Quay Sails' guide to looking after your sails and covers

Removal of stains

The suggestions below refer to white polyester sailcloth material. Coloured sails which have become abnormally stained should be dealt with by an experienced sail cleaner, please bring them in for us to have a look at them for further advice. Stains should be removed as soon as possible after they appear.

• Blood:

  Soak the stained portion in cold water containing half a cupful of ammonia to half a gallon of water. If residual stains are still present after this treatment, damp the stain with a 1 per cent solution of pepsin in water acidifier with a few drops of diluted hydrochloric acid, allow to stand without drying out for 30 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly.

• Mildew:

  Scrub lightly with dry stiff brush to remove as much of the mould growth as possible and then steep the stained portion for 2 hours in a cold solution of bleach (sodium hypochlorite) at a strength of approximately 1 per cent available chlorine. A proprietary brand of bleach may be used, 1 part bleach being added to 10 parts water. Wash thoroughly in water and repeat the treatment if necessary. If after the final washing there is any residual smell of chlorine this may be removed by immersing for a few minutes in a 1 per cent solution of sodium thiosulphate (photographers hypo). Rinse finally with water.

• Oil, Grease and Waxes:

  Small stains of this nature can be removed by dabbing with trichloroethylene or by the use of proprietary stain removers. Heavy staining is best removed by brushing on a mixture of detergent and solvent. This can be prepared by dissolving 1 part of Lissapol NX in 2 parts of toluene. Alternatively a proprietary brand such as Polyclens may be used. These 'solvent/detergent' mixtures should be brushed well into the fabric, left for about 15 minutes and then washed off with warm water. A well-ventilated place should be selected for carrying out this treatment, and precautions should be exercised if the solvents are inflammable. These treatments should remove oils, greases, petroleum jelly and most lubricating mixtures, but they will not remove stains caused by the fine metallic particles often associated with lubricants. Such stains can be removed by methods described below after the oil or grease has been eliminated.

• Metallic Stains:

  Stains caused by metals, in the form of rust, verdigris or finely divided particles, can be removed by either of the following methods (do not allow the solution to come into contact with galvanized iron or copper):

  • Immerse the stained portion in a 5 per cent solution of oxalic acid dissolved in hot water (1oz of oxalic acid dissolved in each pint of hot water). The hands and fabrics should be washed very thoroughly after using oxalic acid solutions, as the chemical is poisonous.
  • Immerse the stained portion in a warm solution containing 2 parts of concentrated hydrochloric acid per 100 parts water. Wash off thoroughly with water.

• Pitch and Tar:

  Organic solvents such as perchloroethane, trichloroethylene, trichloroethane (Genklene), solvent naphtha or white spirit may be dabbed on to the stain to effect removal. Again care should be taken to work in a well-ventilated position , and due precautions should be observed when using inflammable solvents.

• Paint and Varnish:

  Dab the stain first with trichloroethylene and then with a mixture of equal parts acetone and amyl aceetate . Shellac varnish is easily removed with alcohol or methylated spirit. Paint strippers based on alkalis should not be used on Polyester.

Storage

All sails should be folded or rolled in a manner which avoids sharp creases as far as possible. Sails made from polyester fibre should be stored under well-ventilated, clean conditions and dampness which may encourage the growth of mildew should be avoided as far as possible. While mildew growths do not effect the strength of the fabrics, they can cause stains which are unsightly and not readily removed.

Acrylic Canvas Products

We use only the best acrylic canvas, the cloth is impregnated with TEFLON ® this helps to create a barrier to stop dirt getting into the cloth and reinforces the water repellency of the fabric. Please Note: Acid Rain and Bird Excrement, as well as washing the fabric with abrasive products could damage the Teflon finish.

Tips on looking after your covers:

• Gently remove any surface dirt with a vacuum or a soft brush.
• Use a light soap and water solution to clean the acrylic (not exceeding 30°C)
• Once you have cleaned with this solution then rinse thoroughly with fresh water.
• Make sure if you intend to store after cleaning that you allow the cover to dry completely.
• Do Not use any solvents or abrasive detergents on your covers or pressure washers

Disclaimer: All information in this section is given in good faith, but without warranty. Freedom from patents rights must be assumed. Please read individual manufacturers guidelines carefully and take every precaution necessary. Quay Sails cannot be held responsible in a case of misuse. 'Lisssapol' and 'Genklene' are registered trade marks, the property of Imperial Chemical Industries Limited. 'Polyciens' is a registered trade mark, the property of Polycell Products Limited.