Most often, you'll clean canvas fabric while still on its frame on your boat, because removal and refitting can be a major endeavor. Brush off the loose dirt and hose down the fabric. Using a cleaning mixture of water and a mild, non-detergent soap, brush the fabric with a soft bristle brush and allow the soap to soak in. Rinse well and air dry.
For persistent stains, such as those caused by mildew, you can try spot cleaning with a mixture of four ounces of chlorine bleach, two ounces of mild, non-detergent soap and one gallon of cool water. There are many off-the-shelf marine products available, as well.
Keep in mind that canvas may need to be treated to replenish its water-repellant characteristics every few years, or even after a vigorous cleaning. Sunbrella's manufacturer recommends 303 High Tech Fabric Guard, which is sprayed on in two thin, even coats, allowing the first coat to air dry before repeating the second.
Exterior vinyl cushions are also subjected to harsh treatment, including sunlight, rain, salt spray and abuse from passengers. Regular cleaning to remove or prevent mold, followed by conditioning against the elements, will make them last longer.
Most cleaning can be done with warm, soapy water and a clean-water rinse. If necessary, use a medium bristle brush and scrub lightly to loosen dirt from stitching. Dry with a soft, absorbent cloth and apply a protectant. There are many to choose from.
SAILS
Sails come in a variety of fabrics, including Dacron, nylon and kevlar. All of them can benefit from regular cleaning, a maintenance project that is not undertaken nearly often enough, according to Casey. Salt crystals abrade sails, and moisture can cause them to mildew, which shortens the life expectancy. So, too, does putting them in a washing machine – something that is not recommended.
To properly clean sails, place them on a smooth surface. Hasse & Company Port Townsend Sails advises using a mild soapy solution and a soft bristle brush to remove dirt and salt on Dacron sails. A mixture of two tablespoons Woolite, one to two cups of vinegar and one gallon of water is another option. Never use bleach or other solvents. Rinse thoroughly until all soap residue is gone. For nylon and Kevlar, they recommend rinsing with fresh water only.
Dry sails by hanging in a well-ventilated area. When completely dry, fold or roll and store in a dry ventilated area that is not subject to direct heat.
THE ANCHOR LOCKER
This is one place that is often overlooked, but the anchor locker can get nasty in a hurry. A little regular maintenance – and a few good habits – go a long way.
Get in the practice of hosing down the chain and rode after every use. If your boat is equipped with a washdown system, you can do it as anchor and line are brought back on board (for an article on installing washdown systems, see link below). If you don't have a washdown system, do it back at the dock.
Chain gets dirty. Even a relatively short time anchorage in muddy waters can yield an oozy mess that will play havoc with the insides of your anchor locker if you don't wash it off. Marine organisms and mold can grow, and the salt can corrode metal quickly. Cleaning the line can preserve both chain and locker.
A good rule of thumb is to clean the locker itself annually, removing both chain and rode (you can inspect your anchor line for wear at the same time) and scrubbing the locker with a non-detergent, soapy solution. Rinse the chain and rode, using a metal brush on any corroded areas, and scrub off any slime or mold. Let it dry on the deck. While it is drying, you can hose the locker with fresh water and check for drainage problems, then let it air dry.
Another overlooked area is dock lines. Dried salt, sand and dirt can act as an abrasive, shortening their lifespan. One common method of cleaning dock lines – a chore to be undertaken at least once a year – is to soak them in a mild soap and water solution for several hours, stirring occasionally to release any grit caught between the strands. Rinse the soapy lines with fresh water and lay them on the deck to dry.
ELECTRONICS SCREENS
Cleaning the screens on your electronics deserves both caution and careful consideration. That's because many of these screens have anti-glare coatings that are susceptible to damage. Rub the wrong fluid or the wrong type of cloth on one, and you'll see the problem quickly. They can scratch or get a patchy appearance. Windex is an absolute no-no. So are paper towels and tissues. And you don't want to clean a screen when it's hot, either.
So what does work? Tap water and a soft, lint-free cloth do the job. Wet the cloth and rub gently over a cold screen. Wipe dry with a fresh, dry cloth.
Or you can go higher-tech with Purosol's new Sport/Marine Cleaner. Introduced in May of this year, it is an enzyme-based spray cleaner formulated specifically for outdoor electronic equipment. Non-toxic, hypo-allergenic, and containing no CFCs, detergents or solvents, it has received a lot of attention.
