If you’ve spent time in a Cobalt or Malibu, you’ve likely noticed how the seats stay noticeably cooler in direct sun. That comfort comes from Cool Touch upholstery, a specialized marine vinyl designed to reduce heat buildup so your seats stay usable, even on the hottest days.
Cool Touch materials have become increasingly popular across premium models (especially as darker interior colors trend upward) but they also come with a very important rule: they need to be mindfully cleaned. Using harsh cleaners or scrubbing aggressively can permanently strip the cooling technology from the surface.
This guide covers how Cool Touch works, how to clean it, which products are safe, and how to protect the coating for years.
Cool Touch upholstery is a marine-grade vinyl engineered with heat-reflective pigments and surface treatments that help reduce how much solar energy the vinyl absorbs. The result is a material that stays cooler to the touch compared to standard vinyl.
Manufacturers like Malibu and Cobalt pair these materials with UV stabilization, mildew resistance, and a durable topcoat designed for heavy use in wet environments.
The cooling effect is built into the upper layer of the vinyl which is why care matters so much.
Cool Touch vinyl incorporates:
Think of it as a high-tech sunscreen built into the vinyl. And, just like sunscreen, the protective layer can be weakened or removed if exposed to the wrong chemicals.
Cool Touch vinyl's cooling properties come from a thin, engineered top layer, and the wrong cleaners can:
When that layer is compromised, the vinyl behaves like standard (hot) vinyl.
This is the safest day-to-day method for Cool Touch upholstery:
Use clean water or a damp microfiber towel. Removing grit prevents scratching.
The ideal mix is
Warm water + a few drops of gentle dish soap
or a marine vinyl cleaner labeled safe for coated vinyl.
Apply using Microfiber cloths and gentle circular motions
Soap residue attracts grime and can dry out coatings over time.
Use a clean microfiber towel to remove moisture and prevent water spotting or mildew.
The wrong cleaner can strip or scratch this coating, which permanently reduces the cooling effect. Always use gentle, non abrasive cleaners and avoid anything harsh, solvent based, or labeled as heavy duty. When in doubt, test in a hidden spot first.
Safe Cleaners |
Cleaners to Avoid |
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For general use:
For tougher grime, choose:
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These will damage or permanently remove the Cool Touch surface:
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If you notice any of these, the coating may be breaking down:
If caught early, switching to proper cleaners can slow further wear, though lost cooling effect can't be restored. Once the topcoat is compromised, it cannot be reapplied in the field.
Cool Touch upholstery is one of the best comfort upgrades available on modern boats. It looks premium, stays cooler than standard vinyl, and holds up beautifully when cared for properly.
The key is simple:
Use gentle cleaners, soft tools, and avoid anything abrasive or chemical-heavy.
When maintained correctly, Cool Touch seats will continue to look beautiful and feel comfortable season after season.