What's the best way to clean bimini/camper canvas and plastic?

[skim61]

So the Joint Custody (see thumbnail) has mildew spots on the underside of the bimini and camper top, and a few of the vinyl windows are cloudy. What is the best way to clean these?

 

[bekosh]

Re: What's the best way to clean bimini/camper canvas and plastic?

My favorite is the 303 brand for cleaning and protecting canvas and vinyl.
http://www.iboats.com/Boat-Parts-Ac...107895--submit.Search--submit.x.0--submit.y.0
For the mildew I would use the 303 Cleaner & Spot remover.

For cleaning the clear plastic, I use Plexus. http://www.plexusplasticcleaner.com/plexus.html
It's expensive but worth it. The best price I have found was through Amazon.com (Iboats doesn't seem to carry it.)
http://www.amazon.com/Plexus-Plasti...CKN4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1316696370&sr=8-2
If the clear is already cloudy it maybe to late to save it, but Plexus is your best shot.

 

[robert graham]

Re: What's the best way to clean bimini/camper canvas and plastic?

Well of course the whole trick is to clean/remove dirt, mildew, etc. without damaging the fabric. While cleaning my Bimini top I always keep the garden hose handy to rinse off strong detergents and bleach, before they hurt the fabric. My Bimini is Sunbrella coated acrylic fabric and I spray Clorox directly on the coated, outside surface, scrub with a brush, rinse off pretty quick...this seems to work fine, but the mildew will return, depending on weather and humidity. A detergent and a fairly stiff brush(old toothbrush good for tight places) and and then rinse with fresh water works good for most dirt, but the mildew seems to respond better to the bleach. Auto-Zone sells a clear plastic polish that you can clean and polish your cloudy windows with. There's a product called 303 that's highly recommended for canvas tops and Biminis. Good Luck!

 

[skim61]

Re: What's the best way to clean bimini/camper canvas and plastic?

Wow! You guys are awesome. Thanks for the links, bekosh. One question though, is this stuff best/safely used while the canvas is on, or should I take it all off and scrub it on the dock?

 

[bekosh]

Re: What's the best way to clean bimini/camper canvas and plastic?

If it's just small areas you are cleaning I would probably leave it on. If it's more of a total cleaning, I would take it off just so it's more convenient to get at everything.