Cleaning & Protecting Vinyl cockpit seats?

  • Thread starter Thread starter alt
  • Start date Start date
alt

alt

Well-Known Member
Joined
24 Oct 2006
Messages
4,137
Location
Éire
Visit site
This comes up regularly and I can't ever remember finding a decent solution.

So, can anyone recommend something to firstly clean the vinyl seats? And then something to put on after to protect from UV / drying out?

Thanks all.
 
Best I’ve used is the brand 303. They do a vinyl cleaner which I haven’t used but I’ve heard it’s good. I have used their aerospace protector which is very good for uv protection. The protectant is recommended by some of the American ski boat manufacturers and I’ve used it from new on my mastercraft and the seats still look new after eight years or so.

The protector also has mild cleaning properties but I suppose it’s usfulness in that regard depends on how dirty your seats are in the first place.
 
jrudge said:
I used starbright and a magic sponge. Starbright stuff is expensive across the board but their products do seem to work
Click to expand...

+1

I’ve often thought it smells like ceramic hob cleaner but not as strong. Might give that a go.....and rinse well!
 
After destroying vinyls 6months after the fact and faced with a huge recovering bill I dont use anything I wouldn't use on my children's skin. Baby wipes are a good start. Cosmetic soap and water and a soft brush. Anything that doesn't come out after that, like kids with ballpoint pens. Just stays as is. It will come off of its own accord in time. Just not worth scrubbing it to death, it's a short term gain.
 
Wow, lots of replies, thanks all.

I personally don't like using Magic Sponges as we all know they are abrasive and can't help but feel they're wearing away the vinyl slowly.

I think I found my little secret.... non-bio washing powder. I wet the Vinyl seats, then put boiling water in a bucket (note: I did not put boiling water on the vinyl) to belt the non-bio washing powder. Once it cooled down (still hot, but I could put my hand in it), I scrubbed lightly with a nail brush. I had to use a nail brush as my Vinyl is not smooth (has little ridges in it.. if that makes sense).

VERY happy with the result! Dirt marks just slid right off.

I can't see this doing any harm to the Vinyl. Just maybe something for others to try in future.

Finished off with a leather UV protector (Tutle Wax) which won't do any harm, either.
 
jrudge said:
I used starbright and a magic sponge. Starbright stuff is expensive across the board but their products do seem to work
Click to expand...

Magic Sponges would be a last resort for me. I actually use Stardrops (the orange multi surface spray - https://www.starbrandsltd.co.uk/pages/stardrops) available from naff discount stores in the UK. Seems to be nice and gentle.
 
Vinyl does seem to respond well to leather cleaners . Especially after first using some more powerful degreaser etc.
I have baby wipes on the boat - useful for lots of minor clean ups such as a quick wipe over vinyl seating.
 
Hi Rafiki please can you send the full details on the Armourall vinyl and leather cleaner as I’m strugking to find it, I’m very keen to give it a go
Thanks
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top