How to wash / clean sails

[regatta]

Hello!
One advise how to wash / clean your sails after the season and get same result of professional cleaning.
There also are some rust spot to clean. How to?
Thanks a lot for your advise!
Regatta

[SHNOOL]

Sailcare is the only thing I have dealt with. Not sure what they use, but boy they do nice work. I am not advertising, but I know they did a helluva job on some 25+ year old sails we had. Got most of the rust off too.

As for doing it yourself. I suppose a non-bleaching detergent will get marginal results at least. as for the rust? I dunno, maybe oxy? With what sails cost if you mess it up, I dunno I'd want to take the chance.

[zz4gta]

What material are your sails?

[JimsCAL]

There is an answer to this question in the current issue of Sail magazine. Answer given is soak in a solution of lukewarm water and Woolite. Did comment that rust stains are tough and may not come out completely.

[MarioG]

I've had very good luck with Oxy clean. Just make sure to rinse very well.

[Minnewaska]

These guys are the best I know of. What makes this professional cleaning better than DIY, is the vacuum washing system. I don't think you can replicate it.

Sail Washing, Vacu-Wash, Remove Sail Mildew | Sailmaking Support Systems

[regatta]

Originally Posted by zz4gta

What material are your sails?

Dacron!!

[zz4gta]

Oxy clean, bleech solution, Dawn, any soap really. Just make sure it doesn't have fabric softener in it.

[RichH]

I have dirty sails - SailboatOwners.com see posting #3

[TQA]

Whatever you do don't use bleach. It will turn them yellow and reduce the strength.