What Youll Need For The Job
Boats are in constant contact with moisture. And, no matter how careful you are, mildew will form over time. The experts recommend wiping out the seats with a piece of dry cloth and avoiding unnecessary exposure to water. But what if youre already past that stage and the seats are messed up? Heres a list of the most useful and effective tools slash supplies that will help you deal with mold and mildew easily:
- Mildew stain remover
- A brush
- Microfiber cloth for cleaning
- A couple of sponges
- A can of protective spray
The best thing about this stuff its pretty cheap and available both at local stores and online shops. For example, a decent-quality stain remover will only cost +/- 20 US dollars. In my experience, the Marine 31 mildew remover is one of the most effective vinyl protectants on the market. You can get it for 20-40 bucks depending on the size of the boat. The rest of the supplies are even less expensive.
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.
Getting Rid Of Mildew
A buildup of mildew is not only unsightly it can actually end up reducing the value of your boat. Unfortunately, mildew is a fungus. In order to kill the spores, youll need to use a fairly strong disinfectant. To start, mix a 50/50 mixture of water and white vinegar.
Although this quick and easy solution will address current mildew stains, it will not prevent stains from reoccurring. In order to take more effective proactive measures, youll want to invest in a mold and mildew stain cleaner that also acts as a stain blocker. We recommend 303 Mold & Mildew Cleaner + Blocker.
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Star Brite Sail & Canvas Cleaner
This option is for boat owners searching for an eco-friendly solution for dull sail covers and horrible boat seat mold stains. Formulated with biodegradable components, the Star Brite Sail & Canvas Cleaner can get rid of any dirt, mold, and stains on your boat while being mindful of the environment.
Like most boat mildew removers, this cleaning agent is specially formulated to treat marine upholstery like vinyl seats and cushions.
Staying true to its name, this stain remover is popular because it can be used to clean sail and canvas. Many customers prefer its fabric-safe formulation that can astoundingly restore soiled boat seats and covers until they become white again.
Besides, it wont cause discoloration of materials but revive its colors instead without any damage on stitchings. So, do not be hopeless about those heavy stains and brighten up by using this amazing product.
- Can be applied on vinyl and fabric
- Superb at restoring white seats and brightening colors
- No adverse effects on the environment
- Delicate with threads and upholstery
- Requires light scrubbing and multiple application to remove stains
Things To Avoid When Cleaning Your Vinyl Boat Seats
Avoid using your own homemade vinyl boatseat cleaner. There are many guides online which instruct you on how to createyour own mixture however its not worth the risk when purchasing a specialistproduct is so cheap. Its easy to get the mixture wrong, thus damaging yourboats seats. Its not worth risking your expensive boat seats to save a fewbucks.
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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!
Use A Bleach Solution
If you are positive your fabric is Sunbrella, you can use a bleach solution to clean the mildew stain.
After youve thoroughly cleaned your Sunbrella fabric, you can re-apply 303 Fabric Guard. This fabric protectant will help your fabric resist future mildew stains. Its recommended that you clean your Sunbrella cushions and re-apply the fabric guard every year.
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Apply The Mold Remover
The first thing you need to remove mildew from boat seats is the bleach-free mold and mildew stain remover. Next, spray it on the seats, making sure you use it in all gaps of the seat because mildew tends to form there too. When you are sure you sprayed the entire area, let it sit for at least 5 minutes. If the stains you are trying to remove are very stubborn, you can leave the stain remover to soak the seats longer. The soaking time will make the mold and mildew stains from vinyl boat seats break down and become much easier to clean.
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
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Boaters Edge Mildew Stain Remover
Next, theres the Boaters EDGE mildew stain remover which is a cleaner thats designed to remove mildew from marine fabrics like vinyl and acrylic.
This mildew stain remover is great for removing mold, mildew, and even other things like moss and algae stains without the need for heavy scrubbing as its capable of removing stains upon contact. Moreover, its heavy-duty triple-action formula is effective and perfect for heavy-duty use.
What I love about this product is that despite its heavy-duty and powerful formula, its still safe to use for marine and outdoor upholstery like vinyl and acrylic. This makes it perfect for removing mildew from your boat seats.
I also love how it works on different types of surfaces, making it a versatile option for those who want to make the most of their mildew remover. Its professional-grade and concentrated cleaning formula is also perfect for use in different areas, whether at home, sea, or commercial places.
- Versatile and can be used in different environments
- Tougher stains require some scrubbing to be completely cleaned
How To Clean White Vinyl Boat Seats
How to clean white boat seats. What can i use to clean white vinyl boat seats? Boat bling vinyl sauce also removed a few tough fabric stains where other marine. How to clean white leather.
Try these simple dos and donts for how to clean boat seats: That’s why this guide will show you the right way to clean vinyl boat seats and what you will need to get the job done. With some practical advice, you can keep the white seats and upholstery of your boat in the best possible condition.
The best way to prevent mildew from getting cozy on your boat seats is to practice regular cleaning and maintenance. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time i comment. How do you clean white vinyl boat seats?
Another easily available item to clean up dirty white vinyl boat seats is club soda. Cleans like you wouldn’t believe Over time, those vinyl boat seats might start to look like a hot, discolored mess.
Both a and conditioner, ec. When you have white vinyl seats, make a mixture of 50% water and 50% white vinegar. White vinegar, liquid soap, club soda, and warm water.
The best products we have found to extend the life of marine vinyl are the starbrite marine vinyl treatment and 303 aerospace protectant. These ingredients are safe for vinyl and other sensitive surfaces. Wipe it off, rinse then apply a uv protectant.
One of your concerns will be how to clean white vinyl boat seats. Use a marine vinyl treatment. How to whiten vinyl boat seats.
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Get Rid Of Mildew Stains With Commercial Products
In this method, treat mildew stains on vinyl with appropriate commercial products. You will need a mildew stain remover, a microfiber cloth, a magic eraser, and protectant spray. Mildew or mold stain removers and other tools required for this method are available in your nearest local hardware or grocery stores.
The stain remover will help you get rid of mildew stains by dislodging them off your vinyl. The use of a microfiber cloth instead of abrasives will protect your vinyl seats from scratches, which is essential for keeping them in top condition.
Follow the steps to remove stubborn mildew stains on your boat seats using commercial stain removers:
In this technique, the use of protectant spray prevents the recurrence of mildew stains and protects your boat seats against UV rays from the sun.
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.
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Iosso 10900 Mold & Mildew Stain Remover
Are you looking for a quality mildew stain remover for boats? If yes, then the Iosso 10900 Mold & Mildew Stain Remover must be on top of your list. This product is specially formulated with non-chlorine and biodegradable materials for marine applications, which is beneficial for boat owners who have mold and mildew problems. It is also safe to use on colored fabrics.
I find this product interesting because of its powdered substance. It enables users to utilize it easily and adjust the mixtures concentration depending on their preference. I mixed mine with warm water and put it in a spray bottle for an even sprinkling of formula.
However, the process after making the mixture is the real challenge. Please note that this product is not like any other mildew remover as it will test your patience while cleaning. Heres what I did: I continuously kept the surface to be cleaned wet, then sprayed the mixture on it, let it rest for a few minutes, and sprayed another batch before leaving it until the next day.
After that, I rinsed it with water, sprayed the mixture onto the surface again, scrubbed it with a soft brush, and washed it with water. From there, the old mold and mildew stains on my boat seats have lightened. Thus, I repeated what I did several times until I saw definite changes.
From my experience, I can say that this is slightly expensive for its overall performance as it took me a long time before achieving desired results.
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
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Can You Use Clr On Boat Seats
Yes, you can use CLR Mold & Mildew Clear on boat seats. Ive used this product on one of my boats seat cushions to remove rigid molds and mildews after 10 minutes of resting, all molds and mildews came off the seat cushions neatly.
Although it works perfectly, it may not work on other marine vinyl upholstery. However, one of my friends told me that it worked excellently on his vinyl boat seats. He followed the products instructions and lightly scrubbed his boat seats with a magic eraser.
You can try it on any vinyl surface, but dont expect too much. If you plan to clean your vinyl boat seats with CLR, I suggest using the CLR 8541813620 Mold and Mildew Stain Remover. It is formulated to work well on marine vinyl upholstery.
Can I Use Bleach On Vinyl
Although it may be tempting to use bleach, this whitening agent can dry out and in turn, damage vinyl. While some recommend a diluted solution of water and bleach, there are plenty of products that are far superior reducing your risk of damage and potentially needing to reupholster.
The same is true with any other harsh compound, including but not limited to concentrated detergents, waxes, dry cleaning fluids, solvents, and acid-based cleaners.
Regardless of the issue, its best to check your vinyl seats maintenance instructions. That way, youll gain insight into suggested best practices moving forward. If your seats are removable, take them off so that you can clean them more effectively and always use soft cleaning tools.
Its best to have soft-bristled brushes handy, as well as some spare sponges and/or dishcloths. This will reduce the risk of damage.
When in doubt, always opt for a specialized cleaner. For all of your marine needs, regardless of the application, there are effective products.
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