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Author Topic:   Cleaning mildew from a Sunbrella/Bimini top

Jgstewart8 posted 01-04-2005 07:59 PM ET (US)
My Sunbrella/Bimini has its fair share of mildew. I know there are plenty of products made that will clean tile and such of mildew, but i have never seen any for fabric.
Any ideas? I would like to make it look new again!
andrewbanks posted 01-04-2005 08:09 PM ET (US)
http://www.sunbrella.com/usa/stainchart.shtml
The sunbrella site provides excellent cleaning instructions for canvas.
Andrew
andrewbanks posted 01-04-2005 08:11 PM ET (US)
MILDEW 1/2 cup of bleach and 1/4 cup mild soap per gallon of water
is what Sunbrella recommends.....
Jgstewart8 posted 01-04-2005 08:27 PM ET (US)
Thanks a lot -
I am glad they recommend that - I will try it. This shouldn't bleach out my top should it?
Jgstewart8 posted 01-04-2005 08:31 PM ET (US)
By 1/4 cup of soap, does that mean any liquid soap, or detergent?
DWE posted 01-04-2005 09:25 PM ET (US)
Mr. Stewart,
The official, safe cleaner approved by Sunbrella for use on their fabrics is 303 Aerospace Cleaner. I have used this product for the better part of a year and have really enjoyed its effectiveness in removing the multitude of stains which have attacked my canvas in that time. In general, it is a clear substance of no odor or added perfumes; it is safe to use on a wide-variety of other surfaces, too. After cleaning the Sunbrella, I would follow with 303's High Tech Fabric Guard to protect canvas from debris, and most importantly, UV radiation. If continually used, High Tech Fabric Guard is guaranteed to absolutely inhibit UV-fade. For vinyl (and other surfaces listed on the bottle) treat with 303 Aerospace Protectant for the conditioning and protecting against damaging ultra-violet rays. Sorry if I appear to be a spokesperson for the company, but I have great appreciations for a company that produces quality products which are superior to others offered and perform exactly as advertised--like our beloved Boston Whalers!
If interested, please visit 303's website for more information:
http://www.303products.com/main.php?infopage=home
Jgstewart8 posted 01-05-2005 12:02 AM ET (US)
Thanks,
if all else fails I will try that product - but if Sunbrella recommended the "homemade" method I will try it first... after all it is next to free.
where2 posted 01-05-2005 09:46 PM ET (US)
Not so fast... If you fully read the Sunbrella website, it states (or atleast used to state), that after cleaning, you needed to reapply the 303 fabric guard. Also be warned that although the sunbrella fabric is an acrylic, the stitching may not be, and the bleach may take the color out of the stitching if it is not already white. Bleach also tends to weaken many fabric compositions, so go easy near the stitching.
After you get good at this canvas project, I'll let you come do my 15' Boat Cover (between coats of varnish on your 15'). *grin*
WhalerGoFar posted 01-05-2005 10:59 PM ET (US)
Sunbrella's Instructions

quote:
When cleaning Sunbrella fabrics, it is important to observe the following:
Always use a mild soap i.e. Ivory Snow, Dreft or Woolite. Never detergent.
Water should be cold to lukewarm. Never more than 100 degrees.
Air dry only. Never apply heat to Sunbrella fabrics.
If you are cleaning Sunbrella while still on an awning frame or a boat, follow these simple steps:
Brush off loose dirt.
Hose down.
Prepare a cleaning mixture of water and mild soap (no detergents).
Use a soft bristle brush to clean.
Allow soap to soak in.
Rinse thoroughly.
Air dry.
If stubborn stains persist, you can use a diluted chlorine bleach/soap mixture for spot cleaning of mildew, roof run-off or other similar stains (see our Stain Chart for specific recommendations).
Prepare a special cleaning mixture:
Four ounces (half cup) of chlorine bleach.
Two ounces (one-fourth cup) of mild soap.
One gallon of water.
Clean with soft bristle brush.
Allow mixture to soak for up to 20 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly.
Air dry.
Repeat if necessary.
Remember to protect the area around your Sunbrella if using a bleach solution. Carpet or other fabrics that are not Sunbrella may have an adverse reaction to the bleach.
If an awning or boat cover is suitable in size for a washing machine, these steps should be followed:
Use only mild soaps. No detergent.
Wash and rinse in cold water.
Air dry. Never put Sunbrella fabrics in your dryer.
Re-treating the Fabric
As part of the finishing process, Sunbrella fabrics are treated with a fluorocarbon finish, which enhances water repellency. This finish is designed to last for several years, but must be replenished after a thorough cleaning. Based on test results, Glen Raven recommends 303 High Tech Fabric Guard™ as the preferred re-treatment product for Sunbrella fabrics. Fabrics should be retreated after thorough cleaning or after five years of use. Check with your local Sunbrella dealer or distributor for more information.
Applying 303 High Tech Fabric Guard™
303 should be applied to Sunbrella fabrics after each thorough cleaning, which typically removes the original fluorocarbon finish and reduces the fabric's water repellency. After cleaning the fabric, allow it to air dry completely and then apply 303 in a thin, even coat. After allowing the first coat of 303 to air dry, apply a second thin, even coating of 303. Two light coatings are more effective in restoring fabric water resistance than a single heavy coating. A 15-ounce bottle provides coverage of up to 50 square feet of lightweight fabric. Always apply 303 to clean fabric.
Mike
Naples, Fl.
Jgstewart8 posted 01-06-2005 01:41 AM ET (US)
I was told the same thing today at west marine, that the "bleach" may affect the top - but i found cleaner that works for tops as well and will try it out tomorrow.
LuckyLady posted 01-07-2005 03:02 AM ET (US)
Where can you buy the 303 High Tech Guard at besides on line?
WhalerGoFar posted 01-07-2005 10:25 AM ET (US)
LuckyLady: For your Information:
1 Ace Hardware #03252
Captain Cook Ace Hardware
Kealakekua Ranch Center
Captain Cook, HI 96704
808-323-2655

2 Ace Hardware #05371
Eleele Ace Hardware
Eleele Shopping Center
Eleele, HI 96705
808-335-3184

3 Ace Hardware #04658
Naalehu Ace Hardware
333 Kilauea Av Ste 214
Hilo, HI 96720
808-929-9030

4 Ace Hardware #08046
Hilo Ace Hardware
660 Kilauea Av
Hilo, HI 96720
808-961-3741

5 Ace Hardware #08115
Keauhou Ace Hardware
78-6831 Ali'i Dr #H10
Hilo, HI 96740
808-322-3336
Jgstewart8 posted 01-07-2005 04:26 PM ET (US)
I checked my local ACE today and couldn't find it.
Jgstewart8 posted 01-07-2005 05:15 PM ET (US)
does anyone know if you can buy just replacement top, and not the bars for the bimini?
Buckda posted 01-07-2005 05:20 PM ET (US)
Did the cleaner you used today not work, or did it damage the top?
Depending on the brand, you might be able to purchase just the fabric for the top. The other option is to go to a local canvas/awning shop and ask them to make you a new one. This is a good option, as you can specify that they use zippers instead of sewing the top on...this will allow you to remove the top so you can machine wash it if necessary.
When I had the shelter made for my 15, the canvas guy did it that way.
Dave
Jgstewart8 posted 01-07-2005 05:36 PM ET (US)
I still have not gotten a lot of the stains out - I don't know I will work on it some more tomorrow, I was mainly just wondering if they did sell that only. I scrubed it today with this stuff from west marine that says it is safe for boat tops.
bkovak posted 01-07-2005 08:23 PM ET (US)
I have had great results removing mildew stains from bimini tops by spraying tilex on the spots, let it sit for about 10 minutes and wash it off with a hose. I have not tried it on blue or other color tops. I would test it on a small inconspicuous spot first but, it works great on white tops. Probably very similar to the bleach mixture referenced above. Brian
DWE posted 01-07-2005 08:42 PM ET (US)
Jgstewart,
Just to add another cleaner to this thread's ever-growing list, I have used old, reliable full-strength Simple Green with good results on the canvas top of my Jeep to remove deeply impacted mud stains. It can be purchased inexpensively at virtually any store in your area.
where2 posted 01-08-2005 08:53 AM ET (US)
Replacement tops can be obtained through most local canvas shops. If you remove your existing top (bars and all) and carry it to them, they simply use it as a pattern for the replacement. My family has had several made this way over the years for various boats... The cover for my 15' Sport was made this way, since it was replacing a commercially made cover for which I'd designed a PVC support framework. If your original top was a Wm. Mills top, I presume they could use their existing pattern collection and send you a replacement. The shop we have always dealt with did not keep a pattern collection. They custom fit every boat. THey custom fit my bow cushion, my thwart cushions, my dad's bow dodger, my dad's boat cover...
Jgstewart8 posted 01-08-2005 11:00 AM ET (US)
approx. how much would a new top run? I am also thinking about padding my front thwart and front cover area.
mitch13 posted 01-08-2005 12:39 PM ET (US)
jgstewart,
Try sales@fpmarine.com ,They had some Sunbrella bimini's there for about $50. Their phone no. is 321-868-1688.
mitch

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Author	Topic: Cleaning mildew from a Sunbrella/Bimini top
Jgstewart8	posted 01-04-2005 07:59 PM ET (US) My Sunbrella/Bimini has its fair share of mildew. I know there are plenty of products made that will clean tile and such of mildew, but i have never seen any for fabric. Any ideas? I would like to make it look new again!
andrewbanks	posted 01-04-2005 08:09 PM ET (US) http://www.sunbrella.com/usa/stainchart.shtml The sunbrella site provides excellent cleaning instructions for canvas. Andrew
andrewbanks	posted 01-04-2005 08:11 PM ET (US) MILDEW 1/2 cup of bleach and 1/4 cup mild soap per gallon of water is what Sunbrella recommends.....
Jgstewart8	posted 01-04-2005 08:27 PM ET (US) Thanks a lot - I am glad they recommend that - I will try it. This shouldn't bleach out my top should it?
Jgstewart8	posted 01-04-2005 08:31 PM ET (US) By 1/4 cup of soap, does that mean any liquid soap, or detergent?
DWE	posted 01-04-2005 09:25 PM ET (US) Mr. Stewart, The official, safe cleaner approved by Sunbrella for use on their fabrics is 303 Aerospace Cleaner. I have used this product for the better part of a year and have really enjoyed its effectiveness in removing the multitude of stains which have attacked my canvas in that time. In general, it is a clear substance of no odor or added perfumes; it is safe to use on a wide-variety of other surfaces, too. After cleaning the Sunbrella, I would follow with 303's High Tech Fabric Guard to protect canvas from debris, and most importantly, UV radiation. If continually used, High Tech Fabric Guard is guaranteed to absolutely inhibit UV-fade. For vinyl (and other surfaces listed on the bottle) treat with 303 Aerospace Protectant for the conditioning and protecting against damaging ultra-violet rays. Sorry if I appear to be a spokesperson for the company, but I have great appreciations for a company that produces quality products which are superior to others offered and perform exactly as advertised--like our beloved Boston Whalers! If interested, please visit 303's website for more information: http://www.303products.com/main.php?infopage=home
Jgstewart8	posted 01-05-2005 12:02 AM ET (US) Thanks, if all else fails I will try that product - but if Sunbrella recommended the "homemade" method I will try it first... after all it is next to free.
where2	posted 01-05-2005 09:46 PM ET (US) Not so fast... If you fully read the Sunbrella website, it states (or atleast used to state), that after cleaning, you needed to reapply the 303 fabric guard. Also be warned that although the sunbrella fabric is an acrylic, the stitching may not be, and the bleach may take the color out of the stitching if it is not already white. Bleach also tends to weaken many fabric compositions, so go easy near the stitching. After you get good at this canvas project, I'll let you come do my 15' Boat Cover (between coats of varnish on your 15'). grin
WhalerGoFar	posted 01-05-2005 10:59 PM ET (US) Sunbrella's Instructions quote: When cleaning Sunbrella fabrics, it is important to observe the following: Always use a mild soap i.e. Ivory Snow, Dreft or Woolite. Never detergent. Water should be cold to lukewarm. Never more than 100 degrees. Air dry only. Never apply heat to Sunbrella fabrics. If you are cleaning Sunbrella while still on an awning frame or a boat, follow these simple steps: Brush off loose dirt. Hose down. Prepare a cleaning mixture of water and mild soap (no detergents). Use a soft bristle brush to clean. Allow soap to soak in. Rinse thoroughly. Air dry. If stubborn stains persist, you can use a diluted chlorine bleach/soap mixture for spot cleaning of mildew, roof run-off or other similar stains (see our Stain Chart for specific recommendations). Prepare a special cleaning mixture: Four ounces (half cup) of chlorine bleach. Two ounces (one-fourth cup) of mild soap. One gallon of water. Clean with soft bristle brush. Allow mixture to soak for up to 20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly. Air dry. Repeat if necessary. Remember to protect the area around your Sunbrella if using a bleach solution. Carpet or other fabrics that are not Sunbrella may have an adverse reaction to the bleach. If an awning or boat cover is suitable in size for a washing machine, these steps should be followed: Use only mild soaps. No detergent. Wash and rinse in cold water. Air dry. Never put Sunbrella fabrics in your dryer. Re-treating the Fabric As part of the finishing process, Sunbrella fabrics are treated with a fluorocarbon finish, which enhances water repellency. This finish is designed to last for several years, but must be replenished after a thorough cleaning. Based on test results, Glen Raven recommends 303 High Tech Fabric Guard™ as the preferred re-treatment product for Sunbrella fabrics. Fabrics should be retreated after thorough cleaning or after five years of use. Check with your local Sunbrella dealer or distributor for more information. Applying 303 High Tech Fabric Guard™ 303 should be applied to Sunbrella fabrics after each thorough cleaning, which typically removes the original fluorocarbon finish and reduces the fabric's water repellency. After cleaning the fabric, allow it to air dry completely and then apply 303 in a thin, even coat. After allowing the first coat of 303 to air dry, apply a second thin, even coating of 303. Two light coatings are more effective in restoring fabric water resistance than a single heavy coating. A 15-ounce bottle provides coverage of up to 50 square feet of lightweight fabric. Always apply 303 to clean fabric. Mike Naples, Fl.
Jgstewart8	posted 01-06-2005 01:41 AM ET (US) I was told the same thing today at west marine, that the "bleach" may affect the top - but i found cleaner that works for tops as well and will try it out tomorrow.
LuckyLady	posted 01-07-2005 03:02 AM ET (US) Where can you buy the 303 High Tech Guard at besides on line?
WhalerGoFar	posted 01-07-2005 10:25 AM ET (US) LuckyLady: For your Information: 1 Ace Hardware #03252 Captain Cook Ace Hardware Kealakekua Ranch Center Captain Cook, HI 96704 808-323-2655 2 Ace Hardware #05371 Eleele Ace Hardware Eleele Shopping Center Eleele, HI 96705 808-335-3184 3 Ace Hardware #04658 Naalehu Ace Hardware 333 Kilauea Av Ste 214 Hilo, HI 96720 808-929-9030 4 Ace Hardware #08046 Hilo Ace Hardware 660 Kilauea Av Hilo, HI 96720 808-961-3741 5 Ace Hardware #08115 Keauhou Ace Hardware 78-6831 Ali'i Dr #H10 Hilo, HI 96740 808-322-3336
Jgstewart8	posted 01-07-2005 04:26 PM ET (US) I checked my local ACE today and couldn't find it.
Jgstewart8	posted 01-07-2005 05:15 PM ET (US) does anyone know if you can buy just replacement top, and not the bars for the bimini?
Buckda	posted 01-07-2005 05:20 PM ET (US) Did the cleaner you used today not work, or did it damage the top? Depending on the brand, you might be able to purchase just the fabric for the top. The other option is to go to a local canvas/awning shop and ask them to make you a new one. This is a good option, as you can specify that they use zippers instead of sewing the top on...this will allow you to remove the top so you can machine wash it if necessary. When I had the shelter made for my 15, the canvas guy did it that way. Dave
Jgstewart8	posted 01-07-2005 05:36 PM ET (US) I still have not gotten a lot of the stains out - I don't know I will work on it some more tomorrow, I was mainly just wondering if they did sell that only. I scrubed it today with this stuff from west marine that says it is safe for boat tops.
bkovak	posted 01-07-2005 08:23 PM ET (US) I have had great results removing mildew stains from bimini tops by spraying tilex on the spots, let it sit for about 10 minutes and wash it off with a hose. I have not tried it on blue or other color tops. I would test it on a small inconspicuous spot first but, it works great on white tops. Probably very similar to the bleach mixture referenced above. Brian
DWE	posted 01-07-2005 08:42 PM ET (US) Jgstewart, Just to add another cleaner to this thread's ever-growing list, I have used old, reliable full-strength Simple Green with good results on the canvas top of my Jeep to remove deeply impacted mud stains. It can be purchased inexpensively at virtually any store in your area.
where2	posted 01-08-2005 08:53 AM ET (US) Replacement tops can be obtained through most local canvas shops. If you remove your existing top (bars and all) and carry it to them, they simply use it as a pattern for the replacement. My family has had several made this way over the years for various boats... The cover for my 15' Sport was made this way, since it was replacing a commercially made cover for which I'd designed a PVC support framework. If your original top was a Wm. Mills top, I presume they could use their existing pattern collection and send you a replacement. The shop we have always dealt with did not keep a pattern collection. They custom fit every boat. THey custom fit my bow cushion, my thwart cushions, my dad's bow dodger, my dad's boat cover...
Jgstewart8	posted 01-08-2005 11:00 AM ET (US) approx. how much would a new top run? I am also thinking about padding my front thwart and front cover area.
mitch13	posted 01-08-2005 12:39 PM ET (US) jgstewart, Try sales@fpmarine.com ,They had some Sunbrella bimini's there for about $50. Their phone no. is 321-868-1688. mitch