Winterising your boat cover: how to store it without discolouration
A clean, dry boat cover that is stored properly will come through winter without stubborn contamination or discolouration. Putting a dirty or damp cover away means far more work in spring. This article explains step by step what to do before you store the cover and what to keep in mind during storage.
Why is winter preparation so important?
Dirt and moisture work their way deeper into the fabric during storage. What looks like a light stain in September can turn into stubborn discolouration by April that is genuinely difficult to remove. Proper preparation takes an afternoon; a neglected cover often costs you far more effort in spring.
How do I clean my boat cover before winter storage?
Start by cleaning. Rinse the cover with water first to remove loose dirt. Then apply Sprayhood & Tent Shampoo to the wet surface. Work the product in with a soft brush and rinse thoroughly. The shampoo is suitable for polyester and acrylic, the most common materials used for boat covers.
Do you have areas with deeply ingrained soiling? After cleaning, apply Fabric Power Cleaner directly to those spots. Leave the product to work for a maximum of fifteen minutes, then rinse it away completely. Use the stain remover only on the areas that need it, not across the entire surface.
How do I store my boat cover in winter to prevent stubborn soiling?
The rule is simple: store it dry. Moisture trapped in a stored cover can lead to stubborn discolouration that is hard to treat after winter. Make sure the cover is completely dry after cleaning before you fold it away. Air-dry it in a well-ventilated spot, out of direct sunlight.
Store the cover in a dry, well-ventilated space. A sealed plastic bag or a damp cellar are poor choices. Use a breathable fabric storage bag or lay the cover loosely folded on a shelf.
Should I apply a protector before storing my boat cover?
Absolutely. After cleaning, the water-repellent finish on the fabric is often weakened. If you store the cover without applying a protector, you will start spring with a cover that absorbs water rather than repels it. Water penetrating the fabric increases the risk of soiling.
Once the cover is clean and fully dry, apply Sprayhood & Tent Protector. This product is suitable for synthetic boat covers made from polyester and acrylic. It restores water repellency and helps limit new soiling. Allow the protector to dry completely before storing the cover.
Do I need to treat the inside of my boat cover as well?
No, that is not necessary. Sprayhood & Tent Protector is designed for the outer surface of the fabric. The inside of a boat cover is not exposed to direct rain or weathering. Apply the product to the exterior only.
What should I do with the plastic windows in my boat cover?
Plastic windows require a different approach to the fabric. Never use a fabric protector on plastic windows. Treat dull or yellowed windows with Clear Plastic Cleaner & Protector. This product is specially developed for transparent plastic windows and cleans and protects in one step. Treat the windows separately, before rolling or folding the cover.
Step by step: winterising your boat cover
- Rinse the cover with water.
- Clean the entire cover with Sprayhood & Tent Shampoo and a soft brush.
- Treat stubborn stains directly with Fabric Power Cleaner (leave on for a maximum of 15 minutes).
- Rinse thoroughly and allow the cover to dry completely in the open air.
- Treat plastic windows separately with Clear Plastic Cleaner & Protector.
- Apply Sprayhood & Tent Protector to the dry outer surface of the fabric.
- Allow the protector to dry, then store the cover in a dry, ventilated space.
Frequently asked questions
Can I clean my boat cover in spring instead of autumn?
You can, but cleaning in autumn has an advantage. Dirt that sits in the fabric all winter works its way deeper into the material. In spring you are then more likely to be dealing with stubborn soiling that takes considerably more effort to remove.
My cover is several seasons old and looks tired. Will applying a protector still help?
A protector helps as long as the fabric itself is still in good condition. Clean the cover thoroughly first. If the material is still intact after cleaning but no longer repels water effectively, Sprayhood & Tent Protector can restore water repellency in many cases.
How long does it take for the cover to be dry enough to store?
That depends on the weather and ventilation. In a well-aired spot on a dry day, a cover is often dry within half a day to a full day. Check the seams and folded edges too, as these dry more slowly.
Can I store my boat cover in a sealed bag?
We advise against this if the cover still contains any moisture. Use a breathable fabric bag or lay the cover loosely folded on a dry shelf in a ventilated space.