How to Keep Your Boat Upholstery Clean

Performing regular boat maintenance will keep your pride and joy looking and running like a newly purchased vessel… and one of those maintenance jobs you should do is to learn how to clean boat seats efficiently. In fact, it’s probably the single most important thing you can do to keep those seats in good shape.

About Marine Vinyls

A lot of newly manufactured marine vinyls are not treated with anti-microbial and anti-fungal barriers to prevent mildew, moulds, and stains from sticking. However, they usually fade over time and contaminants get into the material especially if you let

Most upholsterers recommend that you stay away from using aftermarket treatments on the vinyl for as long as possible. But you have to remember that over time, the treatments the manufacturer gave to the seats do wear and weather away.

How to Clean Your Boat Upholstery

Remove Upholstery

Many of today’s new boats, such as Quintrex boats, come with removable upholstery such as forward seating pads that provide comfort for guests when fishing is not a priority. But these light-coloured cushions can become trampled as anyone onboard will man the anchor or battle fish around the bow. Before you go out boating, remove such upholstered items and store them indoors to protect them from the elements.

Clean and Dry When It Starts To Get Dirty

To clean your upholstery, rinse it with fresh water to remove any salt particles and other contaminants. Use a gentle scrubbing motion with a sponge and mild soap. Make sure to dry the vinyl thoroughly with a clean towel, paying extra attention to the seams to avoid moisture buildup. This will prevent mildew growth and unsightly stains. Additionally, it will prevent the formation of "pinking" stains on your boat's seats, backrests, and coaming pads.

Use Cleaners That Are Suited For Vinyl

Over time, stains may become more stubborn and black spots may appear on your boat seats. How long the stains take depends on various factors, such as the climate, usage frequency, and maintenance level. In such cases, it is recommended to use a specialized vinyl cleaner that can effectively remove the stains. After cleaning, ensure to rinse the seats thoroughly and allow them to dry completely before applying a vinyl protectant. You can find these products at boat shops.

Avoid Using Caustic Cleaners

To keep your boat seats clean, it's essential to avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach, acetone, and thinner. These cleaners can strip away any remaining antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-stain properties and harm the vinyl material, making it brittle. This can lead to rips and tears in the material, and the stitching used to sew the seats together may also become damaged, causing it to deteriorate quickly.

Cover Up the Upholstery If They Are Not In Use

It's crucial to take proper care of your boat's upholstery coverings, even if they are designed to resist UV rays. Long-term exposure to sunlight can cause unsightly rust-like discolouration and brittleness. It's important to cover your boat when it's not in use to prevent this. A boat cover made of materials like Sunbrella can protect against UV rays, keeping your upholstery and interior surfaces looking new for longer. Additionally, water-resistant coverings help keep your upholstery dry during rain and heavy dew, reducing the likelihood of mildew and pinking.

Keep in mind that aside from taking good care of your boat’s upholstery, its longevity will depend on where your boat is located, how it’s used, and how it’s stored. Make sure you use them carefully and store them in an area where heat and moisture cannot penetrate.