Pearson Boats - Common Systems > Sails and Canvas

Sail Cleaning

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Bill1188:
Need advise on what to soak asymmetrical in to clean and remove some light mildew.

selene:
Well, this is not helpful, but...

I called our local sailmaker, Kame Richards of Pineapple Sails. Well-known in the Bay Area. My main (Dacron) was looking a bit scrappy, so I asked his advice on cleaning the sail - light bleach, laundry detergent - what would he suggest?

Kame:  "Buy a bigger hat"

Me: "Huh?"

Kame: "That way you won't see the stains"

He went on to explain that he does not recommend any chemical treatment to his sails....

Captain Bri:
I would tend to agree with Selene's comments... but with that said I have washed a lot of sails with my repair business. Unfortunately with mildew if you don't catch it right away it will set in, seemingly permanent. I use a product I get from Challenge Sailcloth that is an industrial strength laundry detergent and although it does make a sail "brighter" it has minimal effect on mildew stains. 

Assuming your spinnaker is a nylon product it should be safe to use a mild detergent and warm water soaking and elbow grease with a soft brush.  Some say that vinegar may help but I have not tried that. You might investigate various spot removal products that indicate they are safe for nylon... or get the hat.  Good luck. 

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