Spring Cleaning: Best practices for cleaning and maintaining vinyl.
Welcome to the first installment of “Spring Cleaning (Pun Intended).” We received so many questions about best practices for cleaning and maintaining Pilates apparatus, that what was going to be a single video, will now be a multi-part series. New articles, resources, and videos will post throughout spring, so stay tuned and make sure you subscribe to Pilatay.com to be notified of new content.
Pilates equipment is a Pilates lover’s most prized possession. A scuff, a stain, a rip, or a tear can be heartbreaking.
To kick off this series, Spring Cleaning (pun intended), where we answer your most asked questions about cleaning Pilates apparatuses, we are talking vinyl.
We will be posting Spring Cleaning articles and videos throughout the next few weeks. Subscribe to Pilatay.com for notifications.
The basics
Most Pilates apparatuses are covered in Naugahyde® brand vinyl, which is manufactured by Uniroyal Global (watch out for imposters which may not have the same quality, using the Naugahyde® name.)
Naugahyde® vinyl has BeautyGard® coating which protects against bacterial and fungal micro-organisms.
How do we clean the vinyl?
The Naugahyde® company recommends cleaning vinyl with a solution of household liquid dish soap with warm water, applied with a soft, damp cloth.
For more tough stains, they recommend using a soft brush.
For heavier soiling, isopropyl alcohol can be used as wipes or with a soft bristle brush and then washed away with clean water. (More on this in the brochure below.)
If all else fails, they recommend bleach (rinsing with clean water after use). Which, to be honest, made me cringe in horror. So, I called Uniroyal Global, and spoke with Bob Keir, Inside Sales Manager for Uniroyal Global.
“The top coat is vital to the fabric,” said Keir. “We can only recommend products that we have tested. Because consumer products change without notice, we can’t recommend any. We have tested and can recommend Dawn® dish soap, isopropyl alcohol, and a 10% bleach/water mixture.”
While it can be tempting to use an array of cleaning products, they recommend against this because consumer products are subject to change without notice. They also have not tested the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, nail polish remover, or essential oils.
And, always test your cleaning procedure first on an inconspicuous area.
Do:
Use a 10% household dish soap and water mixture. Dawn® is recommended.
Test all cleaning products and procedures first in an inconspicuous area.
Use a soft brush for more tough stains.
Wipe away any cleaner residue with a dampened, clean cloth after application.
Don’t:
Don’t use paper towels. “Paper towels are often made from recycled materials and contain particles such as ink. This may contaminate the cleaning process. Therefore, a soft, clean white cloth is recommended.” (https://www.naugahyde.com/faq/)
Don’t use commercial cleaners such as Formula 409, Fantastic, or Armor-all as cleaning products. The company says they recommend against these because consumer products are subject to change without public notice to the consumer and may contain chemicals that could mar a vinyl-coated fabric.
The company answers frequently asked questions about vinyl care here and more on the website:
What causes cracks and how can you prevent them?
According to Keir, cracks can be the result of the fabric drying out, which can be caused by cleaning solutions or sunlight. It can also be the result of wear and tear. The most important thing to preserving the longevity of your vinyl is to prevent the topcoat from degrading.
To condition the fabric, a light application of mineral oil is recommended.
To restore luster, the company says a light coat of spray furniture wax can be applied. Apply for 30 seconds and follow with a light buffing using a clean white cloth.
How do you repair rips and tears in the vinyl?
When it comes to repairing rips and tears in the vinyl, you have two options: do it yourself, or hire someone.
Do it yourself with an at-home kit
There are several brands of home repair kits out there. Uniroyal Global directed us to a leather and vinyl repair kit manufactured by Invisible Repair Products.
The product provides color and grain matching. This kit comes with seven colors, which you mix yourself. You can obtain a formulation by sending a photo of the vinyl to the company, or you can use a color chart. And, it comes in both heat and air-dry cure. (More on that below.)
Stay tuned for a video “how-to” where I repair a chew mark. (Yes, you heard that right. My dog actually chewed the corner of my Small Arm Chair.)
Keep in mind
All vinyl is NOT created equal. Although Naugahyde® is a registered trademark of Uniroyal Global, it is often used as a generic term for vinyl.
Lower quality brands can actually melt with a heat application.
So, make sure that your vinyl is heat safe if you are using the heat application test kit (it also comes in air dry).
Note that most Pilates equipment manufacturers use the Uniroyal Global Naugahyde®, but be careful with some of the “cheaper” stuff, or if you buy used equipment that may have been recovered with an off-market vinyl by the previous owner.
Pilates apparatus maintenance specialists
If this isn’t something you are comfortable doing yourself, or if you want to replace the vinyl altogether, you can also look at Pilates apparatus repair companies, which specialize in maintaining and renovating Pilates equipment.
Consider asking the company for referrals from previous clients who have had similar work done.
Vinyl repair specialists
There are many companies out there that specialize in repairing and replacing vinyl. For example, in Miami, where Pilatay is headquartered, there are many companies that specialize in repairing vinyl on boats. Around the country and beyond you can search for a local vinyl furniture repair company.
For more cleaning resources:
If you have any questions about how to clean and maintain your apparatuses, check out the manufacturer's websites where they often have a downloadable PDF, frequently asked questions, and other resources. Follow all the products manufacturer’s warnings.
Remember that cleaning products can be harmful to the eyes and skin, and always wear protective gloves and eye covering. Use in a well-ventilated area, don’t swallow any products, and follow all the product manufacturer’s warnings.