Freshening up vinyl foam cushions - is it possible?

[carl170]

Hi.

My new (to me) Tomahawk 25 has that kind of old damp smell that most previously neglected boats seem to have. The old headlining and carpet lining has been removed and its still there so I am guessing it is the old vinyl cushions.

Is there any way to freshen up the old open cell foam inside. Short of spraying a bit of freshener on them, I can't really think of anything else to do. Is there a magic product that will help?

Is there any way that they could be washed? I am guessing the difficult bit would be drying them?!

Thanks for any suggestions.

Regards

Carl

 

[ctva]

The best way to get rid of that ‘damp old boat’ smell, is ventilation, ventilation, ventilation.

We use a solar tannoy vent and the difference is astounding.

 

[Gwylan]

Our washing machine has a dry 'airing' programme for pillows and such.

There is of course Febreze - removes non resident perfumes, I am told.

 

[penberth3]

Hi.

My new (to me) Tomahawk 25 has that kind of old damp smell that most previously neglected boats seem to have. The old headlining and carpet lining has been removed and its still there so I am guessing it is the old vinyl cushions.

Is there any way to freshen up the old open cell foam inside. Short of spraying a bit of freshener on them, I can't really think of anything else to do. Is there a magic product that will help?

Is there any way that they could be washed? I am guessing the difficult bit would be drying them?!

Thanks for any suggestions.

Regards

Carl

You'd have to take foam out of the covers, then the foam can be washed and dried. Open cell foam is the same as a sponge. If they're too big for the kitchen sink use the bath. If it's old foam it might be disintegrating. You could just replace it, or have completely new cushions.

 

[carl170]

Thanks for the suggestions so far! There are 3 vents open at the present time, but I can't get anything smelling any better.

I don't know that Febreeze will clear the smell, rather than just add to it.

I'm not even sure they would fit in a dryer. I'm talking about the berth cushions that must be about 4 or 5 ft long!

Regards

Carl

 

[Ammonite]

Thanks for the suggestions so far! There are 3 vents open at the present time, but I can't get anything smelling any better.

I don't know that Febreeze will clear the smell, rather than just add to it.

I'm not even sure they would fit in a dryer. I'm talking about the berth cushions that must be about 4 or 5 ft long!

Regards

Carl

Try a Dakota Odor Bomb - about 10 quid on eBay. You might need to experiment to find the variety you prefer but they are very effective.

 

[ctva]

Thanks for the suggestions so far! There are 3 vents open at the present time, but I can't get anything smelling any better...

There is a big difference between passive, simple open vents, and forced ventilation. Trust me!

 

[RupertW]

Get a cheap humidity meter - anythng above 60 percent over time will lead to a smell. Otherwise it may best to replace the foam but also to see whether the covers retain the smell after cleaning.

 

[penberth3]

...I'm not even sure they would fit in a dryer. I'm talking about the berth cushions that must be about 4 or 5 ft long!

Regards

Carl

I would air-dry anyway - too much heat might damage the foam.

 

[Dipper]

I had the same problem in my first boat - a Hurley 22. I couldn't get rid of the smell despite washing the foam in the bath and drying it indoors for the whole winter. I think the foam itself starts to chemically decay giving off the fumes.

I replaced all the foam and Mrs Dipper made a complete set of covers. That cured it but I'm still in trouble for selling the boat a year later (with the new cushion covers).

 

[Alan ashore]

Some time ago I bought a boat with very evil smelling cushions just as you describe. I found that taking out the foam, and repeatedly spraying it with household antibacterial spray, every couple of days for quite some time, worked extremely well. The smell did not return in the many years I had her for. I'm sure I also sprayed the vinyl inside and out, but it was the foam that smelt worst.

I think I probably used around two or three bottles of the stuff in all, for two single berth cushions, certainly more than one.

Good luck