suggestions for cleaning new white cockpit seating

toddoo

New Member
Feb 8, 2007
10
I just took delivery of my 2007 280 sundancer this weekend and I have a thousand questions, but the first the wife asked is if anyone can reccomend a cleaner or product for the white leather/vinyl cockpit seating. thank you for your help more questions to come.

toddoo
 
I think the most important part of taking care of the seats is to have protectant on them. The number one product that I think most of people on the board uses is Aerospace 303 (purple not green). We put it on reguarly and it helps with UV as well as when you get a stain to make it easier to get out.

As for cleaning my approach is to use the least agressive product as possible. I usually just rinse, brush, rinse and dry.

The next step if that does not work would be boat wash and rinse.

If they needed more I personally use Spray Nine Once Over Vinyl cleaner followed by a re-apply of 303. I have tried the Yacht Bright but for some reason turns my towels yellow and just don't really understand why if they are turning my towels yellow what are they doing to my white seats.

If I get a stain that will not come out with any of the above I have used the Magic Eraser cleaning pads (and they are magic) but after further review I am trying my best to stay away from them.

Also most stains will work themselves out with Sun-Bleach. Not really sure how it works but it works. Just let them sit out in the sun and stains disappear over time.

The key is to keep them clean reguarly and it really becomes pretty easy to keep them looking new. That said again I think the protectant (303) applied reguarly is the most important step.

Hope that helps!!! Keep the questions coming...:thumbsup:

Wesley
 

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The way I have kept it white (based upon 1 year of experience with the same boat and same white vinyl thus far :smt001 ) is wash often. I wash weekly no exceptions. I also keep a nice coat of 303 aerospace protectant (name sounds corny but it works well) for the UV protection the bottle advertises (seems to work well) but it also seems to resist "stuff" that may be spilled on it... or the fun spot of pollen that always seems to find the vinyl.

In cleaning I like to do the following:

-Very thorough hose rinse with lots of water. This rinses all of the dust and stuff that is on the vinyl away as well as out of the cracks and the stitching.

- Wash with boat soap and water using chenile mit. Scrub well with 3-5 passes on each area.

- I repeat the same rinse in step 1.

- Dry the vinyl and inspect for any areas need more attention (pollen deposit, mother in law dripped wine, etc)

- I will then spot wash the area with least aggressive and climb the aggressive ladder until the spot is gone. My steps are

1. Re-wash with boat soap and water and white scrubber pad from West Marine (fine)
2. Wash with straight boat soap and white (fine) scrubber pad
3. Wash with scrubber pad and goo gone (citrus based product) not goof off.

I have been vry successful at removing all "stuff" with this process. While the magic eraser seems to do well for folks the fact is that it is an abrasive... and I choose to not use it. I always tell folks to not discount a ton fo elbow grease, patience, and persistence. Sometime it will take 3, 4, and 5 applications of #2 to get it out.... sometimes letting the soap sit a bit does the trick too.... Of course the best thing I do to keep the vinyl clean is to not mess it up in the first place.... prevent is the best cure type thing... not all is avoidable... but much of the stuff is.

After wash I repeat the coat of 303.

The rear bench back cushion was replaced due to a bad stitch job but I nabbed a piece of the brand new white vinyl (from the cushion that was replaced shortly after we took delivery) and I keep it clean in a zip lock stored in a dark place to compare against the vinyl over time.... it lets me know if I am doing a good job :smt001

No "process" is perfect... find one that works for you (and keeps your vinyl as white as you wish) and use it often :smt001

Congrats on the 280 it is a fine boat. Please continue with the questions.
 
I can't say it any better than has already been said.
I will only add the following. Stay away from "Magic Eraser", or any other abrasive. Vinyl has a smooth outer finish, and once it's compromised, it will never recover. Vinyls being used today are far superior than earlier products, and with a little care, they will stay new looking for a very long time.
When we sold our 10 year old boat, the buyer asked if I'd redone the seats, as they looked brand new. (I hadn't).
Keeping the canvas on to protect them from the sun, along with 303 is your best insurance.
 

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