303 Fabric Protector.’

Bennett
 
bbwhitejr said:
I am sure would likely be OK. I have always just chosen to take a bucket with a little Woolite in it and a scrub brush and lay them flat and scrub them. Takes 10 min. Then hang on the fence or dry then treat with 303 Fabric Protector.’

Bennett
Click to expand...
Yes, I agree I just wasn't sure how a washing machine might affect the overall look and waterproofing property of the material.
 
Yes, I just did both my tops (Bimini and Sunshade) but they were both Sunbrella. If the cover is Seamark I would take care depending on the type of machine. I think a washer with a center agitator would possible cause problems. Also if you have any heavy soiling or spots (like bird droppings) try to remove with a brush and vacuum off before washing.

Once the tops are cleaned let them air dry completely and retreat for waterproofing. 303 Fabric Guard or Starbrite Waterproofing. If it is a Seamark top then only waterproof the canvas side and treat the inside vinyl with 303 Aerospace Protectorant.

By the way, you can also soak in a light bleach water mixture before washing. Use 1 cup of bleach, 1/4 cup of soap and 1 gallon of water (scale as needed) and let soak for up to 15 minutes. Just make sure you rinse well to get all the soap out first.

-Kevin
 
KevinC said:
Yes, I just did both my tops (Bimini and Sunshade) but they were both Sunbrella. If the cover is Seamark I would take care depending on the type of machine. I think a washer with a center agitator would possible cause problems. Also if you have any heavy soiling or spots (like bird droppings) try to remove with a brush and vacuum off before washing.

Once the tops are cleaned let them air dry completely and retreat for waterproofing. 303 Fabric Guard or Starbrite Waterproofing. If it is a Seamark top then only waterproof the canvas side and treat the inside vinyl with 303 Aerospace Protectorant.

By the way, you can also soak in a light bleach water mixture before washing. Use 1 cup of bleach, 1/4 cup of soap and 1 gallon of water (scale as needed) and let soak for up to 15 minutes. Just make sure you rinse well to get all the soap out first.

-Kevin
Click to expand...
Thanks for the insight, My biminis are replacements from the outfit in Michigan
 
Chris-380 said:
I used wool light on gentle cycle with cold, yes

I treated mine after ward with 303 fabric guard after it dried
Click to expand...

I just did this last weekend with my two piece boat cover. Bow section in the washer first and then the cockpit section. Turned out great. I've done my full mooring cover by setting up two 6 foot ladders in the driveway. Then place an extension ladder on top of the two 6' ladders making a giant saw horse. Put the mooring cover over the ladders. Wash and scrub with Woolite and treat with 303. I do this every 2-3 years. Woolite and 303 are both the suggested products to use by Sunbrella.
 
Stingrayaxe said:
I just did this last weekend with my two piece boat cover. Bow section in the washer first and then the cockpit section. Turned out great. I've done my full mooring cover by setting up two 6 foot ladders in the driveway. Then place an extension ladder on top of the two 6' ladders making a giant saw horse. Put the mooring cover over the ladders. Wash and scrub with Woolite and treat with 303. I do this every 2-3 years. Woolite and 303 are both the suggested products to use by Sunbrella.
Click to expand...
Great to know. Thanks
 
@Caveman22, when you treat you canvas you want to make sure you get it nice and wet and then let it completely dry. This is best done on a warm sunny day with not too much wind.

You will want to apply the waterproofing only to the canvas - try not to get it on the eisenglass. You may go through quite a bit of waterproofing so you may want to purchase it by the gallon.

There are two methods to apply that I would recommend: 1) use a small (approx 1L) garden sprayer that has a pump to build pressure or 2) apply evenly with a small roller. If you try to use the a regular sprayer bottle you will probably exhaust your trigger finger spraying.

You can get something like this even at HD:
upload_2022-5-18_10-35-40.png

-Kevin
 
Thanks for your advice!
 
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