Cleaning With Mineral Oil:
Mineral oil is a less common ingredient than vinegar or bleach. Mineral oil is created as a by-product during the distillery process of petroleum.
This cleaner is recommended for cleaning vinyl stains that are older, or even stains that have been caused by oil or grease.
This is because mineral oil has the ability to decompose oils while not doing damage to the surface featured underneath.
One important thing to note when using mineral oil for cleaning your seats it that it is mainly used for the stain itself. For this reason, you will want to make sure your seat is cleaned before proceeding with the mineral oil.
Tips on using mineral oil on marine vinyl seats include:
- To apply the mineral oil you will want to use a small piece of dry cloth that you have applied a few drops of mineral oil to.
- Wipe the stain with the cloth.
- If the stain seems to be really deep, you can consider using a few drops applied directly on the stain.
- Keep the stain on for about 5 minutes.
- Make sure you wash off the mineral oil.
- Repeat this process until the stain is sufficiently removed.
Mineral oil should not be used as a basic cleaning ingredient, it should be used more as a spot corrector for stain removal.
Make sure you are using the proper oil and that you are following any directions or special instructions.
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!
M 09067 Marine Mildew Stain Remover
If you have been having the difficulty in removing mildew from boat seats for a while and have not found the right product, then I would highly-recommend this mildew stain remover from 3M.
This product takes pride in having a research-based formula that effectively removes stains found in the boat seats.
I have personally used this product before and found it to be effective in removing stains coming from mildew and even molds. I was amazed at the flexibility of this product in cleaning different surfaces such as canvas, vinyl, wood, and a whole lot more.
For people who want to take it easy during the cleaning activity, this product is perfect for them. In fact, it is so easy to use with its spray-bottle container. You do not need to exert a lot of effort as this only requires minimal scrubbing to get the job done.
I was also impressed by how this product infiltrates into the source of the fungus to completely remove and prevent it from multiplying further. I can guarantee that this product will be a good option if you want to have a stain-free boat seat.
Meanwhile, as good as this product is, the only minor issue I found is the smell it produces when being used. I found it too strong and is comparable with the strong smell of a bleach product.
- Infiltrates to the source of the fungus to completely remove the mildew
- Comes with a bleach-like smell
You May Like: How To Get Mold Stains Out Of Boat Seats
Mold Cleaning Product Warning
Bleach-based cleaning products are some of the most popular options when it comes to getting rid of mold from boats. Not only is bleach an effective cleaning product, it is also extremely affordable. Unfortunately, bleach deteriorates the stitching on marine vinyl. The detrimental effects are even more noticeable when you combine bleach and sunlight. Mixing bleach and sunlight will cause the threads that bind vinyl seat cushions to weaken and eventually disintegrate. For this reason experts recommend using a mixture of bleach and water exclusively for smaller mold jobs.
If you have extensive mold growth on your boat’s vinyl exteriors, then you might consider using a more expensive cleaning product specially designed for the marine market. Doing so will eliminate bleaching concerns. However, before you buy a mold-killing product make sure to read the fine print. Some vinyl cleaners are automotive formulas repackaged for use on boats. However, they do not include special ultraviolet blocking ingredients that boat owners should be using to protect marine vinyl.
Rmr Brands Marine Mildew Stain Remover
This marine mildew stain remover from RMR Brands boasts of a powerful formula that is 5 times stronger compared to other mildew remover brands. This allows you to remove mildew from boat seats a lot easier than before.
What I like about this mildew stain remover is that it instantly cleans and removes mold and mildew stains. Moreover, it was specially designed for use on marine surfaces, hence making it effective for use on vinyl seat cushions, covers, and dashboards.
I also like how it has an easy-to-use spray bottle design which allows me and other users to clean mildew stains easily without any hassle. Furthermore, the spray bottle design is also great for efficiently targeting mildew stains on your boat seats.
This powerful product contains sodium hypochlorite in its formula which enables it to remove mildew stains quickly and effectively. It can be applied and removed in just 30 seconds. This makes it easy for me to clean my seats and other parts of my boat while still having time to take it out for a ride.
- Effectively removes mildew stains from marine surfaces
- Easy to use spray bottle design that targets and cleans mildew stains
- Quickly removes mildew stains, allowing for more time to use your boat
- Also comes in a gallon version for larger mildew removal projects
- Less effective in removing dark stains from light-colored surfaces
You May Like: How Much Does Freedom Boat Club Cost Per Month
Boaters Edge Be1922 Mildew Stain Remover
This is convincingly one of the best mold and mildew stain removers. It is formulated with buffered bleach technology, which will not harm threads or stitches, making it perfect for use on .
I was skeptical of using this product at first because of its smell. Although not intense, it still made me uncomfortable when exposed. Thus, I always make sure to wear protective equipment while using this product. Additionally, working in a well-ventilated space is my preference to get rid of fumes quickly.
However, I noticed that some stubborn mold and mildew stains remained after the first application. So, I had to reapply the stain remover and did some light scrubbing with soft bristles before rinsing. You may also experience multiple applications and light scrubbing when you use this product, especially for severe mold and mildew stains.
Still, I consider this product as a fast-acting solution for removing mold from boat seats. Why? It is because almost 95% of the molds and mildews on my boat seats were washed off with only one application.
Furthermore, this product is easy to use and apply. Simply spray the formula on the surface and let it dwell for a few minutes. One thing I noticed while letting it rest is how yellowish my boat seats turned, which is the mold and mildews reaction from being lifted off the seats by the stain remover.
- Stubborn mold and mildew stains require multiple applications
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.
Also Check: Cleaning Mold On Boat Seats
Learn How To Clean Vinyl Boat Seats Of Mildew Without The Help Of A Service Professional And Commercial Cleaner In This Short Yet Informative Article
Mildew is a common problem among boat owners. As boats spend most of the time around the water, moisture present in the air creates an ideal breeding environment for mildew to thrive on the vinyl seats. Those unsightly-looking whitish dots not only decreases the boats aesthetic value but cause health issues as well. If your boat vinyl seats are stained from mildew, then read this article till the end to learn how to clean vinyl boat seats of mildew.
Mastering Mold: How To Remove Mildew Stains From Your Boat Seats
Boats give us numerous opportunities to enjoy the waters, but that comes with constant exposure to moisture that we need to handle. For our vessels to look their best and stay in good shape, regular cleaning and maintenance are necessary. Even with our best efforts, though, mold and mildew can start to form.
While we want to keep all areas of our boats clean from mildew, our seats are particularly susceptible to this risk. By staying aware of the dangers and wiping down damp areas before putting our boats away, we can help prevent the buildup of mildew and mold. But what do we do once our seats start to become dirty?
Thankfully, as long as you have the right tools and supplies, you can get your boat seats free of mildew. Our guide is here to get you through the process.
You May Like: Who Owns Freedom Boat Club
Removing Mildew From Unknown Brand Fabric Seats
If you arent sure what type of fabric your boat seats are made of, its safest to assume they are made of regular duck canvas or standard outdoor fabric. This a very economical choice for boat seats however, duck canvas doesnt have the same UV and stain resistance as Sunbrella and may react badly to harsh cleaning methods.
For outdoor fabric seats, you can start with the gentle soap method listed for Sunbrella canvas. Just mix dish soap, Dawn, or Woolite with warm water and gently scrub the stain.
You can also try the Borax or Vinegar methods listed for Sunbrella canvas. Mix the solution in a bucket and gently scrub the stain with a soft brush or cotton towel. Using a spray bottle is another good method of applying a cleaning solution. After the solution has soaked into the fabric, rinse thoroughly and allow to dry.
Finally, you can apply an outdoor fabric protectant. These fabric protectants will increase the cushions water and stain resistance.
What To Do If Stains And Mold Wont Come Out
Not all boat seat stains come out. There are some stubborn stains that are impossible to remove permanent marker and/or pen ink are some of those things.
If you have stains that wont come out of your vinyl boat seats, I would suggest replacing or reupholstering them. This can be very expensive, but unfortunately, there is no other option.
For mold that has sunk deep into your seats, replacing them would be the only option. Mold thats grown onto the inside of your seats can make you sick. Also, if left untreated, it can spread to other conjoining seats on your boat. Its best to treat mold when first sighted because if it spreads, your seats are garbage.
Hopefully, youll be able to keep your seats clean by following the advice and tips in this article so you wont have to replace or reupholster them.
Don’t Miss: Mildew Remover For Boat Seats
Use Magic Erasers On Stubborn Stains
Magic eraser sponges come with special cleaners inside that are ready to tackle messes that stick. What’s also helpful about them is that you don’t have to scrub too hard to see results, so they make for an excellent relief if you’ve been having trouble with a problem area. All you need to do is get them wet and get to wiping.
Because of their size, too, magic erasers are more likely to be able to fit into any gaps and seams your brush can’t manage to get into because of the size. You may need to take a couple of passes with the eraser to get up all the stains, but you will start to see results.
Like with your brush, you don’t want to scrub too hard with magic erasers since they can potentially cause damage to your vinyl. Take your process easy, and you’ll be in good shape to clean up your remaining mildew mess.
You could start with magic erasers if you like, but you don’t need all that power for all stains. Save them for things you can’t get rid of with the above steps.
How To Protect Your Boats Seats While Parked:
Maintenance is important to keeping your boat seats looking great, but it is not the only thing that you should be doing.
When you are not using the boat, you should cover your boat for its own protection. This will prevent all kinds of dirt and damage to your boat.
If you do not want to cover the entire boat, which can be a pain at times, you could look into boat seat covers.
When looking for boat seat covers make sure that you find some that are breathable to prevent mildew. You will also want to be sure your covers are made with a fabric that blocks UV rays.
Don’t Miss: What Does Geico Boat Insurance Cover
What About Washing The Canvas Top In A Swimming Pool
Yeah, you understood that correctly!
Ive known some guys who put their own into a swimming pool overnight and then afterward rinse it off.
However, Ive never done it. I used the spray down method detailed above with soap and brush.
Whats the best way to clean mildew off boat seats?
On vinyl boat seats, Mildew is a royal pain in the ass. But with a little planning and preparation, you can successfully drive it.
Read that for step-by-step directions, plus tips on all the equipment you need to do a great job.
What To Look For When Buying A Mildew Remover For Boat Seats
Choosing the right mildew remover for your boat seats doesnt mean you buy any old mildew remover there is. Instead, you have to consider a number of factors to make sure that youre not only buying an effective mildew cleaner but also one that wont do more harm than good to your precious seats.
To help you with that, I have compiled a list of factors which you need to consider before buying a mildew remover for your boat seats. Theyre as follows:
- Composition
Its a good idea to check out what ingredients were used for the cleaners you are planning to buy. This ensures that the ingredients used wont be harmful to the material used for your boat seats.
Its also ideal to choose mildew removers that contain little to no bleach, considering the fact that it can only dull and discolor the fabric of your boat seats. However, there are some cleaners with bleach as an ingredient that can be used on your boat seats without damaging them, so they would be worth checking out as well.
On the other hand, you can also find mildew removers that are specifically made for marine surfaces, making them safe for use on boat seats.
- Ease of Application
No one wants a cleaner that would require more scrubbing than necessary. Therefore, it would be a good idea to check out mildew removers that are designed for easy application and removal.
An example of easy-to-use designs is the spray bottle which enables users to target a specific area for cleaning.
- Response Time
- Versatility
- Scent
Also Check: Ri Boat Registration Numbers
Bleach On Vinyl Aye Or Nay
It cant be denied that bleach is a powerful cleaner. Among other things, you can also use it to wipe away mold and mildew. However, you must know that some parts of your boat will negatively react, specifically, the vinyl. You may wonder why.
Bleach tends to take away the vinyls oil which is vital for the materials longevity and water resistance. This substance can also destroy the stitching that holds the seats together. After bleach is applied, youll just find them disintegrating.
Nothing lasts forever, so is vinyl. But you can still work on prolonging its lifespan. One thing that you can do is not use bleach.
You always have the prerogative to find safe cleaning options like CLR Mildew Bleach-free Stain Remover, Moldex Biodegradable Mildew Remover, and IOSSO Mildew Stain Remover.
They are free of bleach or chlorine as they are carefully formulated. You can check the ingredients to ensure that the cleaner wont be destructive on the vinyl seats.
G Mold Mildew And Stain Remover
The stains coming from mildew and mold on boat seats are difficult to remove if you use just a regular stain remover. However, when you select a product like the 3G Stain Remover, you will have an easier time to not only remove but completely eradicate the fungi.
During the testing of this product, I was impressed with the fragrance that this stain remover emits. It smells like mint when being used and it will make the surface and the surroundings refresh after the application.
I am also impressed with its versatility in cleaning different types of surfaces. This stain remover has been proven to work effectively on boat seats and golf carts. Furthermore, this can also be used on other surfaces such as tiles, tubs, shower curtains, concrete, furniture, and many more.
For those people who is too lazy to clean stains, this product might work for them. This is easy to use and all you have to do is apply to the targeted area then see the stains being remove effectively. The application is so easy that it provides convenience to the cleaner.
In terms of effectivity, I was totally surprised at how effective this product is after just a few seconds of contact with the stains. Its fast-acting formulation enables this product to remove and eradicate the stains by penetration the surface the source of the stain.
Recommended Reading: Is Banana Boat Cruelty Free
