The zip from the bow section of my 3 and a half year old rowing boat bag has broken and I’d like to know if there is any fix you recommend.  The slider knits the first 4 or 5 cm. from the bowball and then fails to unite the teeth even if I exert a little pressure on the sides of the slider with pliers.  There is an American product, “Fixnzip” which claims to solve the problem – have you any experience?  I’ve tried smearing the teeth with vaseline again with no success.  I can’t see any missing teeth but the bag has never been cleaned so it may well be that dirt is preventing the teeth from engaging.  What do you suggest for cleaning the bag and would it need some re-proofing treatment afterwards?

How to fix a broken zipper

So it’s most likely the zipper heads have failed.  It’s a simple replacement.

Burnham Boat Rowing Bags for single sculls on a trailer[/caption]

You need to do some sewing.

At the end of the zipper tape, there is a sewn cross seam.  This has to be taken out.  The old Zipper head will slide off, and a new will slide on.  Then, the seam needs to be re-sewn to prevent it sliding off again.

Do you have a local seamstress? because an industrial sewing machine will make the work easier.

Washing Sunbrella Fabrics

Most of the rowing boat bags we sell are made of Sunbrella fabric.  It has UV resistant properties.  If you have a nylon bag, the waterproofing may be reduced with washing detergent so best to seek manufacturer’s advice.

This is the advice on how to wash Sunbrella fabrics.

One of the best ways to keep Sunbrella fabrics looking good is to hose fabrics off on a monthly basis with clear water. This helps prevent dirt from becoming deeply embedded in the fabric and eliminates the need for more frequent vigorous cleaning. In most environments, a thorough cleaning will be needed every two to three years.

When it’s time for a thorough cleaning, Sunbrella fabrics can be cleaned while still on an awning frame or, size permitting, they can be removed to aid in the cleaning of stubborn stains or for professional cleaning.

General Or Light Cleaning

To clean Sunbrella while still on an awning frame:

• Brush off loose dirt.
• Hose down.
• Prepare a cleaning solution of water and mild soap such as Woolite or Dawn dishwashing liquid.
• Use a soft bristle brush to clean.
• Allow cleaning solution to soak into the fabric.
• Rinse thoroughly until all soap residue is removed.
• Air dry.
• May not require re-treatment depending on the age of the fabric.

If stubborn stains persist, you can use a diluted bleach/soap mixture for spot cleaning of mildew. For roof run-off or other similar stains a strong degreaser may be required.

Re-treating sunbrella

Sunbrella fabrics are treated with a proprietary water and stain repellent finish that is designed to last for several years, but may require replenishing after a thorough cleaning. Glen Raven^® recommends 303^® Fabric Guard^™, available in the United States, and Tex’Aktiv, available internationally.

Applying a retreatment:

• Clean Sunbrella fabric, using one of the cleaning methods.
• Allow Sunbrella to completely air dry.
• Apply retreatment in a well-ventilated area following instructions on the container.

Detailed Sunbrella cleaning instructions, Heavy stains or mildew cleaning advice.