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Washing tarps of conestogas and other tarp kits

Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by sirjeff, Jul 20, 2020.

  1. Jul 20, 2020 #1
    sirjeff

    sirjeff Medium Load Member

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    Dec 1, 2013
    Kelowna, BC
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    Just wondering what works for getting those tarps clean as new without destroying them? I've never used anything other than pressure wash w/ soap brush. Me or wash bay be ######, the tarp always looks kinda crappy afterwards considering how thoroughly it was scrubbed and rinsed. My conestoga is black, which I know doesnt help.

    What are you guys using...... Any chemical presoak or anything to eat through the crap that seems to stick? Or is it a "scrub harder or live with it" scenario?

    Thanks in advance!
     
    sirjeff, Jul 20, 2020
    sirjeff, Jul 20, 2020
    #1
    D.Tibbitt and singlescrewshaker Thank this.
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  3. Jul 21, 2020 #2
    D.Tibbitt

    D.Tibbitt Road Train Member

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    Gettin' down westbound
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    I dont run a conestoga but just my regular flatbed tarps , unfold on ground . Good rinse. Dawns dish soap and scrub . Wash off. Wonder if u could get some soap on a big brush for ur connie. Dawn is the best stuff for grease and dirt
     
    D.Tibbitt, Jul 21, 2020
    D.Tibbitt, Jul 21, 2020
    #2
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  4. Jul 21, 2020 #3
    sirjeff

    sirjeff Medium Load Member

    375
    1,080
    Dec 1, 2013
    Kelowna, BC
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    I will try that at the yard next time, mixed stiff and rinsed with the firehose. Hopefully that will cut through it! Its so, so, soooo many square feet when its vertical and a step to boot hahaha

    Perhaps the framework underneath has just stretched that part of the tarp a tiny bit to the point that its discoloured? Sure would be nice to douse it with a garden sprayer full of whatever and blast it off... The workout is nice and all but it cost me as much in the wash bay today (trying to do it right) as it did for 6 guys to do it for me last month, crap!
     
    sirjeff, Jul 21, 2020
    sirjeff, Jul 21, 2020
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  5. Jul 21, 2020 #4
    tommymonza

    tommymonza Road Train Member

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    S.W. Florida
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    Yep tough to beat Dawn. Cheap and effective and won’t eat stuff up

    I used to wash our funky life jackets and parasails in trash cans with it all the time.


    Get em washed down and soak em in Febreeze.

    That stuff does wonders for Stink

    If you happen to run into the Love of your Life at the truck stop drag out the trash can and bathe her in hot bubbles of Dawn and shower her down with Ohla FeeeBreeeeeze.

    She will think your sophisticated
     
    Last edited: Jul 21, 2020
    tommymonza, Jul 21, 2020
    tommymonza, Jul 21, 2020
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    sirjeff and D.Tibbitt Thank this.
  7. Jul 21, 2020 #5
    D.Tibbitt

    D.Tibbitt Road Train Member

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    Gettin' down westbound
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    I have a pressure washer at the house. It just plugs into a regular hose and a electrical outlet. Bought it at lowes. It doesnt have a heater on it or anything just ur standard pressure washer. But man it works good for the tarps after scrubbing with dawn , they come out brand new. But my tarps arent exposed to the elements 24/7 365 like ur connie is. So im sure there is way more dirt and crap on ur tarps. Just an idea tho
     
    D.Tibbitt, Jul 21, 2020
    D.Tibbitt, Jul 21, 2020
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  8. Jul 21, 2020 #6
    tommymonza

    tommymonza Road Train Member

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    Beware of most degreasers use on them though because it will break down the coating on them.

    Simple Green seems to be pretty safe and go lightly with the pressure washer.

    You may get it looking nice and new but might be damaging the material without knowing it.

    I would contact the manufacturer and ask them what they suggest for cleaning.
     
    tommymonza, Jul 21, 2020
    tommymonza, Jul 21, 2020
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    D.Tibbitt and magoo68 Thank this.
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