• Home
  • Gallery
  • Care and Cleaning
  • AquaTraction
  • Aquatraction Inquiry Form
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • More
    • Home
    • Gallery
    • Care and Cleaning
    • AquaTraction
    • Aquatraction Inquiry Form
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
  • Home
  • Gallery
  • Care and Cleaning
  • AquaTraction
  • Aquatraction Inquiry Form
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Sunbrella Care and Cleaning

 One of the best ways to keep Sunbrella fabrics looking good is to hose fabrics off on a monthly basis with clear water. This helps prevent dirt from becoming deeply embedded in the fabric and eliminates the need for more frequent vigorous cleaning. In most environments, a thorough cleaning will be needed every two to three years.


When it's time for a thorough cleaning, Sunbrella fabrics can be cleaned while still on a boat or, size permitting, they can be removed for cleaning dock side.

General Or Light Cleaning

To clean Sunbrella while still on a boat, follow these simple steps:

  • Brush off loose dirt.
  • Hose down.
  • Prepare a cleaning solution of water and mild soap such as Woolite or Dawn dishwashing liquid.
  • Use a soft bristle brush to clean.
  • Allow cleaning solution to soak into the fabric.
  • Rinse thoroughly until all soap residue is removed.
  • Air dry.
  • May not require re-treatment depending on the age of the fabric.

If stubborn stains persist, you can use a diluted bleach/soap mixture for spot cleaning of mildew. For roof run-off or other similar stains a strong degreaser may be required.

See our Stain Chart for specifc recommendations.

Heavy Cleaning For Stubborn Stains And Mildew

Sunbrella fabrics do not promote mildew growth, however, mildew may grow on dirt and other foreign substances that are not removed from the fabric. To clean stubborn stains:

  • Prepare a solution of 1 cup of bleach and one fourth cup mild soap per gallon of clean water.
  • Allow mixture to soak into fabric for up to 15 minutes.
  • Blot stain with a sponge or clean towel.Note: This step should be avoided when cleaning the coated side (Back side) of Sunbrella SeaMark, Plus, Supreme, or Clarity.
  • Rinse thoroughly until all soap residue is removed.
  • Air dry.

Note: Use caution when cleaning the coated (underside) of Sunbrella SeaMark, Plus, Supreme, or Clarity with the recommended bleach solution. The coated side of the fabric should only be sprayed with the recommended bleach solution and rinsed thoroughly.

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.

Retreating Sunbrella Fabrics

Sunbrella fabrics are treated with a proprietary water and stain repellent finish that is designed to last for several years, but may require replenishing after a thorough cleaning. Glen Raven® recommends 303® Fabric Guard™, available in the United States, and Tex’Aktiv, available internationally.

Applying a retreatment:

  • Clean Sunbrella fabric, using one of the cleaning methods.
  • Allow Sunbrella to completely air dry.
  • Apply retreatment in a well-ventilated area following instructions on the container.

Professional Cleaners

You may have access to professional cleaning rms. In evaluating the services of a professional rm, you should inquire about a rm's experience in working with Sunbrella fabrics and knowledge of cleaning and re-treatment requirements.

Strataglass Care and Cleaning

Strataglass® VueShield™ is a highly engineered scratch resistant coating technology that prevents fine line scratches from normal use, washing, drying, rolling up and down and abrasion from roll-up straps. The coating also adds UV protection and protects from environmental fallout.

To properly clean and maintain your Strataglass products we recommend using Strataglass Protective Cleaner and Strataglass Protective Polish as described below.  Both products are by IMAR and available through your Strataglass provider or favorite retail marine store.  Use of non-authorized cleaners or protectants may damage the Strataglass and void the warranty.

ALWAYS use Strataglas Protective Cleaner to immediately remove harmful liquids, creams, chemicals or sprays that contact the Strataglass surface.  It is important to store a bottle of Strataglass protective cleaner on the boat for spot cleaning.


 

Rinsing Strataglass Curtains


Each time you use the boat, flush the curtains thoroughly with clear water to rinse away any salt or environmental abrasives.  Air dry or use a high quality chamois or a microfiber towel. 

Note to the new Strataglass Owner: New clear vinyl products are soft and easily impressionable. We recommend that new Strataglass enclosures panels should be in the installed position and fastened securely to the boat as much as possible. If the new curtains need to be removed and stacked, the enclosure panels should be carefully interleafed with a soft fabric such as a bed sheet.  Clear vinyl will inherently strengthen over time and become less impressionable.   When the boat is not in use, always close and fasten the Strataglass enclosure panels in place to prolong the life of your curtains and maintain clarity.


 

Cleaning Strataglass Curtains


We recommend this procedure every 1-2 weeks. Spray the Strataglass Protective Cleaner directly on the inside and outside surfaces of the Strataglass or onto a soft cotton or micro fiber cloth. Gently wipe the Strataglass surface to clean. If necessary, buff dry with another dry clean cloth. Strataglass Protective Cleaner should always be on hand for emergency spot cleaning of any harmful liquids, creams, chemicals or sprays that may contact the Strataglass surface.


 

Polishing Strataglass Curtains


We recommend this procedure every 1-2 months.  This is the most important maintenance procedure to extend the life of the curtains and maintain the warranty.  Make sure the Strataglass product is clean and dry.  Apply a light coat of Strataglass Protective Polish on both the inside and outside surfaces with small, light circular motions using a soft cotton cloth or applicator pad. Allow the polish to quickly dry.  Lightly buff with a dry soft cotton or micro fiber cloth to a sparkling smooth shine. The Strataglass Protective Polish should be applied every 1-2 months, especially when the enclosure is new.  Over time, with multiple applications, the polish will build up a strong protective barrier.

NEVER:

  • Use Windex, Rain-X, Pledge, Plexus, Simple Green, Orpine or any other harsh cleaner to clean Strataglass products. This will void the warranty.
  • Use a car wax or any kind of wash and wax to protect Strataglass products. This will void the warranty.
  • Use cleaners, polishes, scratch removers, or any products intended for commercial grade vinyl or plastic. This may damage the Strataglass and void the warranty.

O'Sea Vinyl

 CARE AND HANDLING OF O’SEA® PLASTIC WINDOWS

 O’Sullivan Films’ press polished sheets are manufactured by laminating two or more pieces of coated vinyl with high heat and pressure. In this process the vinyl melts and flows slightly as it welds the sheets together into one permanent glass clear unit. The edges are not trimmed to allow maximum cutting; because of expansion and contraction the sizes are approximate and dimensions vary plus or minus one inch. 


Though the scratch resistant coating does provide protection, the flexible plastic windows are sensitive and can be scratched and marred if they are mishandled during unpacking, handling or cleaning. The flexible design of this material allows for rolling upon itself. Folding and creasing of the sheets is not recommended as this may cause irreversible damage.


 Containers should be unpacked by carefully laying all the sheets onto a smooth flat surface where they will relax and/or acclimatize. At no time should more than five sheets be stacked on top of one another. Stacking greater numbers could induce paper mark off. Sheets should never be maintained in a horizontal stack more than one hour before being processed or repackaged. 


Never pull individual sheets from a drum as this may cause scratches across the narrow width of the sheet.


 When handling press polished sheets do not wear rings or jewelry as this may mark the surface of the sheet.


 The use of tape is not recommended as it may compromise the surface of the sheets when removed.


 Throughout the manufacturing process, do not throw away interleaf paper as it should remain with the press polished sheets to protect the surface and prevent blocking.


 Do not roll and stow sheets when dirty as this may damage the press polished sheets. Do not stow the sheets when wet as this can cause mildew to form. 


O’Sullivan Films’ press polished sheets are manufactured for use as flexible windows for products including but not limited to automotive, marine, outdoor restaurant enclosures and various applications. Please note that these articles are DEHP free and meet the requirements of the European REACH legislation. 


CLEANING O’SEA® PLASTIC WINDOWS Plastic windows should be cleaned regularly. Be sure to hose or blow off loose dirt particles from the surface and then use either plain water or a mild soap and water solution. DO NOT USE HARSH DETERGENTS. Apply with a clean, soft cloth or micro-fiber towel to gently clean window. Never use harsh brushes or abrasives when cleaning plastic windows.


 The effect of sunlight combined with environmental pollution may alter the chemical structure of your plastic window, resulting in permanent discoloration and brittleness. 


To maintain the clarity and extend the life of your plastic window, it is recommended that you regularly wash dirt and salt off sheet surfaces.


 Do not use cleaning products containing silicones or alcohol on press polished windows. Some commercial vinyl care products and glass cleansers may contain these harmful ingredients. 


O’Sullivan does not endorse a specific cleaner.


 Do not rub the plastic window when dry as this may scratch the window. Always flood the window with water before gently wiping it with a damp, soft cloth. 

Morbern Vinyl

 Morbern vinyl requires periodic cleaning to maintain its neat appearance and prevent the build-up of dirt and contaminates that may permanently stain and reduce the life of the vinyl if they are not removed. The frequency of cleaning depends upon the amount of use and environmental conditions to which the vinyl is subjected. Vinyl upholstery will absorb stains and dyes from fabrics that “crock” or bleed, for example blue denim or bright prints. A vinyl protective finish, sold in furniture or automotive stores, may help to protect the upholstery by resisting or retarding the absorption of these stains. Some household cleaners and solvents remove plasticizers from vinyl making it brittle. 


The procedures used for cleaning are dependent upon the end use circumstances. 


For Normal Cleaning

In general, most stains can be easily cleaned using warm, soapy water and clear water rinses. Moderate scrubbing with a medium bristle brush will help loosen soiling materials from the depressions of embossed surfaces. For more stubborn stains, use the following commercially available mild detergents in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions: Formula 409® All Purpose Cleaner* *When opening a new container, please test the cleaner in an inconspicuous area as cleaner manufacturers may change formula without notice. Morbern cannot be responsible when unknown changes are made by the manufacturer of the cleaner to their formulations between our 6-month verification intervals.


Note

Detergents should never be used on a regular basis for normal cleaning. Morbern recommends repeated rinsing with clear water after any cleaning procedure. Full strength rubbing alcohol or mineral spirits may be tried cautiously as a last resort on very stubborn stains, if the above suggestions do not work. Indiscriminate use of any solvent, or solvent containing cleaner, can severely damage or discolor vinyls.


Bleach and Antiseptic Surface Treatment (for products specified as bleach cleanable)

 Bleach can be diluted ip to a 9:1 ratio (10%). Liberally apply diluted disinfectant using a sponge. Rinse with cold water several times. Wipe dry. Repeat if necessary. Federal regulations require that guidelines on the bleach label need to be followed for antiseptic or antimicrobial purposes. Virox 5, JohnsonDiversy Canada can be used to clean certain Morbern vinyls, such as MorCare. Provisions for Normal Cleaning listed above should be followed. 


Other Common Stains

Certain stains may become permanently set unless they are removed immediately. The procedure for the removal of the more severe staining agents are outlines below. 


Ballpoint Pen, Permanent Marker 

Ink spots will stain vinyl permanently. Immediate wiping with rubbing alcohol in a well ventilated area will remove much of the stain. 


Oil Based Paint 

The use of turpentine in a well ventilated area will remove any fresh paint. Dried paint must be moistened carefully with a semi-solid gel-type stripper so that the softened paint can be gently scraped away. Rinse with soap and water. 


Caution

Direct contact with paint strippers will remove the print pattern from vinyl. Paint strippers are very corrosive. Take care to avoid skin contact by wearing protection. 


Latex Paint

Fresh paint can be wiped off with a damp cloth. Hot, soapy water will normally remove dried latex. 


Tar, Asphalt

Remove immediately, as prolonged contact will result in permanent staining. Use a cloth lightly dampened with mineral spirits and rub the stain gently, working from the outer edge of the stain towards the center in order to prevent spreading. Rinse with soap and water. 


Crayon, Mustard, Ketchup

Sponge with mild soap and water. for stubborn stains that may have set, use a cloth soaked in diluted mild detergent with gentle rubbing. Any remaining stain should be washed with diluted bleach. Rinse repeatedly with clear cold water. 


Chewing Gum 

Scrape off as much as possible with a dull knife. Rubbing with an ice cube will assist and make it easier to remove upon scraping. The remaining gum should then be removed in a well-ventilated area using a cloth saturated with mineral spirits. Use light rubbing. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.


Lipstick, Grease, Oil, Eyeshadow, Shoe Polish

Apply a small quantity of mineral spirits with a cloth and gentle rubbing. Take care not to spread the stain by extending it beyond the original boundary. Shoe polish should be removed immediately, so permanent staining does not occur. Rinse thoroughly with water.


Candy, Ice Cream, Coffee, Tea, Fruit Stains, Liquor, Wine, Suntan Lotion, Soft Drinks 

Use clear, lukewarm water and a sponge repeatedly. Any loose material should be gently scraped with a dull knife. Any soiled area remaining after drying should be gently rubbed with a cloth spotted with a mild detergent solution. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.


Bloods, Leaf Residue

Rub out any spots with a clean cloth soaked in cool water. If stubborn spots remain, use household ammonia and rinse repeatedly with a clean, wet cloth. Do not use hot water or soapsuds, as this will set the stain. 


Bird Excreta, Nausea Stains

Sponge the stained area with soapy water, containing a diluted bleach, until the stain is removed. Rinse thoroughly with water. 


Urine Stains 

Sponge with soapy water containing a small amount of household ammonia, Rinse thoroughly with clear water. 


Surface Mildew 

Wash with diluted bleach, use a soft brush for stubborn growth. Rinse repeatedly with clean water. 


Warning

Unspecified cleaners should not be used. Powdered abrasives, cleaners containing abrasives, steel wool, and industrial strength cleaners are not recommended for Morbern vinyls. Use of citrus-based cleaners is not recommended by Morbern. Any lacquer solvent will cause immediate irreparable damage to the vinyl. Wax should never be used on any vinyl upholstery, as it will cause premature embrittlement and crocking. If flammable solvents such as alcohol, turpentine or mineral spirits are used for cleaning, then only small quantities should be employed in a well ventilated area. Exercise proper care by advising personnel in the area and keep away from any ignition source. Always wear protective gloves. 



Copyright © 2023 Top Stitch Marine Canvas - All Rights Reserved.