Do you think these cushions will clean up?

[JAdams1]

Hi All, looking at a 2007 Tournament 205. Based on your experience, do you think these seat cushions will clean up? Thanks?

 

[Doc Stressor]

They don't look too bad.

Start out with Starbrite deck cleaner. Brush it on and let it sit for a while before brushing hard. It has a foaming action that lifts most of the dirt out of the pores in the vinyl. Then use Starbrite Mildew Stain Remover. It seems to have less bleach and be easier on the stitching than other products. Rinse everything well with fresh water. Finally, expose the interior of the boat to the sun for a few days before putting on a vinyl protectant.

The armrests will be the hardest to clean. Take them off of the seats and soak them in 50% bleach with a little dish detergent for a few days.

 

[JAdams1]

Thank you.

 

[three4one]

I would start with 303 mildew blocker and stain remover. Use caution ..... "Bleach-based cleaning products are some of the most popular options when it comes to getting rid of mold from boats. Not only is bleach an effective cleaning product, it is also extremely affordable. Unfortunately, bleach deteriorates the stitching on marine vinyl. The detrimental effects are even more noticeable when you combine bleach and sunlight. Mixing bleach and sunlight will cause the threads that bind vinyl seat cushions to weaken and eventually disintegrate. For this reason experts recommend using a mixture of bleach and water exclusively for smaller mold jobs. "

 

[Fishtales]

I would start with Zep mold and midew remover. Then was with a scotchpad and soft-soap. For the really tough spots, I'd use a magic eraser square.

 

[justus]

How do I remove the forward bowlder portion cushions attached to either side?

 

[Parthery]

A Magic Eraser is your best friend.

I've never had a problem with Clorox Clean Up....I know some say it will weaken the threads, but I've found if you spray it on, scrub the cushions, and rinse, you will be fine. Just don't let it sit for very long.

 

[DennisG01]

To be safe, around seams, you can also use a WHITE rag that is dampened with a mixture of bleach/water. Just lay it where you want it. Makes things easier on vertical surfaces, as well.

Bolsters... Look underneath for screws in the grommets/drainholes. Or, they just pop straight up.

Magic Eraser... just be careful. It is, essentially, sandpaper. It will slightly erode the plasticizer layer of the vinyl, shortening it's life and making it harder to keep clean.

 

[JAdams1]

Thanks for all the replies.

 

[JAdams1]

How do I remove the forward bowlder portion cushions attached to either side?

Undo the bottom snaps and lift upward.

 

[seasick]

I would start with 303 mildew blocker and stain remover. Use caution ..... "Bleach-based cleaning products are some of the most popular options when it comes to getting rid of mold from boats. Not only is bleach an effective cleaning product, it is also extremely affordable. Unfortunately, bleach deteriorates the stitching on marine vinyl. The detrimental effects are even more noticeable when you combine bleach and sunlight. Mixing bleach and sunlight will cause the threads that bind vinyl seat cushions to weaken and eventually disintegrate. For this reason experts recommend using a mixture of bleach and water exclusively for smaller mold jobs. "

I have mentioned before that in my experience, boat things get cleaner when you use a rag as opposed to a brush. I don't know why but it seems to be the case.
Magic Erases as also mentioned not only can remove the protective layer on Vinyl, it can also 'sand' through gel coat if you are not careful.
And finally, be careful with chlorine based bleach getting on gel coat. It can turn the gel coat yellow. If used, you have to flush with clean water thoroughly.

I remember somewhere a member asking about possible painting his armrests and that reminded me of an old time member of my club that used to spray his seat cushions every year or two with Rustoleum paint. I shudder at the thought but I have to admit for a few months, his beat up old vinyl cushions looked pretty good

 

[SkunkBoat]

Get GOOF-OFF. Wipe with wet goof-off rag then wipe dry with clean towel. Keep using a clean part of the towel. GUARANTEED the easiest way to clean it.

 

[JAdams1]

Hey Doc Stressor, I used the Starbrite deck cleaner then used the Starbrite Mildew Stain Remover like you suggested. Worked excellent. Going to do the armrest next.

 

[Fishtales]

Just make sure you wash them down good with water after and then protect with something like 303 protectant. They look great so far.....

 

[ElMar]

If all that doesn’t work try SEM Vinyy paint.

Good as new.

 

[JAdams1]

Just make sure you wash them down good with water after and then protect with something like 303 protectant. They look great so far.....

Yup, I soaked the heck out of them with the garden hose. Going to apply some 3M Marine Vinyl Cleaner/Conditioner/Protector on them after they are thoroughly dry.

 

[JAdams1]

Doc Stressor - I did my armrest over the weekend with the 50% mix of bleach and water with a squirt for Dawn. I soaked them for 24 hours. They cleaned up really nice. Thanks.

 

[Legend]

I have had great luck using Star Brite mold and mildew remover. I have never tried the deck cleaner. I will add that to my shopping list. Also as mentioned 303 is great stuff as a protectorant

 

[Doc Stressor]

That armrest trick is pretty slick, isn't it?

I wasted a bunch of money on new ones before I figured out how to clean up the old ones.

 

[JAdams1]

Yeah, I was pleasantly surprised how nice they came out. Is this something you do every year on yours or can you get a few seasons out of them?