Tips for Sail Cleaning

Keeping your sail spotless and free from dirt is the first step in sail maintenance and key in extending the life of the sail. Usually, windsurfing sails are made of Dacron or nylon and can be cleaned in the following way:

1. Choose a clean and smooth work area to spread your sail for cleaning.

2. Do not use very strong soaps or detergents as they can be harsh on the sail cloth. It is recommended to use mild soaps like ivory soaps or detergents with neutral ph factor would remove the dirt and sand gently. While scrubbing, remember to scrub along the seams with a soft bristle scrub/brush. This would help in removing the dirt without damaging the sail.

3. Always use fresh water to rinse the sail. Using warm water is also a good idea, especially if the sail has some hardened sand or salt residue.

4. One of the most common problems that plague windsurfing sails is mildew, a fungal growth. Sails are often damaged by mildew if they are stored without removing the dirt and are not completely dried. To remove mildew, soak the sail in a solution of bleach (1%) and cold water for two hours and then scrub the stained area with a soft brush. Rinse with clean water and then leave it to dry in a sunny spot. Yet another great way to remove mildew is to soak it in a solution of bleach and water and then rinse and dry it. Then again apply lemon and salt on the stain and leave it to dry for sometime and then rinse it with warm water.

5. It is also a good idea to use disinfectants to remove mildew on Dacron and nylon sails.

6. To remove tougher stains like oil, grease or wax, scrub the stained area with acetone and rinse it. Again scrub it with mild soap or detergent and again rinse it with warm water. Acetone is a great cleansing agent and very effective on tough stains. However, make sure that all the acetone is rinsed out while cleaning the sail.

7. If you have not used your windsurfing kit for a long time, the sail can develop rust stains, which can be difficult to get rid of. For such stains, it is recommended to use oxalic or hydrochloric acid to thoroughly cleanse the sail area. Soak the sail in a solution of warm water and hydrochloric acid (2%) for sometime and then rinse thoroughly with clean water. If using oxalic acid, soak the sail for 15-30minutes before rinsing it.

8. After washing the sail, make sure that it is completely dry before storing it away.

These few simple guidelines can go a long way in keeping your sail clean and in supreme conditions for several years to come.