242LSE How do YOU Clean Your Bimini Top?

[JeffVans]

So, my bimini top has been pretty dirty since I bought the boat and had a big mold/mildew stain in the port aft “square” which was actually nice because it let me know how to put the top back on lol. Well... I finally broke down and cleaned the damn thing. I filled the bath tub about 1/3 of the way up and added boat wash&wax, sprayed the stain with oxy clean and let it sit for about 15 minutes then scrubbed it with a scrub brush. I then hand washed (swished around in the tub) the top and let it soak for about 40 minutes... Well, I was thinking about a good way to rinse it and said what the hell, let’s just put it in the washing machine on the gentle cycle... the story continues.
I figured if I’m throwing it in there anyway, I might as well wash it again in there. So I ran it on gentle with normal laundry detergent (the oxy clean one I think). I pulled it out and hung on the deck railing and although it’s still wetland now dark outside, I think it should look pretty dang good come tomorrow!!!

 

[Matt Phillips]

I never thought of the tub or washing machine. Let us know how it turns out.

 

[Betik]

If I were you I would go to Bimini with a dirty Bimini and let the Bimini locals clean your boat.
They cleaned @Amar Nanduri million piece windshield ; I bet they can handle the Bimini

 

[seanmclean]

I've got the same port side aft stain. It's on my list to get clean after this season. Worst case, I bite the bullet and buy the charcoal/black version so at least I don't see the dirt.

 

[JeffVans]

I've got the same port side aft stain. It's on my list to get clean after this season. Worst case, I bite the bullet and buy the charcoal/black version so at least I don't see the dirt.

I would strongly advise against that!!! @T. Hardee has a black top on his and yes it blocks the sun like its supposed to, but if you're tall enough that your head gets anywhere close to it you'll die with the amount of heat that radiates off it. It seems like the oxy clean and scrub brush worked pretty well on mine, but it was still damp this morning since its so humid here right now. It should be dry by the time I get home today to see how clean it is and put back on the boat.

 

[JeffVans]

So the verdict is in... it looks great!!! Other than being wrinkled it looks almost as good as new... AND it smells fantastic!!! lol

 

[Weeb]

I thought it was a joke at first because it looked like the dog peed all over it.

 

[JeffVans]

Ahhhhh. Finally all back in one piece. Cleaned washed and waxed just in time for the weekend to get her dirty again! Hahahaha

 

[T. Hardee]

I would strongly advise against that!!! @T. Hardee has a black top on his and yes it blocks the sun like its supposed to, but if you're tall enough that your head gets anywhere close to it you'll die with the amount of heat that radiates off it. It seems like the oxy clean and scrub brush worked pretty well on mine, but it was still damp this morning since its so humid here right now. It should be dry by the time I get home today to see how clean it is and put back on the boat.

The black top looks good, but can make it uncomfortable on hot days, especially if it’s large. There have been days that I moved out from under the Bimini to cool off. If I had to get a new one, it would definitely be a lighter color.