Published on: 30/06/2021 Updated on: 30/09/2025
Macky to the test: how to clean boat cushions left outside for years!
Here we are for Carlo Luongo's sixth video tutorial dedicated to how to take care of your boat. Carlo really wanted to put Macky, our degreasing and sanitizing cleaner for boat cushions. The object of the thorough restoration test was a bow cushion that had been abandoned to the elements for years. Let's find out together if Macky passed Carlo Luongo's test!
On the cushions of older boats it is possible to see areas that, even after cleaning, show a "shaded" effect, caused by deterioration of the fabric that is now irreparable. Mafra has developed Macky, the degreasing and sanitizing cleaner for cushions (interior and exterior) fabric and skai. Macky is ideal for fabric maintenance and cleaning, precisely to prevent these side effects and, at the same time, have the upholstery in optimal condition at all times.
Moreover, one of the main mistakes people make about cushions, especially in skai, is to consider them impervious to dirt and to think that a very aggressive product is enough to restore them. Unfortunately, this is not the case!
Skai is a synthetic fabric-also referred to as "leatherette"-and as such suffers from the corrosive action and discoloration from sun, weather and unsuitable products. In addition, it is a porous material; one only has to observe it closely to see that there are many unevennesses and small depressions on the surface, which promote the deposition of dirt.
Carlo Luongo wanted to really put Macky to the test, on a bow cushion that had been abandoned to the elements for years and covered in all kinds of dirt. Follow Carlo's tips for using Macky to the fullest and find out with him how he passed the test of the cushion that had been left at the mercy of the elements for years!
Macky: a guarantee of thorough cleaning
Macky is the Professional boat cushioning degreaser and cleaner (interior and exterior) fabric and skai designed in Mafra Research and Development laboratories. In addition to perfectly removing stains and keeping the colors of the treated parts unaltered, Macky Cleans and sanitizes fabric and all plastic parts, but also washable fittings inside the boat.
Macky's action: effortlessly dissolves traces of oil and sunscreen and easily removes stains from accidental spills of liquids and drinks, while also removing odors.
Quick and easy to apply, it ensures a quick and safe result while leaving a pleasant scent.
Macky is available in the 750 ml bottle, supplied complete with trigger. On the label are directions for use in twelve languages, complete with warnings and certificate of biodegradability.
Find out how best to use Mafra's Macky-the result is excellent!
Watch the video tutorial dedicated to Macky!
Restoring boat cushions: Macky to Carlo Luongo's restoration test. Here are the steps of the application
Wet the surface
Thoroughly wet the area to cool it down. As also mentioned in previous tutorials, wetting the surface before use serves to prevent the cleaner from overacting and causing side effects. A particularly good procedure for colored surfaces.
Apply the product
Apply the product to the area to be treated. If the cushion is very large, Carlo's advice is to work "in pieces." In this way, it will be easier to monitor the action of the product on the dirt and thus prevent it from corroding the surface.
Allow the product to act
Wait a few moments for the product to work properly, thus avoiding having to use too much elbow grease!
One note to always keep in mind: high temperature enhances the effect of any product. So, as we have already seen in other tutorials by Carlo Luongo, it is always a good idea to have the water hose handy to cool the surface.
Spread the product
Spread the product with a sponge to proceed with cleaning.
The extra tip: Depending on the condition of the fabric, consider whether to use the abrasive side (tenacious dirt on recent cushion) or the soft side of the sponge (dirt on older cushion). In fact, skai is often very thin, so it is easy to get unsightly scratches that deteriorate the surface layer.
Rinse
Rinse thoroughly.
One special caution: make sure that dirt and soap also run off from untreated areas and, in general, from the entire boat, dragging them away with the water flow. This is to prevent dirt, as it runs off and then dries, from adhering to other materials and becoming difficult to remove due to inadequate compatibility between surfaces.
Drying
Wipe with a microfiber cloth so that all traces of water and soap are removed from the surface.
Continue cleaning
Repeat the same steps over the entire pillow, until the entire surface is treated.
Here is the result!
After treating boat cushions with Macky you will notice an unprecedented result! The dirt has been removed, now proceed step by step to clean the entire surface.
Use Macky for cleaning boat cushions!
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Carlo Luongo's valuable notes
The product has full compatibility with fabrics, but on upholstery that is dated or on which you do not know of any products that have been applied, it is a good idea to do a test in a hidden spot to know optimal application time and yield.
Watching Carlo Luongo's video, you will notice that there are areas of the cushion that have not been fully restored and remain discolored. We would like to point out that Macky is not a restoration product: if the cushion is already discolored from corrosion, the surface will be cleaned but aesthetically not restored.
At the end of the application, you will be able to notice that the pillow, in addition to having acquired a new shine, is rougher to the touch. This phenomenon is given by the effect of deep cleaning of the detergent. Mafra has a solution for this as well: it is Marly, the product that gives elasticity to skai cushioning and revives it by making it soft and supple. Marly protects the fabric by nourishing it and thus preventing cracking from dryness and UV rays. Keep following us, in the coming weeks we will find out more about this product as well, again with Carlo Luongo!
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