One of the best ways to keep your boat cover fabrics looking good and to delay the need for deep or vigorous cleaning is to hose fabrics off on a monthly basis with clean water. This helps prevent dirt from becoming deeply embedded in the fabric and reduces the need for more frequent vigorous cleaning. In most environments, a thorough cleaning will be needed every two to three years.
Cleaning with harsh cleaners such as bleach will require a retreatment like 303 High Tech Fabric Guard for restoring water repellency. Water repellency products are available at Berlin Boat Covers.
The recommendations for cleaning were developed by the fabric manufacturers. Berlin Boat Covers will not be responsible for damage that may occur when using these cleaning techniques. Read all safety warnings on cleaning and fabric guard products and consider the environment when using these products.
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Sur Last +
Sur Last is designed to be easy to maintain. It can be washed, or brushed off and rinsed. Proper care and cleaning is important to the life of all fabrics.
For normal care and cleaning.
- Add 2 ounces of mild soap such as Woolite, Dreft or Ivory to 1 gallon of lukewarm water.
- Clean the fabric with a "soft bristle brush".
- Rinse thoroughly with cold water and air dry.
For stubborn stains.
- Add maximum 1 cup of bleach to one 1 gallon of water.
- Spray on lightly to the fabric face (non-coated side). Do not soak fabric. Prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals can damage the coating.
- Rinse immediately. Do not leave on for more than 2 minutes.
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WeatherMax® +
WeatherMAX® is bleach cleanable, with no unpleasant running, marking, or color transfer. Due to our HydroMAX finish, it is inherently more resistant to dirt and mildew, and requires much less maintenance than comparable woven fabrics. WeatherMAX® may be spot washed by using a soapy solution of a mild detergent and lukewarm water. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove soap and allow to air dry.
Mildew cannot grow on the fabric itself. However, if not cleaned regularly, mildew can grow from the accumulation of dirt on the surface of the fabric. For mildew stains, prepare a solution of one (1) cup of bleach plus one half (1/2) cup of mild detergent per gallon of water. Spray on the entire area and allow soaking. Rinse with clean water and allow to air dry.
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Sunbrella +
When it’s time for a thorough cleaning, Sunbrella fabrics can be cleaned while still on a boat or, size permitting, they can be removed for cleaning in a washing machine or dock side.
General or light cleaning
To clean Sunbrella while still on a boat, follow these simple steps:
- Brush off loose dirt.
- Hose down.
- Prepare a cleaning solution of water and mild soap such as Woolite or Dawn dishwashing liquid.
- Use a soft bristle brush to clean.
- Allow cleaning solution to soak into the fabric.
- Rinse thoroughly until all soap residue is removed.
- Air dry.
*May not require re-treatment depending on the age of the fabric.*
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 stubborn stains:
- Prepare a solution of 1 cup bleach and 1/4 cup mild soap per gallon of clean water.
- Soak affected area in solution for 15 minutes.
- Remove stain with a sponge or clean towel.
- Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
- Air dry.
*Remember to protect the area around your Sunbrella fabric if using a bleach solution. Carpet or other fabrics that are not Sunbrella may have an adverse reaction to the bleach.*
Machine Washing
If a boat cover is suitable in size for a washing machine, these steps should be followed:
- Use mild soap.
- 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.*
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