Has anyone tried to clean the covers on the interior cushions on v-berths, settees, etc.? I'm doing an overhaul of the head system and, having confidence in Peggy's suggestions as to how to get rid of head odors, I want to eliminate the existing odors in the interior of the boat. The instructions in my ODay owners manual specifically state NOT to wash or dry clean the covers. How the heck to I get them clean and odor-free? Tom
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Upholstery Cleaner
We used retail upholstery cleaner many times. Can get at a big box store or auto parts store. Good results; lots of work. We also hired a carpet cleaning firm to do the upholstery cleaning and they did a top job. Then I went to ultra-leather when it cam time to re-upholster. Rick D.
We used retail upholstery cleaner many times. Can get at a big box store or auto parts store. Good results; lots of work. We also hired a carpet cleaning firm to do the upholstery cleaning and they did a top job. Then I went to ultra-leather when it cam time to re-upholster. Rick D.
Bissell cleaner.
Tom: Bissell has that upholstery cleaning machine. I think that they run about $70-80. I think that you may find that just removing the cushions from the interior and letting them air out may work just fine. Once you get these hoses replaced you can just give the interior a good wiping down with Simple Green. Also clean up in the areas were the old hose was before you replumb. Don't forget the bilge area. Be sure to clean up good around the head itself and seal the bolts that hold the toiiet down. These are usually screwed into plywood and that can get a little funky too. We have had our NEW hose in our H'31 for 7-8 years now and still do not have any head odor. We use Odorlos and pump out on a somewhat regular basis.
Tom: Bissell has that upholstery cleaning machine. I think that they run about $70-80. I think that you may find that just removing the cushions from the interior and letting them air out may work just fine. Once you get these hoses replaced you can just give the interior a good wiping down with Simple Green. Also clean up in the areas were the old hose was before you replumb. Don't forget the bilge area. Be sure to clean up good around the head itself and seal the bolts that hold the toiiet down. These are usually screwed into plywood and that can get a little funky too. We have had our NEW hose in our H'31 for 7-8 years now and still do not have any head odor. We use Odorlos and pump out on a somewhat regular basis.
Odor remover
You should also check out a product I got at West Marine - I can never remember the name but it's something like Odor Gone or something??? It comes in a little tub (like a small tub of sour cream) and absorbs the odors you're trying to get rid of. Diesel, poo, etc. It actually does work and might help. As far as the upholstery, try some of that foam fabric cleaner. Start cheap & work your way up. As long as you don't remove the covers from the cushion, your odds of shrinkage are pretty small. LaDonna
You should also check out a product I got at West Marine - I can never remember the name but it's something like Odor Gone or something??? It comes in a little tub (like a small tub of sour cream) and absorbs the odors you're trying to get rid of. Diesel, poo, etc. It actually does work and might help. As far as the upholstery, try some of that foam fabric cleaner. Start cheap & work your way up. As long as you don't remove the covers from the cushion, your odds of shrinkage are pretty small. LaDonna
LaDonna, products like the one you describe
are just air fresheners...they don't get rid of the sources of odors. Ok as short term solution till you can track down the source of an odor and remove it, but not a permanent solution...especially in hot weather when the li'l critters that are causing the odor multiply much faster than they do in cool weather. Everyone looks for ways to solve problems without having to do any work--and the shelves are full of what I call "band aids" for all kinds of problems. But the only way to completely get rid of any odor is to get rid of the source.
are just air fresheners...they don't get rid of the sources of odors. Ok as short term solution till you can track down the source of an odor and remove it, but not a permanent solution...especially in hot weather when the li'l critters that are causing the odor multiply much faster than they do in cool weather. Everyone looks for ways to solve problems without having to do any work--and the shelves are full of what I call "band aids" for all kinds of problems. But the only way to completely get rid of any odor is to get rid of the source.
ozone
The best way to get rid of organic odors (once the SOURCE of the odor is removed) is ozone (03). There are several ways to do this: 1)some dry cleaners have "ozone rooms", 2)home fire restoration companies have machines that generate ozone 3)you can acutually buy your own ozone generator from a dry cleaning supply house ($300-$500) or you can make your own ozone generator. If you can find a high voltage spark transformer from an oil burner furnace it is cheap and easy to make. Ozone (03) will eliminate skunk odor, cat urine smell, vomit odors and smoke odors. Ozone is the smell you experience after a lightening storm. O3 oxidizes gasses thereby effectively eliminating them.
The best way to get rid of organic odors (once the SOURCE of the odor is removed) is ozone (03). There are several ways to do this: 1)some dry cleaners have "ozone rooms", 2)home fire restoration companies have machines that generate ozone 3)you can acutually buy your own ozone generator from a dry cleaning supply house ($300-$500) or you can make your own ozone generator. If you can find a high voltage spark transformer from an oil burner furnace it is cheap and easy to make. Ozone (03) will eliminate skunk odor, cat urine smell, vomit odors and smoke odors. Ozone is the smell you experience after a lightening storm. O3 oxidizes gasses thereby effectively eliminating them.
Ozone Greg
Greg: Have you actually used ozone on your boat? I have heard what you are saying about ozone then I hear thing about it eating rubber (suppose that the extra Oxygen molecule is blamed). Do you know or have any facts regarding Ozone generators aboard a boat. I would think that this would be just the deal for Mold and Mildew in your part of the country.
Greg: Have you actually used ozone on your boat? I have heard what you are saying about ozone then I hear thing about it eating rubber (suppose that the extra Oxygen molecule is blamed). Do you know or have any facts regarding Ozone generators aboard a boat. I would think that this would be just the deal for Mold and Mildew in your part of the country.
No to ozone
Health hazards (which are well documented) aside, ozone is highly corrosive and highly damaging to rubber, neoprene and flexible PVC--iow, everything metal and every hose, seal, valve and gasket on your boat. Once the source of any odor is removed, ventilation--open hatches and a fan--gets rid of any lingering odor.
Health hazards (which are well documented) aside, ozone is highly corrosive and highly damaging to rubber, neoprene and flexible PVC--iow, everything metal and every hose, seal, valve and gasket on your boat. Once the source of any odor is removed, ventilation--open hatches and a fan--gets rid of any lingering odor.
Canadian gov't studies about dangers of ozone
There's a list of over 500 reports about health and other hazards of ozone generators at: http://search.hc-sc.gc.ca/cgi-bin/query?mss=hc%2Fenglish%2Fsimple&pg=q&enc=iso88591&what=web&kl=XX&site=main&user=searchintranet&q=ozone&submit=Go%21
There's a list of over 500 reports about health and other hazards of ozone generators at: http://search.hc-sc.gc.ca/cgi-bin/query?mss=hc%2Fenglish%2Fsimple&pg=q&enc=iso88591&what=web&kl=XX&site=main&user=searchintranet&q=ozone&submit=Go%21
Tom...
I have used 3M's Scotchguard Cleaner (not the standard Protectant)on auto and boat upholstery for years, and it seems to have worked wonders. Comes in an green can. It may take two treatments, but it gets out dirt and odors surprisingly well. Best of luck, Rob
I have used 3M's Scotchguard Cleaner (not the standard Protectant)on auto and boat upholstery for years, and it seems to have worked wonders. Comes in an green can. It may take two treatments, but it gets out dirt and odors surprisingly well. Best of luck, Rob
Rick D.....Ultra Leather?
Rick(or anyone else), What is 'UltraLeather'??? My cushions are in need of recovering and this sounds interesting. What colours do they come in and how much $? Easy to work with? s/v Southern Wind
Rick(or anyone else), What is 'UltraLeather'??? My cushions are in need of recovering and this sounds interesting. What colours do they come in and how much $? Easy to work with? s/v Southern Wind
High-grade Plastic, Scottie..
..we are not enamored of fabric on the boat, so we went with a vinyl that is nearly indistinguishable from leather. It is not inexpensive, but sure is easier to maintain and more tolerant of the typical boat spills, etc. Of course it is not as comfortable in terms of temperature on bare skin as cloth, but for us, it is an equitable trade. BTW, leather isn't nearly as expensive as you think, but IMHO, the synthetics are more durable. Rick D.
..we are not enamored of fabric on the boat, so we went with a vinyl that is nearly indistinguishable from leather. It is not inexpensive, but sure is easier to maintain and more tolerant of the typical boat spills, etc. Of course it is not as comfortable in terms of temperature on bare skin as cloth, but for us, it is an equitable trade. BTW, leather isn't nearly as expensive as you think, but IMHO, the synthetics are more durable. Rick D.
Peggie - about that odor remover
I agree completely about removing the source of the odor but this thing I was talking about doesn't have an odor at all. Rob has a diesel tank right under the dry food locker. There's an access through the locker for emergencies and last summer he had to access it. To say the least, the locker wreaked of diesel just from opening the little access plate for a few minutes. I scrubbed that locker 3 times & it still stunk! Finally put this tub of stuff in there & the stench disappeared & hasn't come back. I don't know what to tell you about it but it doesn't have an odor so it doesn't "mask" anything & the odor is gone gone gone. ?? LaDonna
I agree completely about removing the source of the odor but this thing I was talking about doesn't have an odor at all. Rob has a diesel tank right under the dry food locker. There's an access through the locker for emergencies and last summer he had to access it. To say the least, the locker wreaked of diesel just from opening the little access plate for a few minutes. I scrubbed that locker 3 times & it still stunk! Finally put this tub of stuff in there & the stench disappeared & hasn't come back. I don't know what to tell you about it but it doesn't have an odor so it doesn't "mask" anything & the odor is gone gone gone. ?? LaDonna
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