UPHOLSTERY | VINYL CARE
While vinyl is made to withstand the elements, it is important to care for vinyl by keeping it clean at all times. Many substances may stain the vinyl if left untreated over a period of time. Remember to remove any contaminant and clean vinyl immediately.
Regular washing with mild detergent and warm water or vinyl cleaners is sufficient to keep the cushion and vinyl coverings in good condition.
Do not soak the cushion, and dry thoroughly after washing to prevent mildew accumulations when the boat is covered. Spray the cushions with a mildew repellent and prop them up in the boat when it is covered to take advantage of air circulation. MasterCraft vinyl is made to withstand the effects of sun, heat, acid rain and soiling, under normal conditions, but this does not preclude the cleaning requirements. Please consult the following cleaning recommendations before cleaning your upholstery.
In some instances, consumers have reported the appearance of a pink stain on vinyl that is resistant to various cleaning methods. Although there can be other causes for pink staining in vinyls, most pink stains are caused by dyes produced by micro-organisms. These dyes are metabolic products of the micro-organisms, otherwise known as a form of fungi.
It is virtually impossible for consumers to avoid these micro-organ- isms as they exist in the atmosphere, which are more prevalent in high-humidity areas. Rain cleanses the air, with the result being that the micro-organisms are deposited on items such as marine vinyl. While the vinyl is treated to resist the growth of micro-organisms (meaning the vinyl is not a food source), the stain results from failure to properly clean and maintain the vinyl. This means that after use, the upholstery must be cleaned with a soft brush and warm soapy water, followed by a thorough rinse with clean water.
This situation is worsened if the boat is stored without proper ventilation or if the boat cover is put on while the vinyl is still wet, creating a situation in which all forms of fungi (mold and mildew) thrive. Failure to follow these instructions in the proper care of upholstery may cause your warranty to be voided!
The cleaning table presented in this section is offered only as a suggestion and as an aid in attempting to deal with stains. We do not guarantee that the cleaning methods will work. Stains from any external source are unlikely to be covered by warranty.
* Always remove stains immediately. Upholstery must be kept CLEAN AND DRY!
A = Medium soft brush, with warm soapy water. Rinse and dry.
B = 303 Fabric and Vinyl Cleaner. Rinse and dry.
C = Wipe or scrape off excess (chill gum with ice before starting).
All cleaning methods must be followed by a thorough rinse with clean, warm water. Failure to care for your vinyl properly, or the use of improper cleaners, may void your warranty, as well as damage your vinyl.
Certain household cleaners, powdered abrasives, steel wool, and solvent cleaners can cause damage and discoloration and are not recommended. Dry cleaning fluids and lacquer solvents should not be used because they will remove printed pattern and gloss. Waxes should be used with caution because many contain dyes or solvents that can permanently damage the protective coating.
Do not clean with power washers as they can generate 3,500 P.S.I. and could damage the surface of your interior. Do not use kerosene, gasoline or acetone, because they will remove the protective marine top coat. Do not use any silicone based protectants. They will extract the plasticizer, leaving vinyl hard and brittle, and eventually cracking will occur.
Vinyl upholstery should be covered when not in use to protect from further sun exposure, tree debris, air pollutants and acid rain.
For storage, vinyl should be cleaned, protected, covered and stored in a dry, well ventilated area.
Recommended Products
MasterCraft Vinyl Dressing Vinyl Finish
Vinyl Cleaner
Mild Dish Soap
303 High Tech Fabric GuardTM
303 Fabric and Vinyl CleanerTM
Babe's Seat Soap
Non-Recommended Products
ArmorAll
Bleach
Baking Soda
Fantastik
Formula 409
Murphys Oil Soap
Son-of-a-Gun
Simple Green
Anything not listed on the Recommended Products list
