Boat Cover Cover Care
Our covers are made from Sur Last™ a 100% solution-dyed polyester (USA Made!) fiber with a urethane coating, which provides excellent water repellency, and mildew resistant. This construction allows Sur Last™ to be easily maintained. If you follow a few simple care and cleaning steps, the fabric will look good and maintain its fine qualities for many years.

 Important Background:

Because SurLast™ fabrics are woven, they are also breathable. It's also important to know that Sur Last™ fabrics are treated with a fluorocarbon finish, which enhances water repellentcy. This finish requires replenishment after vigorous cleaning.

Polyester fabric will not support the growth of mildew. Mold and mildew needs "food" to grow on and polyester isn't desirable substance for mold. Dirt or dust on the fabric is a perfect "food" for mildew growth, which makes regular cleanings important. There is no set time for when fabric should be cleaned, and the local environment has a great deal to do with determining cleaning frequency. Cleaning is required less frequently in a dry environment than in a humid one with heavy foliage. Sur Last™ being a polyester actually has a finish applied to the fabric to detour mold and mildew growth but does not make it mold proof. Keeping fabric free of dirt is important to detour mold growth.

Cleaning:

One of the best ways to keep SurLast™ fabrics looking good and to delay the need for deep or vigorous cleanings is to hose fabrics off on a monthly basis with clear water. This practice will help prevent dirt from becoming deeply embedded in the fabric and eliminate the need for more frequent vigorous cleanings. In most environments, a thorough cleaning will be needed every year.  After cleaning, apply 303 High Tech Fabric Guard™.

 

SurLast™ fabrics can be cleaned while still on a frame or a boat or, size permitting, they can be removed for cleaning in a washing machine.

 

When cleaning SurLast™ fabrics, it is important to observe the following:

Always use a natural soap (Woolite or Deft). Never detergent.
Water should be cold to lukewarm. Never more than 100 degrees.
Air dry only. Never apply heat to SurLast™ fabrics or put them in the dryer. If you are cleaning SurLast™ while still on a frame or on a boat, follow these simple steps:

Brush off loose dirt and hose it down.
Prepare a cleaning mixture of water and mild, natural soap (Woolite or Deft) (no detergents).
Use a soft bristle brush to clean.
Allow soap to soak in.
Rinse thoroughly and air dry.
Retreat with 303 .
If stubborn stains persist, you can use a diluted chlorine bleach/soap mixture for spot cleaning of mildew, roof run-off and other similar stains. Please keep in mind that chlorine bleach will not change the color of your SurLast fabric but chlorine bleach eventually breaks down the fiber of any fabric and this method should be used little as possible. Do not leave on fabric over two minutes.  Thoroughly rinse and retreat for water resistance.

 

Prepare a special cleaning mixture:

2 ounces (1/4 cup) of natural soap to one gallon of water.
Clean with soft bristle brush and allow mixture to soak for up to 20 minutes.
You may also use 4 oz (half cup) of chlorine bleach per gallon of water.  Do not let a bleach mixture on the cover over 2 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly and Air dry.
Repeat if necessary.
If top or boat cover is suitable in size for a washing machine, these steps should be followed:
Use only natural soaps. No detergent.
Wash and rinse in cold water.  Retreat with 303 High Tech Fabric Guard™.
Air dry. Never put SurLast™ fabrics in your dryer
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Re-treating the fabric:

As part of the finishing process, SurLast™ fabrics are treated with a fluorocarbon finish, which enhances water repellentcy. This finish is designed to last for several years, but must be replenished after a thorough cleaning. Based on test results, Sur Last™ recommends 303 High Tech Fabric Guard™ as the preferred re-treatment product for SurLast™ fabrics. Fabrics should be retreated after thorough cleaning. Cleaned and retreated monthly, or at least a minimum of spring and fall.

 

Applying 303 High Tech Fabric Guard™

303 should be applied to Sur Last™ fabrics after each thorough cleaning, which typically removes the original fluorocarbon finish and reduces the fabric's water resistance. After cleaning the fabric, allow it to air dry completely and then apply 303 in a thin, even coat. After allowing the first coat of 303 to air dry, apply a second thin, even coating of 303. Two light coatings are more effective in restoring fabric water resistance than a single heavy coating. The 15-ounce bottle provides coverage of up to 50 square feet of lightweight fabric. Please keep in mind that 303 will only work as well as you apply it. This means that your fabric must be free of dirt and detergents or it will wash away with the dirt particles.

With proper care and cleaning, you can expect excellent service and long life from SurLast™ fabric!

Do not do the listed. It will shorten the life of your cover:

Never power wash
Never use hard bristles
Never use powdered cleaners
Use of citrus cleaners is not recommended
Never trailer your cover while it has a hole, or leave it with a hole, it will destroy the cover.  This is considered neglect or/and accident and it is not covered under the warranty.

Cleaning & topical re-treatment will prolong the life of your cover.

Spot Clean Monthly or more as needed * Thoroughly clean a minimum of twice yearly & retreat after each cleaning.

What does the 2-Year Warranty Cover?

If at any time within the first two years from date of purchase the cover fails to perform properly due to defects in materials or workmanship, and you will be issued an RGA (Return Goods Authorization) number to return your cover for inspection, upon approval, your cover will be repaired and returned to you in a prompt and orderly fashion. Warranty liabilities limited to cover replacement only.  Note: Accidents, neglect and misuse is not covered.