I have neglected cleaning my Cockpit Cover and Tonneau Cover and was wonderind what experience the group has in cleaning the entire cover (two pieces) in a commerical washer. I dry dock my boat and the marinia does not have a good clean place to spread out the cover and scrub plus I was hoping to find a easier way to clean.
I have noticed from a search that Sunbrella carpet runners come very clean in machine but how about a mildewed large cover. Most of my mildew is on the inside of cover - I assume from putting the cover on over a "wet" boat at night and my neglect in not cleaning or sealing the cover for two years.
My concerns are
1. Is cockpit cover too big to do in machine
2. Will cover be "damaged" in machine
3. Will mildew come out with soap and bleach
Any experience and sucess stories that others have had using a commerical machine for a cover would be great. I will treat with 303 after cleaning.
Below is information from Sunbrella website:
Heavy cleaning for stubborn stains and mildew
Sunbrella fabric does not promote mildew growth, however, mildew may grow on dirt and other foreign substances that are not removed from the fabric. To clean mildew, or other stubborn stains:
As part of the finishing process, Sunbrella fabrics are treated with a fluorocarbon finish, which enhances water repellency. This finish is designed to last for several years, but must be replenished after a thorough cleaning. Based on test results,
Glen Raven recommends 303 High Tech Fabric Guard™ as the preferred re-treatment product for Sunbrella fabrics. Fabrics should be re-treated after thorough cleaning or after five years of use.
I have noticed from a search that Sunbrella carpet runners come very clean in machine but how about a mildewed large cover. Most of my mildew is on the inside of cover - I assume from putting the cover on over a "wet" boat at night and my neglect in not cleaning or sealing the cover for two years.
My concerns are
1. Is cockpit cover too big to do in machine
2. Will cover be "damaged" in machine
3. Will mildew come out with soap and bleach
Any experience and sucess stories that others have had using a commerical machine for a cover would be great. I will treat with 303 after cleaning.
Below is information from Sunbrella website:
Heavy cleaning for stubborn stains and mildew
Sunbrella fabric does not promote mildew growth, however, mildew may grow on dirt and other foreign substances that are not removed from the fabric. To clean mildew, or other stubborn stains:
- Eight ounces (one cup) of chlorine bleach.
- Two ounces (1/4 cup) of mild soap and/or detergent.
- One gallon of water.
- Clean with soft bristle brush.
- Allow mixture to soak into the fabric for up to 15 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly until all soap residue is removed.
- Air dry.
- Repeat if necessary.
- Re-treatment of fabric for water and stain resistance will be necessary.
- Use mild soap and/or detergent.
- For heavier stains add 1 cup of bleach to wash.
- Wash and rinse in cold water.
- Air dry. Never apply heat to Sunbrella.
- Re-treatment for water and stain resistance will be necessary after machine washing.
As part of the finishing process, Sunbrella fabrics are treated with a fluorocarbon finish, which enhances water repellency. This finish is designed to last for several years, but must be replenished after a thorough cleaning. Based on test results,
Glen Raven recommends 303 High Tech Fabric Guard™ as the preferred re-treatment product for Sunbrella fabrics. Fabrics should be re-treated after thorough cleaning or after five years of use.