Washing canvas covers......

[Carl]

Hi guys/gals ....
Can the canvas covers be put in a washing machine, washed then put back on the boat so they don't shrink.. .

We've had Vonny on a temp mooring in Teignmouth and the covers have seagull shit on them. ..

[mlines]

Yes but the waterproofing suffers.

We used Nikwax Tech Wash and Nikwax TX.Direct Wash in waterproofer. Cheapest place was Tesco Online.

The wash worked fine but the waterproofer was not good. I think this was because the canvas filled the washing machine and it did not rinse in properly

I am spraying proofer on the cover tomorrow evening instead.

[Ianfs]

Hi Carl, how's things?

I've never heard of anyone putting their covers in a washing machine, but that doesn't mean it can't be done, I would guess that they may fill most domestic machines. What it could do is to wash some of the colour out but I'm not sure and it will require re-proofing, having said that any form of cleaning will require a re-proof. I would also be worried about shrinkage too.

Consequently I would say, go out and buy some canvas cleaner, a soft scrubbing brush and a paint brush and give it a good clean that way. You can also buy canvas restorer which brings it up like new. Once you have done this either use a spray or paint on proofer, I've always used Fabsil.

[Carl]

my covers aren't waterproof. ......

[Carl]

Hi Carl, how's things?

. I would also be worried about shrinkage too.

.

I'm good thanks .

Shrinkage?? ... that's why I said I would put th covers back on the boat so they wouldn't shrink. ...... or at least that is the theory. lol

[ian h]

Never heard of putting them in washing machine, DO not think they will fit !!

I lay mine on the patio and plenty of soapy water with soft broom then reproof with Fabsil - paint it on with fencing brush

[sprocker]

Hi Carl,

I guess if you wash them on a cool wash then get them fastened to the boat whilst still damp (as you suggested) you would be OK.

Ian's suggestion of using Fabsil is spot on, I've used it for years on tents and boat covers, it really is very good. Even if your cover isn't waterproof, Fabsil could make it so.

[Carl]

Is this the "Fabsil" stuff you're all saying about ...... ??

http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/grangers-fa ... er-p107747

[Ianfs]

Yes that's the stuff Carl. As I said earlier I've always used it, either on tents ( similar to Sproker) or boat covers.
It's odd stuff because it's a very liquid milky substance which when you apply it looks as if it wouldn't protect it from a gnat peeing on it. However when it drys and it rains or you get it wet, water droplets form if it's light rain but in heavier rain it just rolls off.
From what you said earlier it sounds as if it needs reproofing anyway.

[Carl]

Thanks guys ....
The covers have now been washed... done this with a bucket of hot soapy water and a scrubbing brush. .. with the cover on a flat solid surface. .. and rinsed with a garden hose.

both covers are now back on Vonny so they don't shrink (nothing worse than having a cover that doesn't fit lol )

Can the fabsil be painted on while the covers are still on the boat?? or is it best to remove them first