Longer lifespan
Dirt, algae and moss settle on the fabric and cause discolouration and damage. Regular cleaning removes this. When we reproof, we add a protective layer so new dirt has less to cling to.
Services
Boat canvas cleaning, reproofing and repairs
At ZONklaar, boat covers, sprayhoods and cockpit tents are professionally cleaned, dried and reproofed. Back in top condition for the new season.
8,7/10 from 247 customer reviews
Why clean?
Professional boat canvas and boat cover cleaning
Your boat canvas protects your boat and keeps you comfortable on board and in the marina. In a damp climate, though, algae and mould thrive. Inside, the familiar mildew spots appear; outside, green growth, dirty water and bird droppings build up over time. That takes its toll on the quality, colour and lifespan of your covers.
To make the fabric last, have your boat canvas cleaned and reproofed regularly. Your boat will look well kept and your covers will stay watertight for many more years.
16+ years of experience
Benefits
Five reasons to have your boat canvas cleaned and reproofed regularly
Protection against water, damp and UV
Reproofing protects your canvas from rain, damp and UV light. That strengthens the material and extends its life.
Less discolouration
Regular cleaning prevents discolouration, so your boat always looks well kept.
Easier to keep clean
Reproofed canvas attracts less dirt and is easy to rinse off in between.
Better hygiene on board
Clean covers make life on board more hygienic, especially if you spend a lot of time on your boat and eat and drink there.
170+ collection points · NL · BE · DE
Network
Bring your boat canvas
to one of our
collection points
ZONklaar works with a network of collection points in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. Most are sailmakers, marinas, boat storage businesses and other marine companies. Drop off your dirty canvas there and collect it clean a few weeks later.
170+
Collection points
3
Countries: NL, BE and DE
Our process
How we clean and reproof your boat canvas
A thorough eight-step process for a perfect result.
- Stap 01
Pre-wash
We rinse your canvas in our washing line at reduced pressure to remove surface dirt.
- Stap 02
Soaking
Next, the canvas soaks for 10 to 15 hours in a bath with a cleaning agent developed by ZONklaar. The temperature never exceeds 20 °C, so soaking causes no shrinkage at all.
- Stap 03
Rinsing
We then spray the canvas again at reduced pressure to rinse away the loosened dirt.
- Stap 04
Special treatment
Stubborn marks such as rust, fuel or oil stains and mould are treated with a special spray method, brushing specialist soaps into the fabric.
- Stap 05
Final rinse
The canvas is now completely clean. We dip it briefly in a bath that neutralises all the products used and hang it up to dry.
- Stap 06
Reproofing and drying
Once dry, the canvas travels on a conveyor to be coated. We reproof it with a hydrophobic coating that protects against algae, rain, mould, mildew and UV light. Your covers are then 100% waterproof again.
- Stap 07
Polishing and inspection
When the canvas is dry, we polish any plastic windows by hand. We then check the cleaning result.
- Stap 08
Packing and return
We pack your canvas and prepare it for transport. Once it arrives at the collection point, you can pick up your clean covers there.
After cleaning 
The result
Clean and
protected boat canvas
Is your boat canvas so dirty you have almost given up on it? We are happy to take on the challenge. Drop it off at a collection point near you and collect it fresh and clean.
- A spotlessly clean result
- Fully reproofed and waterproof
- Protected against UV, algae and mould
- Not satisfied? Then you do not pay
Damaged?
Boat canvas repairs
Would you like small repairs done at the same time? Mention it when you drop off your canvas. After cleaning and reproofing, we or the collection point carry out the repair, together with our specialist partners.
What we clean
Which boat covers we clean
All the canvas and covers we clean, reproof and repair, grouped by purpose.
Hoods and canopies
Sprayhood
The sprayhood shields the companionway from spray and shapes the look of your boat.
Bimini
A bimini top protects you from sun and rain on a RIB, motorboat or sailing yacht.
Boat canopy
The canopy has a big impact on the look of your boat.
Cabriolet hood
A cabriolet hood keeps you covered in showers and bright sunshine.
Flybridge cover
Flybridge covers create extra space on larger boats.
Full covers
Cockpit tent
A cockpit tent protects your sailing yacht or motorboat in every season.
Winter cover
A winter cover protects your boat from storms, rain and snow.
Boat tarpaulin
A tarpaulin reliably covers your boat and equipment.
Dodgers
Dodgers protect the cockpit from wind and waves.
Sail and canvas protection
Boom tent
A boom tent protects the deck and equipment from rain.
Lazy bag and sail cover
Lazy bags, stack packs and sail covers protect the mainsail when it is lowered and stored.
Centreboard cover
Centreboard covers give your boat's centreboards the protection they need.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the most common questions about cleaning and reproofing.
How do I know my boat canvas will really come clean?
ZONklaar has extensive experience with all common fabrics and works closely with fabric manufacturers. That is why we say it plainly: not clean means you do not pay. If we find that certain stains will not come out, we talk to you first. If you then decide against the treatment, it costs you nothing.
Can rust and oil stains be removed?
In most cases we remove stubborn marks like these well. If the fabric is heavily affected by rust or oil, faint traces may remain because the fabric itself is already damaged.
Will the plastic windows be damaged during washing?
No, the washing process does not harm the windows. After cleaning, we polish plastic windows with a special product that even removes fine scratches, and we roll them carefully when packing so they do not crease. Brown marks mean the windows are worn out by long UV exposure; we can replace them on request.
How does my boat canvas get to ZONklaar?
Drop it off at one of our collection points, bring it to our facility in Sneek yourself or send it to us.
How long does the new reproofing last?
That depends on how much you use the covers, where the boat is moored and whether you sail a lot on salt water. On average the coating gives optimal protection for three years, after which it gradually wears off. A colour filter in the protective layer also helps the fabric keep its colour for longer.
How long does boat canvas last?
With good care, many years. The stitching usually gives out before the fabric does: standard polyester-cotton thread often lasts five to seven years. Regular cleaning and reproofing protects the fabric and significantly extends the life of the whole cover.
What causes mould and mildew, and can it be removed?
Mould and mildew are caused by lasting damp and permanently affect the material. If the fabric is not too badly affected, we remove them well. Thanks to the new coating, mould struggles to take hold on the surface afterwards. We cannot guarantee it will never return, but the difference is big.
My canvas has faded in the sun. Can ZONklaar restore the original colour?
Unfortunately, fading cannot be reversed. Our coating does make the fabric a few shades darker again and helps it keep its colour for longer.
Get in touch
Yes, I want my boat canvas cleaned
Ask for a price indication or find a collection point near you.