How To Protect My Boat Cushions From Any Damage
If you are a sea lover, having a boat would allow you to visit tranquil places of the globe on open seas and enjoy exquisite leisure. But after using the boat for a while, you may notice your boat cushions may start looking a bit dirty due to the accumulation of grime from the water or contaminants from the air.
Just like humans need skincare and have to apply sunscreen to protect their skin — the boat cushions also need protection from the impacts of weather, sun and time. This is why you must clean your boat from time to time in order to restore it to its former brilliance. In this article, we’ll go over some of the finest ways to maintain your boat cushions and upholstery to avoid the need to pay an exorbitant price for seat repair in the future.
Ways To Prevent Boat Cushion Damage
1. Keep it clean
When dirt and filth accumulate, the seats tend to become more susceptible to mildew and splitting. Cleaning the cushions is quite simple. A pail of warm water and a drop of dish soap will be enough. Just wipe the filth away from the seat with a warm, soapy towel. Avoid using aggressive chemicals that can harm marine vinyl.
Keep in mind that occasionally undetectable contaminants might lead to damage. Sunscreen, clear drinks, and sweat are all found on your boat’s seats. Clean the chairs often to remove any potential dirt.
2. Use a vinyl protectant
Applying a vinyl protectant is unquestionably the most crucial step in preserving vinyl boat seats and cushions from sun damage. There are a plethora of solutions designed expressly for treating and protecting vinyl boat upholstery. These chemicals operate by forming a wax-like layer on the cushions, which tend to condition them and serve as a buffer against sun damage.
Spray some vinyl protectants over the cushions and gently wipe them with a clean cloth or paper towel. When spraying the vinyl protectant, take your time and ensure each square inch of the seat is covered. Most formulations advise waiting for up to 30 minutes following the application to let the protectant sink into the pores of the vinyl. The protective coating keeps the vinyl soft and looking new by preventing fading caused by direct sunlight. Some non-vinyl protectants, including cleansers, tend to cause more harm than benefit.
3. Keep them covered
Cover your boat cushions if not in use. The more they are exposed to the sun, the higher the risk of unnecessary damage to the boat cushions. The sun will progressively heat the cushions leading to fade and crack, forcing you to reupholster or replace them.
Covering them will provide a layer of protection from the sun’s harmful rays, keeping your cushions safe and sound while not in use. If you don’t have a big garage or shed to keep your boat, you might use a mooring cover or simply throw some covers over the seats. Seat coverings cost between $40 and $50 at most boating supply outlets.
Defeat Mold And Mildew
The biggest and the most obvious threat to your boat cushions is water. Boats that aren’t thoroughly cleaned or dried are prone to mold and mildew development. These intruders jeopardize the comfort and convenience of your beloved boat.
Before parking your boat for an extended period, completely dry the upholstery. Soak up any excess moisture around stitches, gaps and zippers using an extra absorbent cloth. Let your boat be exposed to the sun for a few days in sunny and dry weather.
Prevention is better than cure! Mold and mildew are notoriously challenging to eliminate — especially from vinyl furnishings. Most internet cleanup procedures entail damage to the material or the seams, rendering the materials more vulnerable to mildew or thread rot in the future. Bleach will destroy the thread manufacturing your boat seats and deteriorate the vinyl.