{"id":8679,"date":"2018-02-15T16:13:59","date_gmt":"2018-02-15T21:13:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.boatcoversdirect.com\/boat-lovers\/?p=8679"},"modified":"2018-04-17T12:27:21","modified_gmt":"2018-04-17T16:27:21","slug":"how-to-care-for-your-bimini-top-for-maximum-enjoyment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.boatcoversdirect.com\/boat-lovers\/boatlovers\/how-to-care-for-your-bimini-top-for-maximum-enjoyment\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Care For Your Bimini Top for Maximum Enjoyment"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\"Boat<\/p>\n

We\u2019re nearing boating season, and the occasional warm day is making us dream of being out on the water again! If you\u2019re new to using a Bimini top to provide shade from the sun, you may be wondering how to best care for it so it stays looking good. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Bimini tops made by reputable manufacturers are built to withstand everything Mother Nature throws at them: sun, rain, dust, and moisture. But just like the boat you rely on and expect to perform when you need it, your Bimini top will require regular care and maintenance. If metal parts aren\u2019t washed and protected, they\u2019ll rust over time. And even fabric that\u2019s designed and treated for marine applications will attract dirt that serves as an ideal home for mildew and mold if it isn\u2019t kept clean. Even the highest quality Bimini tops need to be regularly maintained and tended to.<\/span><\/p>\n

This guide will walk you through the steps to care for and preserve your Bimini top. If you give it the attention it deserves, you\u2019ll enjoy your Bimini top for years to come. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Maintaining Stainless Steel and Aluminum Bimini Top Frames<\/span><\/h2>\n

That sea breeze you find so refreshing can wreak havoc on the metal frame of your Bimini top. Salt can eat into the finish, causing corrosion which may eventually require that the frame be replaced. Each time you take out your boat, be sure to rinse the Bimini top thoroughly when you return. <\/span><\/p>\n

Periodically, you\u2019ll need to give the top a more comprehensive cleaning. Most manufacturers recommend monthly washings. Use <\/span>a cleaner that is specifically designed for boats <\/span><\/a>so you don\u2019t accidentally wear down the metal\u2019s protective coating. Particularly avoid cleaners with chlorine or phosphorus ingredients and those in powder form since they\u2019re harsh and can damage your frame. And always use a soft cloth to avoid scratches. After washing, rinsing, and drying your frame, it\u2019s a good idea to use a <\/span>polish that will provide a protective barrier<\/span><\/a> and follow it with a <\/span>fiberglass wax<\/span><\/a> to keep rust at bay.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Caring for Bimini Hardware<\/span><\/h2>\n

Zippers and fasteners are so small that it\u2019s easy to forget to add them to your maintenance list. But to prevent unsightly corrosion that can then spread to your Bimini\u2019s fabric, you\u2019ll need to make it a priority to care for them. You can treat both zippers and fasteners with a <\/span>clear silicone spray<\/span><\/a> to preserve them. This spray is odorless and highly water resistant, and it forms a protective barrier against rust and corrosion. You can also use this spray on other parts of your boat, including your engine bay. It\u2019s safe for use on not only metal, but also on rubber, canvas, leather, nylon, and wood.<\/span><\/p>\n

After cleaning the bimini top, apply the spray to the zippers one at a time, moving the zipper back and forth to work the spray into all the nooks and crannies. Fasteners can simply be hit with a shot of spray.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Protecting Fabric<\/span><\/h2>\n

Cleaning is the secret to a bimini top that lasts and looks like new. Fabric, even when treated with protective coatings, can accumulate dirt that attracts mold and mildew if not cared for. <\/span><\/p>\n

Your first line of defense, as we mentioned when discussing caring for the metal components, is rinsing your Bimini top after each excursion. You may need to use a soft brush to remove dirt or debris. Then do a thorough cleaning on a monthly basis. <\/span><\/p>\n

If your top is made by a respected manufacturer, frequent washing won\u2019t fade the color. However, be sure to check with your manufacturer for any specific care instructions. Most bimini top owners can adopt the following fabric care routine for monthly washings.<\/span><\/p>\n