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When I bought my project boat the "Character", it had some
very nice darker blue, bunk and settee cushions. But this boat had been lived in by some
hygienically challenged people, hence the cushions stank!
I removed them from the boat and took them home
to work on. Knowing they were damp and this was Florida in the summer time I knew the only
way to start cleaning them was to get the dampness out. So in the house they came to enjoy
the air conditioning and the lower humidity that goes along with 78 degrees. OK, momma did
not raise a fool but I am occasionally a little dumb. Family member quickly let me know
that the cushions still stank here in the house as well as in the boat and my life was in
danger if I did not get them out of the house then and there.
So here is what I did that bright clear sunny
late May day:
(These were foam cushions with cloth covers, if
yours are anything else, you’re on your own.)
- Take the covers off.
- If they are cloth, wash them according to
directions supplied or in Woolite several times. This material tends to be heavy so make
sure you get it dry within 12 hours or they could start to smell. I don’t think
placing them in the dryer is a good idea. However, if you can’t ring them out and
hang dry them quick enough then try the dryer on air or low heat and monitor them closely.
- Take the cushions outside in the bright clear sun
and lay them out.
- One at a time; spray them lightly with a pleasant
smelling ammonia, quickly sprinkle them a carpet smell fresh product, and lightly spray
them again with the ammonia. Let them dry like this in the full sun for as long as
possible.
- Flip them over and do the underside when they are
dry on the first side. Don't forget to do the edges. Let this side dry fully in the sun.
- Do this a couple times as needed (until they smell
nice again.)
- Bring them into the house, dry storage room, or
your boat.
Tips:
- Don’t use a strong smelling ammonia.
- Use a carpet freshener that you don’t mind
having close to your nose if you are cleaning your bunk cushions.
- Once done, don't put them back out side or
anywhere else where they are subject to humid conditions.
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