How to Clean Sun Damaged Boat Upholstery

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Once boat upholstery has suffered the punishing rays of the sun, the damage is done. Fading colors and cracking or peeling will wear down your boat upholstery and make it appear less attractive unless you clean and preserve the material. Homemade cleaning solutions are safe and effective. After a good scrubbing, marine upholstery treatments can slow down the bleaching effects of the sun, extending the life of your boat upholstery.

Items you will need

  • Marine upholstery treatment product with UV protection

  • Ammonia

  • Hydrogen peroxide

  • Water

  • Nylon brush

Remove stains, oil and dirt from boat upholstery by mixing a solution of 2 tbsp. of ammonia, 4 tbsp. of hydrogen peroxide and 3/4 cup of water. This solution is safe for cloth, vinyl and leather, including suede.

Dip the nylon brush in the cleaning solution and scrub the upholstery on the boat. Strong stains, such as from fallen leaves or suntan oil may require several applications of the homemade cleaner and scrubbing.

Rinse the upholstery with water and air dry.

Spray a fine mist of Marine upholstery protectant directly on the material and rub it in with a cloth or old towel.

Continue spraying the protectant on the material and rubbing it into the upholstery until the material is glistening. Then allow it to air dry.

Tips

  • Avoid using soap or silicon-based products on leather. Keep boat seats covered when they are not in use. Minimize stains from suntan lotions and oils by placing towels on the seats.
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