Published on: 03/26/2015 Updated on: 02/2025
Whether you're a professional boater, a sailor engaged in racing, or just a sailboat lover, we bet you've had to deal at least once with the annoying problem of washing sails. An obnoxious but absolutely necessary task to give your boat a clean, neat and winning look.
How to wash the sails
To properly carry out the cleaning of sails, it is necessary to observe small steps that will allow the best treatment and not to ruin sails that can cost up to thousands. Let's hear them in the following steps:
- Where to wash the sails: first, detach them from the 'mast and place them in a clean, smooth place where they can be washed. It may seem trivial, but we may wash the sails on one side only to find that we have soiled the other side if it is left in contact with dirt and dust.
- Testing the product used: once the sails have been accurately arranged, it is possible to move on to washing. Before treating the entire surface, it is strongly recommended to test the detergent used, whatever it is, on a small portion of the sail to test its reaction. Sails may be composed of different materials and compounds (carbon, pvc, kevlar) and the products used may react sub-optimally.
- Use of suitable equipment: after making sure of the correct cleansing action of the product, it can be dispensed by nebulizer going to treat the surface of the sail always on small areas.
It is good practice to use during this operation, to spread the product, a brush with soft fibers or a 'hydrobrush made of horsehair such as this one: hydrobrush made of horsehair MA-FRA.
It is recommended not to use abrasive brushes, which in addition to ruining the sail would wear out, if any, the seams.
- Rinsing Phase: Once the cleaning is finished, it is possible to move on to the 'final operation of rinsing to be carried out abundantly with fresh water until all detergent residue is removed.
What product to use for cleaning sails
The sail cleaning product designed by Ma-Fra is Dinghy, the cleaner that can remove traces of grease, smog and lubricants from any type of sail, white and colored.
It respects fabrics, does not damage fibers, and can be used following the application methods we have recommended. Its low amount of foam allows its use even port areas.
On the other hand, as far as equipment is concerned, we recommend the Line of Horsehair and PVCHydrobrushes and Sprayers designed to perform respectful and gentle sail washing of treated surfaces.
Where to find Dinghy
Dinghy is available at boatpassion.com the site dedicated to boat care and maintenance where you can find videos and tutorials on everything related to boat cleaning.
Did you find the article interesting? Do you want more tips on sailboat maintenance? You might then also be interested in How to Waterproof Fabrics.
