cleaning interior cushions

[D. Phillips]

I don't know when the cushions in my recently acquired boat have been cleaned, if ever. What is the best way to give a thorough cleaning to seat covers? Is there a way to clean the foam?Any experiences or suggestions?

 

[Chuck]

Cushion Cleaning

When I purchased my hunter 31 it had been out of the water for 3 - 4 years. Interior cushions not in good shape. We took the covers off the cushions and simply put them in the washer (gentle cycle) with regular detergent. Came out great. I did NOT put them in the dryer. Just make sure you keep track of which cover came from which foam. We did not try to clean the foam. Good lock.Chuck DickhutS/V Kililani

 

[LaDonna Bubak - Catalina Owners]

Don't clean the foam

They're big fat sponges and shouldn't be dirty anyway - that's what the covers are for. I put mine in a washer but air dry them. I also put them on while slightly damp so if there's any shrinkage, it'll do it on the cushion.LaDonna

 

[Richard Gottlieb]

Dry Cleaning at Home

I don't think that putting covers through a washer is a good idea. I have recently taken the interior cusions off my 270 and used a product called "Dryel" which is intended for dry-clean-only fabrics (like cushion covers) came out nice, clean and fresh. I plan to scotchguard the covers afterward.

 

[Bob Peters]

cold water in the washer

Our 336 was 5 years old when we bought it and cushion covers looked it with their dull grey color. We removed covers, using indelible marker to identify which cover goes with which foam (note that the indelible wasn't so indelible). Using cold water, gentle cycle and cold water detergent, not overloading machine and many loads later, we ended up with bright, light blue covers. Did not use dryer, just hung them over the treadmill (finally getting some use). Hardest step was putting covers back on the foam.

 

[Amy]

Just went through the same thing

We just acquired a Hunter 34 and no telling how long it had been since the cushions were cleaned, they smelled of diesel (another story). The covers..I soaked in the washer with BIZ detergent and hung them to dry. The foam cushions...since it was either get the foam cushions smelling better or throw them out, I had nothing to lose...I put them in the swimming pool and let them soak for half a day...then let them dry out in the sun (took a few days). Before putting the covers back on, spray the foam cushions with a silicone spray (makes it much easier for putting back on). After all said and done, spray with Febreeze. It took some time, but they smell great and saved me a lot of money in having to purchase new ones.