cleaning cabin cushions?

[hazmat17]

Any thoughts? Wife dropped by the local dry cleaner with a small cushion cover. Perhaps due to language barrier, the cleaner didn't want to clean it.

Before I try another shop, looking for ideas. Should I try it on delicate in the front load machine? Or just let them be...

Fabric is unknown, but I suspect is a synthetic of some sort. OEM 1987 cushions.

Thanks in advance.

[n0w0rries]

I bought one of these for $100
Bissell 14259 Little Green ProHeat Compact Multi-Purpose Deep Cleaner

and used it to clean my cushions. It did a pretty good job. It's useful for the car and house too.

[CLucas]

I just did ours with a Hoover SteamVac carpet cleaner. The unit has an upholstery fitting, but after one cushion it was easier to just lay out the cushions on the deck (house, not boat) and use the carpet mode. What came out of the cushions was absolutely disgusting (didn't even show the admiral) -- they looked prety good beforehand, but smelled like the boat. End result is they look great and don't smell like the boat any more (esp after a little Fabreeze afterwards and some time in the sun).

In case you're interested, it's a Hoover model #F5914900 -- hey, Mother's Day is coming! What a great gift! Just kidding -- DO NOT BUY YOUR WIFE A CARPET CLEANER FOR MOTHER'S DAY OR YOU'LL BE WEARING IT!

[KeelHaulin]

I would try the front-load washing machine on delicate. Maybe use a cushion cover that you would not mind replacing (like a pilot berth cushion) first and see how it does. I am planning to do the same soon.

[JimsCAL]

The shampoo machines (either small portable or carpet with attachments)work well. I've used both on my cushions for years. I clean them every spring followed by spraying with Scotchguard. Adds years to their life.

[hazmat17]

thanks folks, will investigate the "steam cleaners".

[Harpmary]

This may be a dumb question, but did folks take the foam cushions out when they used the steam cleaner? We just boat a used boat and I'd love new cushions - but in the interim, a good cleaning should suffice. Thoughts? Thanks,

[CLucas]

I did not remove the foam for two reasons: 1) it would be a PITA to get it back in; and 2) at least one of the zippers was stuck and pulling at it and possibly breaking it would make an easy task much more complicated and expensive. The steam cleaners have upholstery attachments meant for use on furniture without removing the foam innards. Make sure the foam doesn't get soaked through and also make certain to give the cushions plenty of time to air dry as well.

my two cents...

[JimsCAL]

What CLucas said.