Cushion Smell

[Nick R]

Recently purchased Hunter Sailboat. Cushion covers are fairly new, but have that real musty smell, Have taken them out for the winter, but want to make them clean

 

[Peggie Hall/Head Mistress]

Just put them in the sun all day

Sunlight and fresh air are better mildew spore killers than anything you can buy.

 

[Steve Dion]

Sun

Nick:This is just a good idea to remove the interior periodically anyway. Then you can vacuum and clean the surfaces that these cushions set on too.We have had many reports on Febreeze. A lot of sailors claim that this stuff works well. Check it out for yourself. It is inexpensive so it's not going to cost much to try it out. http://www.homemadesimple.com/febreze/works.shtmlPS: The sun and air works well for a sailor mental status too!

 

[Barry]

Good luck

My vessel (h34) had the same issue when I bought it. I took the cushions to a professional upholstry cleaner ($60) and then left them in the sun. Later moved them to a greenhouse type sunroom for weeks. Big waste of time and money.I'd try taking the covers off the foam.The smell never came out of my foam so I replaced the foam and covers. (did it myself for about $300, not perfect but it's only a Hunter)Barry

 

[Jim WIllis]

MNildew woes

I have two convertible cars out here on the windward side that got rain in and have had battle with mildew ever since.I find that the best thing to kill mildew and not stain fabric is Lysol spray. I now use a commercial calcium hydroxide bag to try and keep the air dry.Finally a good sunlight airing (driving to the other side that is hot and dry) really helps.On the outside of the top I used one of my own products (N. Clear, diluted with water) followed by sunlight and that worked too, but not suitable for woven fabric.On a mattress underlay (sort of rippled sponge the smell does not go so we dumped it. The mattress itself has responded to sunlight an airing only.For killing smells, fabreze is OK but best of all is Krystal Air (not in shops - we have had that discussion before!).Get it on the internet!ThanksJim Willis

 

[Ron]

About Cushion Smell

Here is a little something I learned from Sailrite. When choosing foam for new cushions the general consensus is to pick closed cell foam. This is not always correct. Although closed cell foam will not absorb water (and yes, it floats) it will absorb smells. After some research, I choose to build my new cushions with reticulated, "Dry Fast," open cell foam. This type cushion material breathes and thereforth won't trap odors inside. It doesn't aborb water, but lets it pass through as well as any of the boat smells. It is very comfortable to sit/sleep on and is easy to work with... Ron/KA5HZV