Yeah, that's what I was thinking. I generally get by with a light cleaning (BHB, diluted APC) but sometimes a little vinegar helps with things like salt deposits. Try to *not* get the padding too wet.
Once it's decent, I find that a *light* spray with the hose, just enough to dampen it a little bit, and wiping with an old cotton towel will keep it looking good. Spend a minute at every wash and it'll never need a lot of work.