Upholstery Cleaning- My Method

[Blmeanie]

go direct?

https://www.malcoautomotive.com/Leather_and_Plastic_Cleaner-details.aspx

[Thrall]

av8tor, just get some plain Totally Awesome from the dollar store.
I was getting low on Malco cleaner, hadn't cleaned the white vinyl in our boat for quite a few years. $1 bottle of TA did the whole boat and it works awesome.
I wouldn't spend the money on Malco again unless necessary.

[JohnE]

av8tor, just get some plain Totally Awesome from the dollar store.
I was getting low on Malco cleaner, hadn't cleaned the white vinyl in our boat for quite a few years. $1 bottle of TA did the whole boat and it works awesome.
I wouldn't spend the money on Malco again unless necessary.

Agree! The TA is a great cleaner. Just make sure to wipe it with a rag dipped in water afterwards. Get it clean and clean, so to speak. Then wipe it with the 303

[danwell]

I like using 303 products.

[Arsenal]

Hi everyone, I know it's been a few months since this thread has had any posts, but I'm grateful to all those who have contributed to it over time.

A question... I don't have a DA polisher. Before running out to buy one I was wondering if anyone has any thoughts about the feasibility or wisdom of using a drill bit attached brush instead?



Here's an amazon listing of the above brushes.

[Arsenal]

Well, I ordered the brushes for my drill and used totally awesome (diluted at around 4:1) to clean up the upholstery on a new-to-me 2001 Prostar 195 that had staining that seemed like it may never come off. Aside from the areas where the stitching had already failed (back sun deck, drivers seat, etc...), the vinyl looks brand new. Incredible transformation. I followed the pattern laid out through this thread and followed it an application of 303.

Really, I can't believe how much better it looks. I'll try to put together some before and after photos. As you guys know, pictures never really do it justice.

[JohnE]

Good to hear. I think the drill attachment is fine, as long as the bristles are soft enough not to damage the vinyl.

[CantRepeat]

John, this really should be a sticky.

[Cshaw]

Thanks Sodar. Excellent cleaning tips!!
I just bought a 2007 x45 and the upholstery is in great condition but the stitching was faded. Thanks to YouTube I found a great video on using a sharpie to change or revive the color of embroidery on vinyl or leather. It turned out really nice. I’m not sure how to upload photos to this forum yet. Once I figure that out I will add.

[Married2Maristar]

I got some LA TOTALLY AWESOME, yesterday, and for those in Canada you can get it at DollarTree but not the other dollar stores. I was amazed how cheap it was. I bought two bottles and a empty spray bottle that has all dilutions marked on the side. Came to $4.20 with tax. The bottle recommends a 10:1 dilution for vinyl and carpet. At that rate it will last me a long time. I used it on both the vinyl and carpet and it worked very well on both. Which in my books is a huge bonus to use the same cleaner for both. I also picked up some Starbrite Hull Cleaner and that stuff worked like gang busters on the hull scum-literally instant clean by the time I made it from stem to stern.

I plan on increasing the dilution to see if it can get more out of the vinyl. My motor powered nylon brushes haven’t arrived yet but I’m eager to see what they add. I used manual brushes on the carpet and some of the vinyl.

It’s hard to get good photos of vinyl!

[LDA6339]

I did this on our Upholstry about two weeks ago, fantastic results.

[CantRepeat]

I got some LA TOTALLY AWESOME, yesterday, and for those in Canada you can get it at DollarTree but not the other dollar stores. I was amazed how cheap it was. I bought two bottles and a empty spray bottle that has all dilutions marked on the side. Came to $4.20 with tax. The bottle recommends a 10:1 dilution for vinyl and carpet. At that rate it will last me a long time. I used it on both the vinyl and carpet and it worked very well on both. Which in my books is a huge bonus to use the same cleaner for both. I also picked up some Starbrite Hull Cleaner and that stuff worked like gang busters on the hull scum-literally instant clean by the time I made it from stem to stern.

I plan on increasing the dilution to see if it can get more out of the vinyl. My motor powered nylon brushes haven’t arrived yet but I’m eager to see what they add. I used manual brushes on the carpet and some of the vinyl.

It’s hard to get good photos of vinyl!

My post is referring to Malco not TA which is what Sodar used in his post as well. I’m not sure why you quoted me.

[3event]

Which 303 ?

303 Aerospace Protectant
or
303 Marine Aerospace Protectant

Is there a diff? I have to restock my boat cleaning kit. Looks like ordering online from goldeagle.com will work.

Any inputs appreciated.....thanks

[amarch]

Great technique, but I have another question. I have the same boat and interior, you have excellent taste, and after 1300 plus hours, need to redo the upholstery. Do you still have it and have you had any luck in finding the same upholstery?

[Hogwild]

Has anyone tried this technique on the Coolfeel interior? To me the Coolfeel seems more susceptible to wear if I were to use a DA polisher. Wondering if anyone else has tried.