[deltaten]

I was given a pile of Sunbrella boatcover last weekend. The PO needed a tarp for some engine work and used a large piece of the set for spill-catcher! Now there are several large , hand size or better, dark, used-oil stains on tthe piece.
I'd like to remove them completely; but realize that may be problematic. Short of "staining" the entire set of cloths; what's the best answer? There must be near to 8 yards of useable material IF all was 'good', plus all the sections of smaller dimensions. It'd be a shame to toss the entire section; or cut it out and render the large piece useable only for smalller bits unnececesarily.

TIA,
Paul

 

[Sailormon6]

Some engine oil spilled on a friend's pacific blue sunbrella this summer, and I washed it using dish soap, full strength, rubbing it in thoroughly, and then rinsing it, and was amazed to see that it left absolutely no stain. YMMV

 

[Minnewaska]

I find Oil Eater works very well. I even use it in the laundry when cleaning very dirty clothing. If the piece is not too big, I would bring it to a commercial laundromat and have a go with this stuff.

 

[desert rat]

sailormon hit it, but I prefer mechanics hand cleaner to laundry detergent.

 

[Missingyou]

I have a similar problem with a seat cushion, I foolishly rested the outboard from the tender on it for a few minutes and it leaked oil. I tried Lestoil and Dish Soap, but no satisfaction. I may try the stuff mentioned above.

 

[Multihullgirl]

Referring to the factory website... it says, 'use acetone.'

you don't have to take my word for it
Stain Chart: Care and Cleaning: How to: Sunbrella fabrics

 

[deltaten]

Already tried armor-all upholstery cleaner and Dawn dish detergent. Looks like the local. Tractor Supply might have it in stock; so that's next!
The piece in question is big enuff to fab up my entirBimini! so I sure wanna keep it.. The rest will be enuff to fab up the dodger. and alla theside panels, so.......

 

[desert rat]

For those who have not used Go-jo (mechanics hand cleaner). First rub the Goop
on then rub it around. On sunbrella a brush might be good. Add a little water
rub it some more. Then just rinse it off. The good stuff smells like coconut oil.

 

[travellerw]

The answer... Brake Cleaner... Fairly cheap and works awesome on oil.. Put a clean rag underneath and soak the Sunbrella with Brake Cleaner. Change the bottom rag as it wicks up the oil.

I wonder if it might remove some of the UV protection (I have no idea how Sunbrella UV protection works).

 

[HarkSkipper]

My canvas is pretty faded. I've been unable to get a straight answer to whether it would be worthwhile to soak it in dye to make it look newer. Any advice would be very helpful.

 

[Multihullgirl]

IF your canvas is Sunbrella, and if it's really THAT faded, it's probably time to replace it. Sorry if that's not what you want to hear....

 

[Minnewaska]

If Sunbrella type material, I'm not aware that you could restain it, if you tried. With any material that is that faded, I question the stitching more than the material.