Axis
Owners
Manual
2019
Page 147
Maintenance Tips: The real key to canvas longevity is like all things in life: maintenance.
Keep the canvas clean of dust, dirt and environmental residue on a regular basis.
• Top fabrics should be cleaned of any dirt buildup at regular intervals.
• We recommend applying a mild, lukewarm soap solution, such as a liquid dishwashing soap,
with a soft brush or sponge. Water temperature is not to exceed 100
o
F. DO NOT allow the
soap to dry. The fabric must then be carefully rinsed with clear water in order to remove any
remaining soap residue. Allow canvas to dry thoroughly. DO NOT USE DETERGENTS!
• The use of abrasive detergents and/or substrates containing solvents or gasoline will damage
the fabric. If using high-pressure or steam-cleaning devices, use caution as improper use could
damage the vinyl coating and/or fabric.
• Using harsh chemicals could void the fabric warranty on your top if not recommended by the
manufacturer.
• DO NOT PUT MARINE CANVAS IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD DRYER. DO NOT DRY CLEAN BOAT
CANVAS.
Even if you do not have or use canvas covers, read the previous material about
canvas care as there is information that is applicable to upholstery use as well.
NOTE:Topicalcleanersmustbewipedowithcleanwateranddriedwith
acleanclothafterapplication.Ifnotrinsedafterdirectcontact,thecleaner
residueonthesurfacecancauseaslightcolorchange.
The performance results shown in this information
are not guaranteed for all upholstery products. The
evaluations are indicators after laboratory tests and may
not be indicative of eld performance.
Mold and Mildew: As noted in the Canvas information above, mold and mildew problems in
the marine upholstery industry have been well-documented. The objective of this overview is to
review the causes and cures of the unsightly and odoriferous problems, and to suggest actions
to reduce their impact on the quality of goods as perceived by the consumers.
The Cause–Micro-organisms: The two principal causes of oensive odors and unsightly
stains and growths are bacteria and fungi, commonly called micro-organisms. Bacteria are
simple, single-celled organisms. Fungi, referred to as mold and mildew, are signicantly more
complex.
A subset of fungal organisms is a type that produces colored by-products as part of its
digestive process. These by-products are recognized as stains and are typically pink, yellow,
purple or black.
All micro-organisms require a source of energy, carbon for cell structure, nitrogen for amino
acid synthesis, essential minerals and water.
Organisms causing problems in the marine, industrial, health care, hospitality and home
environments are frequently very self-suicient in synthesizing required bio-chemicals from
the most basic molecules. Micro-organisms are ubiquitous. They are everywhere, and thus,
microbial contamination is the rule. The total absence of microbes–sterility–is the exception.
Current Reality: To have a mildew problem, four elements are required. In order for mildew
to proliferate, spores, food, warmth and moisture are necessary. Elimination of one of these
elements would break the cycle, and the mildew problem would be eliminated.
The most likely element to control is moisture. Keep surfaces dry and the ambient air dry, and
you can break the link. In actuality, this is very diicult. Marine upholstery may be dry when one
sits on it, but it is constantly exposed to rain, splashes and wet bathing suits.
Dirt carried by the wind or a sudden shower will carry the spores or seeds to begin the
process, inoculating the surface. Surface debris can easily be washed o, but what happens to
upholstery