Can i put a canvas top in the washing machine?

[mookieo2]

I just picked up a newer boat and it has a full enclosure. The PO had left it outside in the yard over the winter leaning against a tree. It is an off white top bu is now green with mold and mildew.I tied to clean it with some soap, water, and a scrub brush. I even power washed some of it. I is cleaner but I would like to get it better. Can I put it in the wash at the Laundromat with some colorsafe bleach and detergent?

 

[CaptainSkip]

Re: Can i put a canvas top in the washing machine?

Not sure about the washer but not the dryer...also it might be a good idea to re waterproof it. Power washing and years of neglect, the protective coating is probably worn off the canvas.

 

[45Auto]

Re: Can i put a canvas top in the washing machine?

You should be able to. I use to put mine in a washtub with a little bleach and have the kids stomp around on it for a while, kind of like making wine by crushing grapes. It would come out looking brand new.

Sunbrella recommends recoating their fabrics with 303 Fabric Gaurd every year for water repellency. This stuff makes rain run off like like an oiled duck's back.

http://www.303products.com/shop303/index.cfm/category/66/303-high-tech-fabric-guard.cfm

 

[cpubud]

Re: Can i put a canvas top in the washing machine?

just spray it down with about a 1/4 solution of bleach and water it will clean right up.

 

[The Great Escape II]

Re: Can i put a canvas top in the washing machine?

Goto Sunbrella's website they have the cleaning instructions for their products and yes you can put it in a wash machine. Then retreat with 303.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Can i put a canvas top in the washing machine?

Use a carpet cleaner on mine and re proof as soon as it has dried naturally.

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Can i put a canvas top in the washing machine?

From everything I've read, bleach is a really bad idea to use on canvas. It attacks and degrades the fibers and threads.

One of the most popular products used in the RV industry for cleaning canvas is called Iosso. Have not tried it myself so can't offer any feedback.

Whatever you use to clean it, you will need to apply a wax type (not silicone) waterproofing afterwards.

 

[ajgraz]

Re: Can i put a canvas top in the washing machine?

Let me be the first to ask, do you know what material the top is made from? That will make a big difference as to what you should or should not clean it with.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Can i put a canvas top in the washing machine?

Goto Sunbrella's website they have the cleaning instructions for their products and yes you can put it in a wash machine. Then retreat with 303.

Yes, follow the instructions.

I washed my canvas in my front loading washing machine. A lot of the stitching broke and had to be redone. The canvas usually outlives the thread unless a really high quality thread was used.

After paying $100.00 per hour at two different shops to have canvas restitched (just follow the old stitching), I bought an old heavy duty (Singer 201) sewing machine and I do my own. The modern home machines will not handle the heavy material.