Caring for Your Sileather Upholstery

The Marine Cleaning Guide for Sportsman Boats

At Sportsman, every boat we build comes equipped with Sileather® marine upholsterys. This advanced silicone-coated fabric isn’t just about comfort and style—it’s engineered to handle the harshest marine environments with ease. Thanks to its proprietary Siotech® formula, Sileather is inherently stain-resistant and long-lasting, giving you more time on the water and less time worrying about upkeep.

Why Sileather Is Different

Unlike traditional vinyl, Sileather uses a 100% silicone coating with very low surface tension and tiny molecular gaps. This unique structure makes it extremely difficult for stains to penetrate, so spills and messes can be cleaned up quickly without leaving marks behind.

General Cleaning Method

For everyday messes and routine maintenance, follow these steps:

• Use a soft cloth to remove as much of the stain as possible.
• Apply clean or soapy water with a cloth or sponge, and gently wipe until the stain disappears.
• Wipe again with a clean damp cloth, then let the surface air dry.

Tip: Always rinse away any residue left by cleaners. Residue can shorten the life of the fabric and affect its appearance over time.

Professional Cleaning Method

For tougher stains or deep cleaning:

• Remove the excess stain with a clean cloth.
• With a damp cloth or sponge, apply a moderate amount of one of the following: Isopropyl alcohol solution, professional marine cleaning agent, or diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 4 parts water). Wipe gently and repeat if needed.
• Rinse thoroughly with a clean damp cloth and let air dry.

Again, be sure no residue is left behind, as it may harm the fabric or its finish.

Important Cautions

• Always test a new cleaner in a small, hidden area before full use.
• Use only soft, clean cloths or sponges that won’t fade or scratch.
• Avoid rough or abrasive tools.
• Alcohol-based cleaners are flammable—use sparingly in well-ventilated spaces, wear gloves, and avoid ignition sources.
• Most common stains can be removed with just water, but for lipstick, markers, or other stubborn spots, use isopropyl alcohol and clean within 24 hours.
• Monthly maintenance is recommended for the best long-term results.
• Keep hydrocarbons, benzene solvents, and cyclosiloxane oligomers away from Sileather.
• Do not use surface treatments such as UV protectants, polishes, conditioners, or stain guards.

Additional Marine Cleaner Information

Many marine cleaners are designed for PVC-coated vinyl fabrics, not silicone. Sileather has internally tested several marine products for chemical compatibility, but these are not recommended for general cleaning.

Quick reminders:

• For most stains, follow the general cleaning guide above.
• Always spot clean before using any cleaner.
• Never leave cleaner residue behind.
• Avoid any type of polish.

Upholstery That Lasts as Long as Your Adventures

By equipping every Sportsman boat with Sileather, we’ve taken the guesswork out of marine upholstery care. With simple, routine cleaning and the right techniques for tougher messes, your seats will stay looking sharp for years to come—so you can spend more time enjoying the water.