Keep Your Canvas Clean

It's "Maintenance Monday", and today we're talking about your boat's canvas. Though not made like the thick, rough fabric of boating days gone by, “canvas” is the generic term used for the durable fabrics used to create cockpit and console enclosures, Bimini tops, boat and sail covers, line and gear pockets, and more. You may have heard the trade name “Sunbrella” used to describe some of these materials as well. Keeping canvas clean is an essential first step, but don’t wash or dry your canvas in a household washer or dryer; doing so will destroy the fabric very quickly. Instead, use a light brush, mild soap (Woolite, Dreft, or Dawn), and lots of fresh water to remove dirt, salt, bird droppings, and other abrasive materials. This helps keep the fabric’s UV and waterproofing components intact, and also prevents mildew from taking up residence in the fabric’s weave. If your marine canvas has lost some of its waterproof qualities, consider treating it with a product such as 303 Fabric Guard, which restores its ability to repel water. The zippers and snaps that hold everything together need regular maintenance, too. Zippers and snaps should be lubricated at least once a year with a lubricant specifically designed for them. Lastly, invest in a snap puller. It’s a small, inexpensive tool that helps reduce wear and tear on your marine canvas every time you snap or unsnap it from your boat. Any good marine supply or canvas shop will carry this handy tool. If you need help in keeping your boat's canvas looking new, call us today at #MarinerServicesInc. at (239)776-4253 for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation!