cleaning sails

[campuscab]

What is the proper way to clean sails

[boatman61]

Well... generally I chuck em on a stretch of swept concrete... chuck some soapy (shampoo) water over and attack with a soft broom... flip and repeat then hose down... hang to dry.
If I'm feeling really keen (rarely) I may even rub a candle along the seams before I bag it..

[campuscab]

Ok. I have a carpet cleaning van so I,have soap. I was thinking about shampooing them with a low ph soap towel blotting them and air drying. I do not want to vacuum because I am worried it would stretch the fabric.
Thanks

[scajax]

OXYCLEAN.......in BATHTUB of WARM WATER...OVERNIGHT.......also good for nasty line....

[Muneio]

Spread out over back deck scrub with medium stiff brush and Oxyclean. I love Oxyclean!

[campuscab]

So oxyclean wins and brush i need to get before and after pics

[BlackOak]

Get a room at a motel that has a swimming pool. Toss in the pool after hours.

[campuscab]

You are my hero. I am taking my Cal 20 to the Bahamas and you were vital in the choice. I have been following you adventures. I thought maybe the hot tub and a box of soap with a pool rinse

[bobconnie]

If ya don't have the room to clean them yourself, theres always sailmakers that have cleaning services !! not trying to be an ass hole, but sometimes it works out better to have them pro cleaned and have minor repairs done at the same time !! theres aways something that needs fixing !! at least mine do LOL. and our sails on our 51 ftr are to big to do on the ground !! just my 2 cents

[campuscab]

I have a truck mount carpet cleaner and most chemicals in cleaning. I can do furniture drapes rugs etc. dry clean steam or shampoo. I just did not want to ruin my sails as they are worth more than the boat. I,just cant be seen with dirty sails it looks bsd for business lmao

[Muneio]

The sail maker at North Sails is the one who recommended Oxyclean to me. So I felt pretty comfortable that I wasn't going to ruin them.

[campuscab]

Great thanks that is what I needed to know. Now all I need is a warehouse. Maybe I can sneak in a parking structure. I painted the side of a taxi on time in on. (no cars around)

[BlackOak]

Originally Posted by campuscab

You are my hero. I am taking my Cal 20 to the Bahamas and you were vital in the choice. I have been following you adventures. I thought maybe the hot tub and a box of soap with a pool rinse

I cant take the credit on the pool thing, Captain Shelly was the one who suggested it to me, as she had done the swimming pool thing first. LOL

[nimblemotors]

Originally Posted by Muneio

The sail maker at North Sails is the one who recommended Oxyclean to me. So I felt pretty comfortable that I wasn't going to ruin them.

I must say that I tried this with my sails (26ft) and it seemed to thin them out and weaken them, did clean them up OK.
Maybe the dirt is all that held them together??

JackB

[Markhunter1097]

Many sail makers use the vacuwash process offered by sailmaking support systems in new Hampshire.