How do you clean a shade sail, including mould?

By |
4 Aug

Regular cleaning keeps a shade sail looking good and extends its working life. As a general routine:

  • Hose the sail down from both sides to remove loose dirt and dust.
  • Use a soft-bristle brush and a gentle liquid detergent, not a harsh chemical cleaner, to scrub off grime and bird droppings.
  • For mould or mildew, a diluted solution designed for outdoor fabrics works best. Avoid bleach on shade cloth, as it can weaken the fibres over time.
  • Rinse thoroughly so no detergent residue is left to attract more dirt.
  • Let the sail dry fully before folding it away for storage, if you are taking it down for winter, since packing it away damp encourages mould.

A light wipe-down every couple of months, with a proper clean at least twice a year, is a reasonable routine for most WA conditions. WeatherSafe WA has published a full seasonal walkthrough in their guide, How to Clean and Maintain Your Shade Sails: A Bunbury Homeowner’s Guide, which is worth reading in full if your sail has visible staining or mould buildup.