Pontoon Boat Seat Arms

WISE Furniture Cleaning Information

While the upholstery on your seat is made to withstand the effects of sun, heat, rain, and soiling under normal conditions, it is important to care for your seat by keeping it clean. Keeping your seat covered will protect against UV degradation, leaf and pollen stains and dramatically reduce cleaning time. Camo printed vinyl is especially vulnerable to fading from excessive UV exposure. Use a cover that allows for ventilation, typical plastic bags and tarps that do not allow for ventilation may promote mold, mildew and pink staining of the vinyl on your seat and is NOT COVERED UNDER YOUR WARRANTY.

Harsh detergents, abrasives, bleach, solvents and suntan lotion can cause permanent damage to vinyl upholstery. DO NOT clean with power washers, they can generate 3500 psi and damage your upholstery. This damage is NOT COVERED UNDER YOUR WARRANTY.

One of the biggest threats to the marine vinyl of your pontoon boat furniture and accessories are stains. Once the party starts, Murphy's Law dictates that someone is certain to spill something on your marine vinyl. Unless you treat these stains quickly and properly, they will set and become permanent additions to the boat's aesthetic. Knowing how to treat these spills is important in order to preserve the look of the interior of your pontoon boat.

*ALWAYS remove stains immediately*
Upholstery must be kept clean & dry!
*Vinyl care and cleaning guide based on testing by vinyl manufacturer*

Although marine vinyl is resistant to water, this does not mean that you should regularly douse the material. You should try to keep the vinyl dry at all times. Even through the material itself is impervious, the seams are not and can absorb water, which can lead to fraying. When it rains, cover or remove (if possible) the seats and store them out of the elements. 

Over time, dirt and grime will invariably build up on your pontoon seats. This shouldn't be a cause concern because marine vinyl is resistant to these sorts of stains. Once a week, wipe down your vinyl with water using a soft damp cloth. Afterwards, towel-dry the vinyl surface. To remove dirt build-up, wash the vinyl down using warm water mixed with mild dish soap and a soft bristle brush to scrub the surface down, then dry with a soft, lint-free cloth or towel. For difficult cases of dirt build-up, you can purchase specialty vinyl cleaners on our online store.

Marine vinyl is mildew-resistant, but mildew can build up on its surface over time. This is especially the case if you operate your pontoon boat in a humid climate. Likewise, it can build up during the winter months when you've sealed the boat's interior for storage, since lack of ventilation and condensation spur the growth of mildew. To remove the growth from marine vinyl, use warm soapy water and a soft brush.

Although normal cleaning of your pontoon boat's marine vinyl surfaces is simple, there are many ways that you can go wrong and end up damaging your pontoon furniture. Most of your cleaning needs can be fulfilled with warm water and mild dish soap. Steer clear of powdered abrasives, cleaners containing abrasives, steel wool, and industrial-strength cleaners, as they will all irreparably damage the vinyl. Never use a lacquer solvent because this will strip the vinyl's top protective coat, eventually leading to it drying out and cracking. You should try to avoid using strong household cleaners such as Simple Green®, Armor All®, Son of a Gun!®, Murphy Oil Soap®, and Formula 409®. These cleaners may remove the stain in question, but they could either immediately damage or weaken your marine vinyl. The use of these strong household cleaners and abrasives can void the warranty of your pontoon boat's furniture and accessories, so you'll want to steer clear of the products listed above. A good general practice is to test whatever product you are going to clean your marine vinyl on an inconspicuous area first to ensure no unpleasant surprises. 

In optimal conditions, marine-grade vinyl can last many years and provide an eye-pleasing interior to your pontoon boat seats and furniture. However, marine vinyl requires regular care and maintenance in order to extend your pontoon's lifespan.