Storing neoprene seat covers for winter?

[rcadden]

Bought Diver Down neoprene seat covers to protect my leather during a summer full of beach trips and pool-soaked kids and lake weekends. They worked awesome, but the season is basically over, and I'm ready to enjoy my leather again.

However, I want to make sure I clean and store the neoprene properly so they're ready for next summer.

So...how do you clean/store your neoprene?

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[SoCal JLUS]

Bought Diver Down neoprene seat covers to protect my leather during a summer full of beach trips and pool-soaked kids and lake weekends. They worked awesome, but the season is basically over, and I'm ready to enjoy my leather again.

However, I want to make sure I clean and store the neoprene properly so they're ready for next summer.

So...how do you clean/store your neoprene?

Will be watching for the cleaning advice but I will be keeping mine on the whole year. Don't have any leather to enjoy, lol.

 

[rcadden]

Will be watching for the cleaning advice but I will be keeping mine on the whole year. Don't have any leather to enjoy, lol.

Probably one of the best bang-for-my-buck purchases for the Jeep.

I'm actually debating keeping the passenger seat one on - it's *awesome* for the pup to ride with, and his fur vacuums off really easily. Trying to talk myself through how stupid it would look is all, lol.

 

[Heimkehr]

Use a gentle detergent, like Dreft Stage 1, when washing the seat covers. Turn them inside out and use a front-load washer on the gentle cycle. Use a drying rack to air dry the covers, after which they may be carefully folded for seasonal storage. Be careful not to compress them, lest any creases take a set.

 

[rcadden]

Use a gentle detergent, like Dreft Stage 1, when washing the seat covers. Turn them inside out and use a front-load washer on the gentle cycle. Use a drying rack to air dry the covers, after which they may be carefully folded for seasonal storage. Be careful not to compress them, lest any creases take a set.

What about a top-load washer but with no agitator?

 

[Heimkehr]

What about a top-load washer but with no agitator?

Izzat the one that mimics a front-loader by recirculating a small quantity of water during the wash cycle? If so...maybe.

I was just about to edit my post to suggest the idea of handwashing the neoprene seat covers in lieu of using a machine. Otherwise, consider a front-loader at the local laundromat. I suck up that expense when washing my textile motorcycle riding apparel, and camping gear (e.g., sleeping bag), based on the proper care instructions provided by the manufacturers.

 

[rcadden]

Izzat the one that mimics a front-loader by recirculating a small quantity of water during the wash cycle? If so...maybe.

I was just about to edit my post to suggest the idea of handwashing the neoprene seat covers in lieu of using a machine. Otherwise, consider a front-loader at the local laundromat. I suck up that expense when washing my motorcycle riding apparel and camping gear, based on the clear instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Ah, yeah I could google for a laundromat. To that point, I could probably also fill up a bathtub and hand wash them, right?

 

[Heimkehr]

Ah, yeah I could google for a laundromat. To that point, I could probably also fill up a bathtub and hand wash them, right?

Sure. The only risk that comes to mind is potential dye bleed from the seat covers staining your tub.

Perhaps a pre-rinse, using clear warm water, to determine if the seat covers are color-fast (and they should be so). If so, proceed with your washing method as you choose.

 

[rcadden]

Sure. The only risk that comes to mind is potential dye bleed from the seat covers staining your tub.

Perhaps a pre-rinse, using clear warm water, to determine if the seat covers are color-fast (and they should be so). If so, proceed with your washing method as you choose.

Good shout. Maybe I start with the headrest covers in my laundry room sink first.

 

[XJfanatic]

I just throw mine in the washing machine normal cycle with an extra rinse. Do it twice a year with no negative effects.

 

[LuvHydro]

I luv the look of my blue Diver Downs.

Sadly after only 3 months the black portion is quickly turning brown. I knew this was an issue with Neoprene, but still a bit disappointing.

Also, just as a note, I treated them with 303 before installation hoping to delay the fading.

 

[HydroBlue22]

Good shout. Maybe I start with the headrest covers in my laundry room sink first.

Being from DFW area, do those seat covers get hot/hold heat? I'm looking at getting them also but am a little concerned they'll make me sweat even more in the Tx. heat.

 

[rcadden]

Being from DFW area, do those seat covers get hot/hold heat? I'm looking at getting them also but am a little concerned they'll make me sweat even more in the Tx. heat.

I loved them. They get hot, but not as hot/sticky as leather. My focus, though, was more to protect the leather vs avoid hot seats. I was, however, pleasantly surprised to find them comfortable.

The only way you'd completely avoid swamp ass in Texas summer is with AC blasting and cooled seats. I try to use the AC as little as possible and obviously don't have cooled seats.

 

[HydroBlue22]

Thanks for the info!

 

[Heimkehr]

I luv the look of my blue Diver Downs.

Sadly after only 3 months the black portion is quickly turning brown. I knew this was an issue with Neoprene, but still a bit disappointing.

Given enough time, that brown may shift into a dirty gray. Prolonged exposure -- i.e., driving with the top lowered/removed -- may accelerate that process. Voice of experience.

Just something to keep in mind.

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