Interior Cushion Cleaning

Fishtales

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Anyone done this before? Some of the pieces are 100% fabric. Some have fabric and vinyl sections. I'm thinking of sending them out to the dry cleaner. What do folks think?
 
Fishtales said:
Anyone done this before? Some of the pieces are 100% fabric. Some have fabric and vinyl sections. I'm thinking of sending them out to the dry cleaner. What do folks think?
I have doubts about vinyl and dry cleaners but that should be easy to research. The problem I had with fabrics cushions is that the guidelines are to check the fabric label to see if it is dry cleanable. Unfortunately, I was not able to find any care tags on my cushions. So each season I use a clean cloth and a very mild detergent and wipe the cushions using a little extra elbow grease and soap on any dirty spots. Yes, the cushions show some age but my biggest fear was that anything else might damage or shrink the material. They are tight enough as is.
One other issue is that many of the cushions have foam that was wrapped in plastic. Although some say the plastic is there to make insertion easier and it probably does help, on things like bolsters, it is there to shed water. It is very difficult to remove the foam without messing up the plastic and when it doesn't seal well, you stand the chance of water getting trapper in it. The original Grady foam that is in my boat is not the high end stuff like DryFast that lets water run right through it. The foam you probably have absorbs the water and if not dried out will grow mold.
 
I agree with Seasick regarding the purpose of the plastic. The "making insertion easier" may be a side effect/benefit of the plastic, but I know (from working part time at a Sea Ray dealership) that the main reason is for protection of the foam.

What about just steam cleaning them? You can rent good units.
 
I have a 2001 265 that I washed the covers in the cuddy. They are a combination of vinyl and fabric. Liquid detergent in a plastic trash can. Hand agitate and rinse well. Put them in the sun to dry. Put the foam in the sun to air out as well. Wrapped the foam very well with very thin plastic I got at Lowes. Masking tape to keep wrapped. Foam slid in without a problem. All clean and smelled so much better.
 
Firenailer said:
Does anyone remove the cushions before shrink wrapping the boat for winter? :hmm
I do. I don't shrink wrap but rather have a custom cover. That said, in my neck of the woods, not only is mold and mildew a possibility but there is a real possibility of critters getting into the boat. Cats and the like may just sleep and sometimes take a crap but racoons can chew up everything from cushions to wires, knows, wood trim etc.
 
I remove everything from the boat each year. I find it much easier to clean everything in spring as well as get to review all items and address as needed.
I'll try the hand washing thing. It sounds like the safest thing to do. I'll also take the advice on the plastic wrap. Appreciate all the input folks!
 
Thanks. It's probably a good idea and would make wiping everything down in the Cabin easier. I guess I can bag them and leave them up in the attic until spring. The notices went up yesterday at my Marina - ALL BOATS MUST BE OUT BY 10/31.

I guess it's really THAT time of year again... :cry:
 
Firenailer said:
Thanks. It's probably a good idea and would make wiping everything down in the Cabin easier. I guess I can bag them and leave them up in the attic until spring. The notices went up yesterday at my Marina - ALL BOATS MUST BE OUT BY 10/31.

I guess it's really THAT time of year again... :cry:
If you bag them in plastic, make sure the cushions are 100% dry. If in doubt or if the storage space may be damp, wrap the cushions in something that breathes like old sheets.
 
pulled mine today. sad day.
will clean the covers and let the cushions air out.
took down the enclosure too. will wash them and then clean and polish the strataglass.
then ready the shovels for snow and dream of spring!
 
A friend said to me this afternoon " I know winter is coming, I heard a shrink wrap torch today"

Time just flies by.