Cleaning Uphostry

[Yellow X9]

Been using Simple Green and a soft bristol scub brush on the interior for over a year, man this stuff works great for removing the dirt build up in the seams and seat crevases and restoring it to a white interior. Then I finish it off with a leather conditioner.

[P-hat_in_Cincy]

I'm pretty sure SG is on the "do not use list".

[Yellow X9]

Been using it for over a year-no issues here

[erkoehler]

Been using it for over a year-no issues here

Its the long term effects that you won't see in the short term. Simple green can lead to drying out the stitching prematurely which will lead to major issues with the vinyl down the road.


You can get a true "vinyl cleaner" and use it with a soft bristle brush and have very good results. We use this daily in the store on some VERY dirty boats.

[10ptmust]

What about Aerospace 303? My dad used it on every boat we owned.

[erkoehler]

303 is mostly a protectant, and many members use it on their boats with great results.

[10ptmust]

So clean with the vinyle cleaner and protect with something like 303. Got it, thanks.

[erkoehler]

So clean with the vinyle cleaner and protect with something like 303. Got it, thanks.

Have fun!:D

[snobinge]

Not sure of what the long term effects will be, but we cleaned our vinyl this year with the magic eraser. It worked like "magic"

[Bert]

Its the long term effects that you won't see in the short term. Simple green can lead to drying out the stitching prematurely which will lead to major issues with the vinyl down the road.


You can get a true "vinyl cleaner" and use it with a soft bristle brush and have very good results. We use this daily in the store on some VERY dirty boats.

So... what is the name of that "true" vinyl cleaner???

[nmcjr]

One I use which is endorsed by one of the vinyl manufactures (GT) is Z-Care. You won't believe what it will lift off. A brush is mandatory for best results.

[erkoehler]

So... what is the name of that "true" vinyl cleaner???

We use either Bio-kleen or Zep products.

[Bert]

We use either Bio-kleen or Zep products.

thanks man.

[fskof]

For a vinyl cleaner I use BABE'S Seat Soap then I apply 303 as a protectant. I have seen people use BABE'S Seat Saver as a protectant with great results


Frank

[ProTour X9]

I use simple green maybe once a year to remove any mold or hard to remove dirt.

[east tx skier]

Tide (no bleach), warm water, and a soft brush. 303 afterwards. Like Eric said, there is a reason some of this stuff is on the do not use list that is unrelated to its ability to remove dirt.

[kjohnson]

Does anyone know if Fantastik is still on the approved list? Better yet, does anyone have a link to the approned list of vinyl cleaners?

[kjohnson]

I did find a FAQ that says MC recommends MC Premium Vinyl Cleaner, Dish Soap (Dawn or Ivory), or Fantastik. After cleaning, use 303 Protectant.

[east tx skier]

No. Fantastik is no longer on the list because the formula has changed in the last couple of years. It says on the bottle not to use on Vinyl.

[DooSPX]

I have been meaning to try the tide, but I use tuff stuff in a spray can. its made for car interiors and works pretty darn good.

[Yellow X9]

stitching prematurely which will lead to major issues with the vinyl down the road.

As far as the stitching is concerned, after a Year, no issues yet-not sure what your version of long term is and the boat is used every weekend. Now I dont use the Simple Green everytime, just times where I need the dirt build up in the grain and seems, then use a conditioner right afterwards.

I've seen the stitching come apart many times on the back seat of the X2's where you would step in to the boat-no shoes-bare feet only

[east tx skier]

It's your boat to clean how you please. I hope that vinyl lasts a long time. I'm hoping to get another twelve years out of mine at least.

[Yellow X9]

It's your boat to clean how you please. I hope that vinyl lasts a long time. I'm hoping to get another twelve years out of mine at least.

I hear ya, 5-years so far, looking for another 5

[Bert]

I hear ya, 5-years so far, looking for another 5 I have used some awful harsh cleaners over the years (19) even resorted to brake cleaner to get dye out of seat and then treat with protectant. Still looks good, doesn't appear to have damaged. Boat only sees outdoors when I ski.

[east tx skier]

The vinyl. They don't make it like they used to.

[Bert]

The vinyl. They don't make it like they used to.
Must be cause mine looks great. People not in the know about our boats allways think mine is brand new and call me a liar when I tell em it's 19 years old. I also don't let them in my boat so that helps. Just a little anal about it which pisses my wife off:D

[east tx skier]

It happens. :)

[BG1772]

I use Roll-Off. It is super easy to use. Wipe the seats down with clean water. While still wet, spray on the roll-off and let sit for a couple minutes. Wipe off with a damp cloth and dry. Can use a soft scrub brush on heavier stains.

[CantRepeat]

What chemical in SG is bad? I thought it was a non bleach biodegradable solution that wasn't harmful. Lenny at Leading Edge recommended it to me.

[Thrall]

Malco leather and vinyl cleaner works well. Cleaned up my white vinyl better than magic eraser or any other concoctions I tried.

[east tx skier]

What chemical in SG is bad? I thought it was a non bleach biodegradable solution that wasn't harmful. Lenny at Leading Edge recommended it to me.

I looked it up yesterday and couldn't tell either. From reading the 2010 owner's manual, it might be something in the dye that MC sees as a problem. One thing is for sure, the current incarnation of the MC manual specifically lists Simple Green as a product that it is, according to MC, "unacceptable" to be used on its upholstery. If your boat is under warranty or if you think MC has a reason for including it in its list of "unacceptable" vinyl cleaners, it's probably best to avoid it.

In defense of ignoring it, I should point out that Tide and warm water is not specifically listed as okay. But I'm willing to bet that it's close enough to dish soap to be used. YMMV.