If you’re a boat owner you know that it’s a 24/7 365 day a year job to keep it looking its best.
Sure, we get great satisfaction when we take to the waters, but as anyone who owns a boat will tell you, that is only half the story. We spend hours making sure our vessels are seaworthy and ready to set sail.
So here are just a few handy hints when it comes to keeping your boat cover and upholstery ship-shape and ready for life on the ocean waves.
However, if you find that your boat’s seating fabrics have been neglected for far too long, causing them to become warn and tear. It’s recommended that you look to purchase new materials, which you can find in our marine vinyl section.
Take Good Cover Care
- Use a soft bristle brush and a mild soap solution (such as ivory) and warm water to remove dirt from either side of your cover. DO NOT use detergents or bleach, then rinse thoroughly with clear water.
- Always allow the fabric to dry completely before rolling or storing. Be sure to clean and dry before storage. Mildew can grow during storage of your cover if moisture is present.
- DO NOT pressure wash or steam clean your cover fabric, it can cause irreparable damage.
- If used for a boat cover, keep cover secure while tailoring.
- Always keep cover taut to avoid water pooling and causing stretching. Avoid cinching cover too tightly, putting undue stress on seams and tie down loops.
For great upkeep of your upholstery
- Occasionally vacuum and, if necessary, hose off the carpet and then allow to dry.
- For stubborn stains, use a standard, high-quality carpet cleaner, taking care to remove all left-over cleaner residue with water.
Make your vinyl voluptuous again
- Use mild biodegradable boat soap or basic mild neutral soap such as Ivory or Lux mixed in lukewarm water. Use a soft brush or wool mitt to soap up your vinyl seats, trim and sun pad. Rinse thoroughly with clear water.
- Use separate rags and brushes for different vinyl colors to prevent color transfer, especially between colored and white vinyls.
- Avoid folding to prevent permanent creases; always roll for storage.