Cleaning Tips
To keep your boat seats looking their best, clean the vinyl covers using the following cleaning techniques:
For general purpose cleaning, use EpHX Vinyl Cleaner, Fantastik (container must state it can be used on vinyl), or mild dish soap (such as Dawn or Ivory) and very warm water. Then, gently scrub with a small soft bristle brush. Rinse soap and cleaning residew off with water and then dry. Purchase our EpHX Vinyl Cleaner.
For dirt build-up, use EpHX Vinyl Cleaner. Let soak for approximately 10 minutes, and then gently scrub with a soft bristle brush.
Use these products to clean your vinyl-covered boat interior:
- EpHX Vinyl Cleaner
- Mild dish soaps (such as Dawn or Ivory)
- Fantastik (container must state it can be used on vinyl)
- 303 Protectant
DO NOT use these products to clean your vinyl-covered boat interior
Formula 409 (bottle states 'Not for use on vinyl'), Murphy's Oil Soap, Simple Green, DC Plus, ArmorAll, Top Kote Sealant, Son-of-a-Gun, Orange 88 Degreaser, Roll-Off, Bleach/Baking Soda, Turtle Wax/Tar Remover (containers state 'Not for use on vinyl'), APCO, Harbor Mate.
DO NOT use kerosene, gasoline or acetone, as they will remove the protective marine top coat.
DO NOT use any silicone based products. They will extract the plasticizers in the vinyl, leave it hard and brittle, and eventually cracking may occur.
DO NOT use a powerwasher on boat seating upholstery.
Other Marine Vinyl Cleaning Tips
It is a common misconception that household bleach, chlorine based cleaners, and other strong commercial cleaning solutions are good for treating stains on vinyl-covered boat interiors. These solutions may appear to clean well for a time, but they clean by removing layers of finish along with the stained material on top of the finish.
Continued use of such products will deteriorate the appearance of your vinyl-covered boat interior. Vinyl is a porous material, similar to leather. The pores must be able to breathe, so be careful not to clog your vinyl's pores with suntan lotions, oils, etc. Proper vinyl cleaning and maintenance increases the life of your boat interior.
