Upholstery cleaning

Schuster

Member
Joined
Mar 25, 2009
Messages
238
Reaction score
9
C Dory Year
2007
C Dory Model
25 Cruiser
Vessel Name
Sea Witch
Just wondering, what is a good method to clean upholstery. Does anyone have a particular product they swear by?
 
I used 303 multi surface cleaner with good result. My upholstery wasn’t extremely dirty but showed signs that it needed it. Looked much better afterwards.
 
Mine isn't very dirty either, but I do think it is time to freshen things up during the off-season. I've used the 303 water repellant on my awning and was very happy with that. I was not aware that they had a cleaner as well. If it works as good as the repellant then I'll have to give it a try. From what I see is that you spray it on, scrub lightly and rince off with water. The rince off with water makes me a little nervous living in the NW and the tendency is for things to get moldy around here. That would be the only thing holding me back, I don't want the cushions to get soaked.
 
I used a soft brush gently, maybe I little bit harder on the dirtiest part, then just wipe it with a damp cloth. It worked fine for me.
 
I use the turbo dryer all winter to prevent any mold or mildew. I have the West Marine version. Otherwise I most likely would take the cushions out and store them inside.
 
I take all the upholstered cushions out (except for the helm seat) for winter storage.
 
We have to remember that although most of the cushions are “Sunbrella” or simiar, but there are a few which are actually “Upholustry material” which may need a dry clean.

In a boat new to us, we remove the covers, wash them in basen with a mild soap such as Ivory flakes.

Sunbrella advocates you use their preseration and protection kit: $90. There are similar products from: 303, Chemical Guys, Starbright, 3M, Marine one, and a few others. Basically, you want to clean the fabric, then spray it to get the water proff and soil resistance off. We have used Scotch Guard in the past before all of these speciality kits were abailable.
 
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