Wash my Sunbrella Camper Top in my Front Load Washer

[HPLou]

Is it possible to Wash my Sunbrella Camper Top (No Clear Vynil) in my Front Load Washer?
And leave it dry out hanged?
Could it damage the fabric?

 

[lakegeorge]

Re: Wash my Sunbrella Camper Top in my Front Load Washer

Is it possible to Wash my Sunbrella Camper Top (No Clear Vynil) in my Front Load Washer?
And leave it dry out hanged?
Could it damage the fabric?

I've washed mine in those large washeteria washers and never had a problem. Use gentle cycle.

 

[hungupthespikes]

Re: Wash my Sunbrella Camper Top in my Front Load Washer

Good question!!!!!!
There is going to be some re-thinking on this one.


I was very surprised to find that a washing machine is OK to use.

per link:
Sunbrella: Care & claening - Marine tops/covers

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


Is it possible ? Sure. But WHY?????
A washing machine does it's very best to force water/soap thru the fabric to remove dirt. It would also remove any waterproofing chemicals it can.

:noidea:
huts

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Wash my Sunbrella Camper Top in my Front Load Washer

And after its dry do this


Clean Sunbrella fabric, using one of the cleaning methods.
Allow Sunbrella to completely air dry.
Apply 303 Fabric Guard in a well ventilated area following instructions on the container.
Apply 303 in a thin, even coat and allow fabric to dry completely.
Apply a second thin, even coating of 303. (Two light coatings are more effective in restoring fabric water resistance than a single heavy coating.)
Note: A 15-ounce bottle provides coverage of up to 50 square feet of fabric.

For more information, please visit 303? Products are the leading line of premium protectants and cleaners on the market today.

 

[JASinIL2006]

Re: Wash my Sunbrella Camper Top in my Front Load Washer

I washed my Sunbrella snap-on mooring cover in a washing machine and then treated it just as MH Hawker describes (which is similar to the instructions from the makers of Sunbrella, I believe). It worked really well. As waterproof as it was out of the box. (I bought the big bottle of 303 Fabric Guard; cheaper in the long run.)

Jim

 

[rallyart]

Re: Wash my Sunbrella Camper Top in my Front Load Washer

Make sure there is no fabric softener when you wash it. That tends to reduce the effectiveness of waterproofing but wicking water through the fabric.
Most front load washers can be stuffed pretty full and still do a reasonable job.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Wash my Sunbrella Camper Top in my Front Load Washer

I just used 1 1/2 gallons on mine but a gallon did my 20 x 8 cover the rest was on the bimni and boot and grill cover.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Wash my Sunbrella Camper Top in my Front Load Washer

one thing i would change is do not hang it out to dry... instead install it on the boat while still damp often a cover that is wet and dried off the boat will shrink and be very hard if not impossible to install and then needs to be re soaked to install.

 

[HPLou]

Re: Wash my Sunbrella Camper Top in my Front Load Washer

Thanks Guys for the Info's.
I will go ahead and wash it. Hopefully it will come out cleaner.
Then, Apply the 303 Fabric Guard ( I will search were I can buy it in Canada )
Great.