Hi, we are interested in purchasing a new used boat and I need any ideas and suggestions on how to clean the cushions. (Foam)
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Cushion Cleaning
Assuming they are fabric, I would take them to an upholstery cleaner. Big downside is that I bet the zippers are toast. They usually are. That means new zippers or cleaning in place. Alternatively, go to an auto parts store and buy upholstery cleaner there.
Assuming they are fabric, I would take them to an upholstery cleaner. Big downside is that I bet the zippers are toast. They usually are. That means new zippers or cleaning in place. Alternatively, go to an auto parts store and buy upholstery cleaner there.
Rent a Carpet Shampooer
I had to do this once when I left the top down on my wifes car in our carport and a cat found it a nice place to visit one night. I won't say what happened to the cat later on. Most of the carpet shampooers hav or you can rent at an additional charge an upohlstery attachment. It works great! I have since bought one that attaches to my shop vac and the sink.
I had to do this once when I left the top down on my wifes car in our carport and a cat found it a nice place to visit one night. I won't say what happened to the cat later on. Most of the carpet shampooers hav or you can rent at an additional charge an upohlstery attachment. It works great! I have since bought one that attaches to my shop vac and the sink.
Cleaning Boat Cushions
Donna, I Cleaned the cushions on my '88 H33.5 last summer because of a mildew odor. I used upholstery shampoo and a rented upholstery/carpet machine from a local hardware store. I also used a product called odor ban that I purchased from Sams Club. The zippers on my cushions were frozen; therefore, I had to clean them without removing the coverings. After shampooing, I placed them in direct sunlight for several hours to dry and to ventilate. It seemed to help quite a bit.
Donna, I Cleaned the cushions on my '88 H33.5 last summer because of a mildew odor. I used upholstery shampoo and a rented upholstery/carpet machine from a local hardware store. I also used a product called odor ban that I purchased from Sams Club. The zippers on my cushions were frozen; therefore, I had to clean them without removing the coverings. After shampooing, I placed them in direct sunlight for several hours to dry and to ventilate. It seemed to help quite a bit.
just wash 'em
Not sure about your specific material, but after reviewing the posts in archives, a washing machine worked for me. I have a '84 31' with the original woven gray, mauve and beige fabric. I took the covers off (mine were filthy when I bought the boat), soaked them for several hours in everything I could find and then ran them through 2 cycles. (Note: 2 or so covers per load, and Warning: they are a bear to get back on the foam.) I tried a small cover first to make sure there was no bleading, etc, but given the number of previous posts I had some comfort level and it seemed to work. I have to say this was the most successful improvement I have made to my Hunter. They look like brand new. Also, Fabrize is a terriffic product.
Not sure about your specific material, but after reviewing the posts in archives, a washing machine worked for me. I have a '84 31' with the original woven gray, mauve and beige fabric. I took the covers off (mine were filthy when I bought the boat), soaked them for several hours in everything I could find and then ran them through 2 cycles. (Note: 2 or so covers per load, and Warning: they are a bear to get back on the foam.) I tried a small cover first to make sure there was no bleading, etc, but given the number of previous posts I had some comfort level and it seemed to work. I have to say this was the most successful improvement I have made to my Hunter. They look like brand new. Also, Fabrize is a terriffic product.
Soap problems
If you're in an area where things mildew, like Washington, then it's a good idea to avoid using soap. Either that, or rinse extreemly well. Soap left in the fabric essentially becomes food for fungus and mold. Another tidbit: Typical American top-load washing machines do not rinse very well, probably because of their very low spin RPM. When we bought our Miele the instructions said to not add detergent for the first couple washings as the clothing already contains enough soap!! Also, I understand theren may be a soap that doesn't cause the mold/mildew problem: Ivory flakes (?) Don't quote me on this, though. For boat items I would prefer to be on the safe side and just not use anything with soap - everything mildews here!!!!
If you're in an area where things mildew, like Washington, then it's a good idea to avoid using soap. Either that, or rinse extreemly well. Soap left in the fabric essentially becomes food for fungus and mold. Another tidbit: Typical American top-load washing machines do not rinse very well, probably because of their very low spin RPM. When we bought our Miele the instructions said to not add detergent for the first couple washings as the clothing already contains enough soap!! Also, I understand theren may be a soap that doesn't cause the mold/mildew problem: Ivory flakes (?) Don't quote me on this, though. For boat items I would prefer to be on the safe side and just not use anything with soap - everything mildews here!!!!
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