Canvas maintenance
- Stuck zippers on side curtains and zip-out windows can be eased open with a spray of silicone or rubbed sparingly with Teflon grease.
- Sticky snap fasteners will go on and off easier when coated with lip balm, a candle or crayon.
- When snap fasteners are corroded, clean them with bronze wool or a 3M Nylon Scotch Pad. Use a small screw driver inside the spring to loosen grit.
- Crud-encrusted canvas should be lightly scrubbed with warm, sudsy water. Rinse and hang to dry, then apply a waterproofing agent.
- To remove bird droppings, place a rag dipped in cooking oil over the spot. Keep covered until it loosens enough to be wiped up. This also works for squished bugs and tar spots on the hull.
- Bird droppings that are left for a long time can stain. On Weblon and Dacron, rub with Soft Scrub soap and rinse. Don't rub Sunbrella, which has a coating; just dab gently.
- Cement cleaner gets rust stains out of most canvas. Test first in an inconspicuous area to be sure it doesn't damage the fabric.
- To remove blood from canvas, apply a small amount of hydrogen peroxide to the stain and let soak for half an hour.
- When clear vinyl panels get stiff or hazy, coat them with Pledge.
- If your clear vinyl panels are scratched, polish them with a paste of 2 tablespoons each of glycerin, jeweler's rouge and water. Put it on a clean rag, rub into scratches and rinse.
- To remove stains from clear vinyl, try using a damp cloth dipped in water with baking soda. For a stubborn stain, rub a little toothpaste on it with your finger.
