Sail cleaning

[cathalot]

Hi every one I hope you can assist me I want to clean my sails they a dirty and has rust spots on them what soup can I use on them to remove the rust stains and clean them thanks for the help

[Boatyarddog]

Originally Posted by cathalot

Hi every one I hope you can assist me I want to clean my sails they a dirty and has rust spots on them what soup can I use on them to remove the rust stains and clean them thanks for the help

Not sure how large these sails are but I used a mild laundry detergent to soak, and wash mine. Woolite
A 55 gallon plastic barrel works for a 30 Ft. Boats sails.
Soak and agitate, rotate the sail in the barrel lightly and scrub areas that have chafing marks. The longer you soak them the cleaner they'll be.
You may need to change the water a couple of times.
For rust stains, there are a few products out there that work on rust stains on fabrics, some say a mild muratic acid works, I'd try to be careful with these acids.


Sent from my iPad SV Cloud Duster

[JPA Cate]

Don't know product names for South Africa, but a household product containing oxalic acid will remove the rust stains. Then follow that with copious fresh water rinsing.

Have washed sails on a large lawn, with laundry detergent. Scrubbing with a scrub brush may remove coatings, so not recommended. Nothing I've ever found will remove mildew spots.

Good luck with it.

Ann

[cathalot]

Thanks Boatyarddog I really appreciate you response my vessel is a 40ft I do have plastic drums were I will souk them in

[Boatyarddog]

Originally Posted by cathalot

Thanks Boatyarddog I really appreciate you response my vessel is a 40ft I do have plastic drums were I will souk them in

Even a small kiddy pool, works good and if in the sun the water temp gets warm ,good for the soak.
Here in The PNW, we sail in salt water, my sails do get crusty, and need washing about every 3 to 5 seasons,,and a good rinse before winter lay up.


Sent from my iPad SV Cloud Duster

[cathalot]

Hi all thanks for the response I received I really appreciate it o by the way whey also have salt in the ocean in south Africa not gust wild life