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Old 09-07-2016, 20:46   #1
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Cleaning Sails

As some know I am slowly unravelling my new to me boat.

In doing so I hoisted the mainsail and had about 5 tonnes of bird mess/nest rain down upon me.

The sail cloth is in great nick (according to the maker it is 2 years old) and I suspect this may be the first time it has been hoisted or close too.

The sail is covered in green in quite a few spots, I have read about diluted bleach, woolwash, soft scrub etc.

But, I also read conflicting stories about dumping it in my swimming pool (saltwater chlorinated).

So before I learn from my mistakes, I would like to learn from yours and avoid needing a new sail!!

What would you say is the best way to clean a dirty and green mouldy sail?

As always thanks in advance.
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Old 09-07-2016, 21:00   #2
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Re: Cleaning Sails

Bleach (chlorine) eats many aramids such as kevlar, some laminates, & some sail cloth resins. So be careful with it or swimming pools, & I avoid them all. The costs if one goofs are a touch high for my taste. And when in doubt, I consult a sail maker; hopefully the one who built the sail.

Aside from that, there are a lot of other good threads on sail cleaning here on the forums. And there are companies which will professionally clean, & tune up sails. Even to include re-cutting, & re-resining. Though likely not ones covered in bird guano.
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Old 09-07-2016, 21:20   #3
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Re: Cleaning Sails

Thanks, they are Dacron sails I should have mentioned.

I didn't know that we have sail cleaning companies here in Australia but I just found one so you can ignore me.

Any experience with Vacuwash Australia?
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Old 09-07-2016, 21:55   #4
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Re: Cleaning Sails

Quote:
Originally Posted by Johnathon123 View Post
Any experience with Vacuwash Australia?
Yes. Excellent service. Effective and efficient.
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Old 10-07-2016, 00:43   #5
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Re: Cleaning Sails

Thanks!
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Old 10-07-2016, 06:32   #6
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Re: Cleaning Sails

I paid to have mine cleaned and inspected. The charge was by weight and was worth it.


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Old 10-07-2016, 07:31   #7
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Re: Cleaning Sails

If it helps, information wise, given that they're on the wrong continent, these guys have been caring for sails, & giving them tuneups since 1990, if not long before then. Or at least the LeMauney process has anyway.
Sail Cleaning and Sail Restoration from Sail Care
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