A seat cleaner is an important part of the maintenance equipment, which helps you keep your boat shipshape and not looking older than it is actually. Being on the water means having a great time but wherever there is water, there is usually mold as well. Hence, a pontoon boat seat cleaner is an absolute necessity to fight against it and important to remember, it implicates a long-lasting fight.
Moisture from the air and sweat from human bodies form an ideal environment for mold and mildew to grow on vinyl surfaces. Though you often cover your boat’s seats, moisture can still penetrate them causing mold growth not immediately noticed. Marine vinyl is designed to resist mold. Unfortunately, it is not a super powerful product created to erase permanently the effects of accumulated sunscreen, dirt, residual soap and water. So, the first step to learn successfully to clean them is to remember not to clean just with water but with a vinyl cleaner, too. Though many people think they should use household cleaners and save some cash that way, it is better to stick to pontoon boat seat cleaners exclusively. Certain types of household cleaners, powdered abrasives, steel wool and industrial cleaners can cause damage and discoloration. Dry cleaning fluids and lacquer solvents will remove printed pattern and gloss, bleach is too harsh for vinyl and will lead to breaking down over time. Clean, fresh water should be used to clean your seats. Depending on the type of the stain, different types of cleaners should be applied. All stains should be always removed immediately. All cleaning methods must be followed by a thorough rinse with clean warm water. Upholstery should be kept clean and dry. Kerosene, gasoline or acetone must not be used as they will remove the protective marine top coat. Silicone based protectants are also not to be used since they will extract the plasticizer leaving vinyl hard and ready to crack during the time.
Spradling International Marine, one of the leading manufacturing brands on pontoon boat seats, recommends three types of cleaners based on A, B or C type of stains: Type A- medium-soft brush, warm soapy water, Rinse/Dry; Type B- 303 Fabric and Vinyl Cleaner, Rinse/Dry; Type C- wipe or scrape off excess (chill gum before ice with hand). In their opinion, client satisfaction is directly related to regular care of upholstery.
Another famous manufacturer of pontoon boat seats is Wise Company. Their advice is to keep your seats in like new condition with quality mooring and/or seat covers. They’ll keep your furniture dry, protect against UV sunlight degradation, leaf stains, pollen stains, and dramatically reduce your cleaning time.
Regardless what pontoon boat seat cleaner you choose to keep your boat clean it is absolutely necessary to do it out of the water not only to save your boat but to protect our nature, as well, since most of the cleaners are not specially designed for marine use.
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