5
Cosmetic Care & Maintenance
CANVAS CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS
Sunbrella type canvas
should be cleaned regu-
larly before substances
such as dirt, roof par-
ticles, etc., are allowed
to accumulate on and
become embedded in
the fabric. The fabric can
be cleaned without being removed from the boat. Simply
brush off any loose dirt, hose down, and clean with a mild
solution of natural soap in lukewarm water. Rinse thor-
oughly to remove soap. DO NOT USE DETERGENTS!
Allow to air dry.
For heavily soiled fabric, remove the top from the frame.
Soak the fabric in a solution that has been mixed to the
following proportions: 1/2 cup of Clorox bleach and
1/4 cup of Ivory or Lux soap (liquid or soap) per each gal-
lon of lukewarm water. Allow the fabric to soak until the
bleach has killed the mildew and the stains can be brushed
out with a common kitchen scrub brush. Rinse the fabric
thoroughly in cold water to remove all the soap. This may
require several rinsings. Incomplete rinsing can cause de-
terioration of sewing threads and prohibit the fabric from
being properly retreated. Allow the fabric to dry completely.
Do not steam press or dry in a gas or electric dryer.
Excessive heat can damage and shrink the fabric since it
is heat sensitive.
This method of cleaning may remove part of the water
and stain repellents that was applied to the fabric during
its manufacture. It is recommended to retreat with such
water repellency products as Apseal and Uniseal. We do not
recommend any wax based treatments such as Thompson’s
Water Seal or any of the silicone products such as SC-15
or Aqua-Tite. Wax based products prevent the fabric from
breathing, and encourage mildew growth while the silicone
products interact with the original fl uorocarbon fi nish and
seem to cause a rapid loss of water repellency. Scotchguard
has not been found to be very effective for restoring water
repellents to Sunbrella. It seems to work well in the short
run, but not long term.
CLEAR VINYL, ZIPPER & SNAP CARE
Never store canvas wet or in an unventilated, moist area.
Always roll the canvas instead of folding. This is of par-
ticular importance on side curtains or any other part with
the clear vinyl “glass”. Roll the top carefully around the
bows and cover with the storage boot provided.
The clear vinyl “glass” used in side curtains, aft curtains,
visors, and camper enclosures is very susceptible to heat
and cold. Keep vinyl curtains from touching metal tubing
to minimize burning the vinyl.
If the boat is stored with top, side curtains and aft curtain
in place, heat build up inside the boat may discolor the
vinyl.
To clean the clear “vinyl” glass, use a solution of Ivory or
Lux soap, liquid or fl akes, and lukewarm water. Allow to
air dry. Never use any type of abrasive cleaner as it will
scratch the “vinyl” glass. There are many cleaners and
scratch removers on the market specifi cally for clear vinyl.
Handle the clear curtains carefully. They are soft and prone
to scratching.
Canvas parts are designed with zippers. When zippers are
new they can be a little diffi cult to use. Zip carefully without
forcing the zipper or the material. They will loosen with use.
A zipper lubricant may be used to help new zippers as well
as maintaining used ones. The most vulnerable part of the
zipper is the starts. Use care when starting the zipper.
Canvas snap fasteners should be unsnapped as close to the
button as possible. Never remove canvas by pulling roughly
on the edge of the material. This can damage the canvas
as well as the fasteners. Use petroleum jelly on snaps to
keep them from developing corrosion especially in harsh
environments.
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