Alternative Boat Seat Cleaning Options
When looking to clean boat seats, there are other options available:
- Hire an interior boat cleaning company: A boat cleaning company will come and clean the seats for you. This service costs $150 on average.
- Hire a professional to clean the seats: Find a professional on thumbtack or Craigslist to wash and clean out the vinyl seats.
These options are best for those that want to outsource the cleaning work.
SummaryHire a professional cleaning company or individual if you prefer to outsource the cleaning.
Removing Mildew From Boat Carpet
I also wanted to share with you a quick tip on how you can also clean up mildew and mold from a boat carpet, where you have fabric flooring rather than vinyl.
The best method I have used in the past is to use a product called Wet and Forget carpet cleaner. Ive used it on my pontoon and also on a house boat and it gives excellent cleaning results.
This spray is a mix of hydrogen peroxide and water, but with some added elements , but it wont bleach the carpet or upholstery. From what I read, this is exactly the same approach that many people used after Hurricane Katrina and it works well on all wet environment applications.
Once you have got rid of the boat carpet mold, you want to treat it to reduce the chances of the mold coming back in the future.
The best mold treatment product I have used is called Mold Control. You can , and then using a cheap water sprayer, place it down on the affected area.
Facebook comments & feedback
After the success of my original article on the best way to clean mildew off boat seats on a pontoon, I asked for some feedback and comments on Facebook. Heres a short selection of that feedback from other boat owners.
I was really grateful when you published the vinyl boat seat cleaning mildew guide. I had tried other method, scrubbed hard, and even pressure washed but with zero results. This works perfectly and I am no longer embarrassed about inviting people on board.
How Does It Work
Weve mentioned it many times, and well confidently say it again: boat seat mildew removers are simple to use. But before anything else, wear protective clothing and gloves to prevent skin contact and possible adverse health effects.
Following the dosage recommendation in the label, start by directly spraying or wiping the mildew cleaner on small sections of the stained surface. Make sure to get into creases and folds to ensure no spots will be left behind.
Depending on instructions, you may want to soak the cleaning solution for a little time. It may take a few minutes to hours to let it set in and dissolve the stain, especially for stubborn mildew.
Some products also require scrubbing to lighten the stains. Using a soft brush or clean cloth, gently scrub the affected area. Do not apply too much pressure as it may scratch the surface or damage the delicate materials. Cleaning boat seats with a magic eraser is also an option to rub the stains off.
Afterward, rinse off the mold remover and wipe the surface dry. Repeat the whole procedure if specks are still noticeable. Dont be disappointed if you are unsuccessful with one try. Even other boaters experience the same, especially with heavy build-up. Just trust the process, and youll get those boat seats clean as brand new.
Don’t Miss: Sell My Boat Fast
Buy Now If Our Customers Could Theyd Give Us 6
Once in a great while, you can actually agree with the claims made by a product and dont feel letdown by the ensuing experience of using it. Such is the case with MiracleMist.
We promise that MiracleMist will clean your boat vinyl more thoroughly and faster than products youve used in the past. Our promise is supported by our chemistry a smarter chemistry that minimizes the dwell time needed to produce an impressive clean.
Not sold yet? We invite you to watch these videos to see what our customers have to say after their MiracleMist experience. We hope youll have the same reaction and will send us your video experience!
Miracle Mist Instant Mold And Mildew Stain Remover
I used this product to clean the mold off my boat seats. I have tried other products and harsh chemicals and did not get any where close to the results of miracle mist. It is truly as close to a miracle as it gets. Test for color fastness
You May Like: Freedom Boat Club Lindenhurst
Other Important Factors To Consider
Now that you know what are the main factors to consider when choosing the right mildew remover, its time to know more about them. What exactly are mildew removers? Why are they effective at removing mildew?
What is a Mildew Remover for Boat Seats?
A mildew remover for boat seats is a type of cleaning solution that is designed to clean and remove mildew, which is a type of fungus, from boat seats.
Mildew removers are a necessity for boat owners because boat seats are incredibly susceptible to mildew since they are constantly exposed to environments and weather conditions that are favorable to the growth and spread of mildew. Mildew removers help clean and remove these tough fungi which can cause potential health issues when inhaled.
How Does It Work?
Mildew removers remove and clean mildew by killing the fungis spores. They do this through the use of acids from which most removers are formulated. Acids are incredibly effective in killing mold and mildew spores which is why its a common ingredient in mildew removers.
Why Do You Need a Mildew Remover?
As mentioned before, boat seats and boats in general are susceptible to the growth and spread of mildew because of the environment and weather conditions to which they are constantly exposed to.
Mildew thrives on areas that have high moisture, and it tends to spread quickly, especially on surfaces like boat seats. Moreover, it can cause serious health problems when inhaled.
Whats The Difference Between Mold And Mildew
When addressing mold and mildew issues, its helpful to know how theyre similar and how they differ. Mold and mildew are fungi that share many of the same characteristics: Both thrive in moist, dark areas, and they can grow on a wide variety of surfaces from food, to shower stalls, to paper.
Mold is usually black or green and is a result of a large infestation of spores. It can appear either fuzzy or slimy. Mildew, on the other hand, most often looks like white or gray powder dusting the surface of an area.
Mold is tough to control once it starts. And surprisingly, mold doesnt require warmth to survive. Mold can withstand cold climates, since freezing temperatures dont kill spores. When the weather warms back up, the mold will take off growing again.
Mildew is easier to treat than mold, since its not as hardy. But it can cover wide swaths of surface area, and if it gets into fabrics or paper , youre better off just tossing those items.
Don’t Miss: Is Boat Insurance Required In Washington State
Cleaning Products For Boat Seats
After decades of playing with boats, I have found some cleaning products that I count on to do the best job for me. One might expect that you would have to spend a bunch of money on marine only cleaners. However, thats not what Ive found, and I dont just work on cheap beginner boats. I have boats that are upwards of $50,000 and I use the same products if theyre required.
On BeginBoating.com youll most often see examples of projects being done to some pretty neglected boats. This is done with purpose, because when most people begin boating, they do it with a beginner boat. Just like in the video above, Im cleaning boat seats of a boat that I most likely am going to donate . It does you no good if I demonstrate how to clean a newer semi-dirty seat.
For cleaning vinyl boat seats, these are a couple trusted ones:
Get More Boat Tips From Smooth Moves Seats
Stay connected to our blog to find more boat tips or to read stories from our pro anglers on why they love using Smooth Moves Seats. To learn about the benefits of upgrading to our advanced boat seat system, browse our website for more details on our Smooth Moves Air and Ultra. Or find a dealer near you!
Don’t Miss: How To Clean Mildew Off Boat Seats
Clean Vinyl Siding With A Pressure Washer
Cleaning vinyl siding by hand can be long and tiring, so some choose to pressure wash a house. Pressure washers save a lot of time and energy and produce clean results, but can also damage siding and cause more problems if used incorrectly. You can rent or buy one at various costs, anywhere from about $50 and up. Here are the steps you should follow when pressure washing a house with vinyl siding.
The Best Vinyl Siding Cleaning Article
I bet you wont find a better article online about cleaning vinyl siding!
Feel free to use the table of contents to skip to the section you are most interested in or scroll down and start learning everything there is to know about how to clean vinyl siding.
*BTW This took us 1 week to write & we interviewed multiple professional pressure washers!
Don’t Miss: Resale Value Of Pontoon Boats
How Do You Remove Mildew From Vinyl Boat Seats
Aside from choosing the suitable mildew remover, there is no difference between removing mildew from vinyl boat seats and eliminating molds and mildews from boat seats made with other materials. You can use a homemade cleaner or professional mildew remover.
All you need to do is spray your preferred mildew remover onto the seats, let it soak for a few minutes, scrub the seats, if necessary, and then wipe away the formula. Other products, especially those with bleach, suggest thorough rinsing with water to avoid bleach residue or future deterioration.
Proven Ways To Remove Mildew From A Boat
If you own a boat you know what a chore it can be to remove mildew from canvas and other surfaces like vinyl.
On my boat, I get a lot of mildew on the vinyl seat bolsters even though they sit outside in the sun. For this reason, I have tried a few different methods for cleaning mildew from boat canvas and vinyl.
You May Like: How To Remove Mold And Mildew From Vinyl Boat Seats
Clr 8541813620 Mold And Mildew Remover
Many people, including me, prefer using CLR because of its proven effectiveness, and one of their products that stood out for me is the CLR 8541813620 Mold and Mildew Stain Remover. It meets the Safer Product Standards of the Design for the Environment approved by the Environmental Protection Agency .
What I like the most about this product is its easy application. Mold-and-mildew-free boat seats are a spray and wipe away. With the built-in trigger spray bottle, spillage or uneven application will not be an issue. Plus, it is a foaming solution, which prevents unnecessary splashes when in use. It also allows a maximum setting time on the affected surface, enabling deep absorption.
I used this to clean the seats of one of my pontoon boats, and it works fine. I say it was fine because, in my case, the mildew stains were not too heavy, but I still have to apply it several times. Moreover, I achieved the best results by cleaning boat seats with magic eraser sponges and this product.
I am not saying that you will also do the same as I did because in some cases, you can spray the solution onto the surface, let it absorb for a few minutes, then simply wipe all those stubborn molds and mildews away. Just like the upholstery of one of my boats, I efficiently removed the molds and mildews that developed overnight.
- Approved by the Environmental Protection Agency
- Works on fabrics, vinyl, and upholstery
- No fumes or strong chemical smell
- Several applications may be necessary
Will Vinegar Make The Canvas Smell After It Dries
No, using white vinegar to clean mildew out of canvas will not cause the canvas to smell like vinegar after you rinse and dry the canvas. Once the vinegar dries completely you do not smell it at all.
If you are still concerned about it, add a little Woolite or other mild soap to the mix, as was mentioned earlier to add a little fresh smell to the canvas. This is completely optional though.
What if you do not want to mix up your own DIY solution for removing mildew?
Recommended Reading: What Pitch Prop For My Boat
Cleaning Mold And Mildew Off Boat Seats
Some people suggest using a mixture of 3 parts water and 1 part mild soap, with a soft cloth or sponge. I think youll find that to be a complete waste of time. Mold is not just sitting on the surface of the vinyl. It penetrates a little and thats why you need to use a more aggressive product and procedure.
There are several products for cleaning mold. Not many actually work, but some work really well. In the video below, youll see what most would consider an extreme case. If you didnt see the boat seat vinyl become clean, you wouldnt believe it could be done. Yet, look how simple it was.
Tips For Removing Mildew From A Boat Carpet
Boat carpet is usually treated to prevent the formation of mold. Over time this treatment can wear off, exposing the boat carpet to the moist air. Boats are usually dark and dank, and the carpet is often traversed by people wearing soiled shoes these particles can get into the carpet, making it a breeding ground for spores. Once boat carpet gets infested with mildew it is only a matter of time before that turns into mold. When this happens the entire boat can become infected with spores, which will be very bad for your floating investment. Remove any mildew from your boat carpet as soon as you can using these five tips.
1. Sunshine
Mildew and mold enjoy the dark and moist areas, and if these areas are also somewhat humid, the mildew will grow rapidly. One of the best ways to rid your carpet of mold or mildew is to remove it and place it on deck in the sunshine. The suns ultraviolet light will kill the mildew and mold after several hours of direct exposure.
2. UV Light
Not every piece of boat carpet is removable and this can be a problem when trying to rid it of mildew. Even though the sun will kill mildew, if the carpet cannot be removed you need to be able to bring the sun to the carpet. A powerful UV light will be able to do the same job as taking the carpet out. There are many UV vacuum cleaners on the market to suit every budget.
3. Clean the Boat Carpet Often
4. Remove Moisture
You May Like: Boating License Nebraska
Read Also: Geico Boat Rental Insurance
Magic Erasersthe Good And The Bad
Magic Erasers can seem truly magical and are used a lot in marine cleaning. However, they are an abrasive product and harsher than simply using soap.
How To Clean Marine Vinyl Fabric
So you are here for one of two reasons…
You recently got a boat and you want to keep it in great shape or the more likely option is you have some mildew or stained seats and you want to get it clean without damaging your seats. Today is your lucky day as you have come to an expert for advice.
Lets start with prevention.
You are probably wondering why outdoor marine grade vinyl would mold in the first place. The vinyl is treated to help prevent mold and mildew. The main characteristic that separates Marine Grade Vinyl and regular vinyl is marine grade vinyl has UV protection and is Mold/Mildew resistant.
Guess What The problem isnt with the vinyl!
The real problem is how the material is cared for and cleaned. We are not pointing fingers, but this is usually the #1 reason marine vinyl breaks down.
So now youre probably asking, what is the best way to prevent mold, mildew and those dreaded cracked seats? First off, you need to cover your seats when they are not in use. The sun will damage anything left outside. This is the #1 cause of fading and cracked seats. If you want your boat seats to last, they simply need to be covered. They dont make boat covers because they look nice and are a pain in the butt to roll up. They help protect your boat from those harsh UV rays. Professional Tip make sure your cover has a vent cap to help with air circulation.
So what will stain your seats? Besides the sun, sunscreen, food, drinks, cardboard boxes, leaves, grass, and ink.
Don’t Miss: How To Look Up Boat Hull Numbers
