Sail Cleaning

I am a newbie (as some of you may have read in my previous posts) and am currently restoring an old 5.7m G-Cat. The sails that came with this boat are (I believe) the original sales so are at least 20 years old. The sales are in great shape as they have been kept well in storage for most of their life. However, a good cleaning would do them a world of good. I have searched the internet for some "How To" articles on cleaning sales, but haven't unearthed anything that really sets my mind at ease. Can someone provide some info regarding the best cleaners and methods to use? Thanks in advance.

A nice slow motion pitch pole did wonders for my sails <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

How did you spell "sails" in your search

Throw them in a pool for a day or two.

What's a "nice slow motion pitch pole"??? All of my pitch poles were quick, violent "How did I suddenly get in the water?" affairs!!!! Anyway, I've heard a mild mix of Oxalic Acid works well, I've never tried it, my preference would be mild soap and water, scrubbed on the lawn. If that didn't do it I'd step up and try Oxygen bleach, as it worked VERY well when I soaked my sheets after way to many years under an almond tree.

Well, I revisited Google Search with the phrase "sail cleaning" instead of "how to clean sailboat sails" and it brought up much more information. However, I still don't feel a real peace about some of the articles I read; because mainly I don't know if the author is some newb like me that doesn't know a mainsheet from a barber hauler. So I am still interested in some expert advice from ya'll (Looziana vernacular). So thanks again for all input.

P.S. I think my brain malfunctioned in my original post because now I realize I referenced "sails" with "sales". Thank God it's finally Friday!!

Trey wasn't kidding about putting the sails in a pool for a few days.... the chlorine will brighten up the sails and help remove the stains with out ever scrubing...

Works great! Just make sure that the PH and chlorine levels are good. Ijust soaked for 2 days w/o chlorine and all I got was a wet sail. The chemicals do the work for you. A fingernail brush makes short work of the stubborn bits.

This was one of my first couple of times getting on the wire solo.

Started to climb out in just enough breeze to feel comfortable. Winds were slightly gusty and a bit shifty. Sure enough, just as I got out here comes a gust from behind . Bows dig in, it was like a very gentle nudge. I had plenty of time to realize not only did I need to find a place to land, but that I was going to be very cold in a few short seconds. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

I throw all my sailing gear (trap harness, life jacketts, clothes, booties, etc.) in my pool when I get home from any salt water regatta, just to wash the plankton out, otherwise the stink a week later is unbearable. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

Geeze...So now I've got to get a pool just to keep my sailing stuff looking nice. And you get to fly other people's jets too....

"Yeah, I've got a pool, pool and a pond, pond'd be good for you..."

Ty Webb. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

Name the movie and I just gave you a huge clue. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

And, it's not about looking nice, it's about the smell of salt water soaked garments sitting in your sailbox in the hot FL sun for a week or two... <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

<<< pond'd be good for you...">>>

Lake Jackson....???

Caddyshack. What do I win?

Trichloroethylene is great for cleaning sails, if you can find any. It is somewhat toxic, so use as little as necessary.