J/30 Class Association Forums J/30 Forum The Boat, Sails and Equipment Cushion cleaning

OK Team,
The cushions are a little mildewed after the winter. Do I take them to a dry cleaner or just go after it with a shop vac? Any strong opinions here?

Around here many of us have the cushions picked up by a dry cleaning company in the fall. They store the cushions for the winter and then clean them in the spring before delivering to the dock. The cost for this service and the cleaning is about $125.00. Personally, I would never leave my cushions on the boat during the winter. As it is, I wipe the boat interior down with Fantastic each spring just to make sure that everything is clean before the cushions are delivered.

Bob Rude
Mmmmm #352

In my rehab of 484 i removed the covers and spot cleaned with SHOUT then put them in the washer on gentle with Tide
Air dryed. Very satisfied with the results
She sat 6 years with a wet bilge
Now clean and fresh

Both of you have some good ideas. I am not sure about taking the covers off mine. They actually have big metal staple-like buttons through them. It may be time to replace them though as the metal seems to be rusting.

Thanks for the ideas! What a great forum for help on this boat.

I replaced the metal backers with plain buttons
My cushions foam was worth saving
The trick to the button and tuck is a hook that can close, or you can use a piece of tape. Then you can just tie on the plain buttons on the back
Good luck

Seems like a questionable design anyway with the rusting metal on the cushions. I kinda like the idea of having a service clean them though. Seems like someone must have better equipment than I do for getting the winter out of them.