How Do You Clean White Vinyl Boat Seats
Make a solution of 1 gallon of water and 1/4 cup of mild soap. Use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe the vinyl in a circular motion, avoiding pooling water in the seams. Rinse the seats with clean water and a clean cloth to remove excess soap.
Step 1: Spray CLR Mold Remover onto the seats. Step 2: Use a soft brush and scrub lightly. Step 3: Wipe away mildew debris with a microfiber cloth. Step 4: Use the Magic Eraser for the really stubborn stains. Step 5: Use 303 Protectant to seal and protect the vinyl.
Thereof, How do I make my vinyl white again?
Mix 1 part bleach with 2 parts water. Apply with a soft cloth. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and allow to dry. White vinegar is another product that has had some success.
Also to know is, How do you clean white boat seats? A basic cleaner for white vinyl boat seats has the following ingredients: water and mild soap. Mix both, and you have a cleaner! The trick to taking care of the white vinyl boat seat is to do it regularly. Clean it after every trip and every week, if possible.
Subsequently, question is, How do you get stains out of boat seats? As we mentioned above its best to use warm soapy water and scrub it with a plastic bristle brush. You can also use marine vinyl cleaner that is made specifically to clean seats. This is recommended because you dont want harsh cleaners and scrubbing to take off the outer protective layer of he vinyl.
Also, How do you clean white vinyl car seats?
Quickly Repair Your Boat Seat Vinyl
I have used Coconix Upholstery, Vinyl and Leather Repair Kit in the past to repair a few small tears in a boat seat. This process can be quicker than taking off the seat cover to make a new panel and sewing it back on, but it isnt as good as new vinyl. Though maybe it doesnt need to be.
Ive used other products that require heat to cure the product and pattern imprint. I prefer NOT to use heat on vinyl, because it is easy to make your problems worse, real quick. If you get used to the process, you can make some really quick vinyl repairs that are hardly noticeable .
One of the most important parts of this type of vinyl repair, is the mixing to attain the exact match color. It is a lot of trial and error. This is something you should try though. You just may be good at it. If so, you will find a lot of different applications for this. As with the other products, I am including a because this is going to most likely be your best price.
So as you can see, theres no reason to fear dirt, mold, or mildew on your boat seats. In fact if youre buying a boat that has a nasty interior, you just might be able to get a great deal on it. Though I will say, if the owner lets his boat seats get that bad, theyre most likely not properly maintaining other aspects of the boat.
What Is The Mildew Remover For Boat Seats
To answer the million-dollar question, the top-tier mildew remover for boats depends on your cleaning requirements. Each product has its benefits that you can get the most out of by carefully considering the different factors that play into action.
Hence, we have listed down these buying guides to make shopping for boat mold cleaners easier for you:
- Type of mildew cleaner
Mildew stain removers for boats commonly come in two forms. You can choose from either liquid or powder form.
Most boat cleaning products found in the market are in liquid form. They are widely sold as a handy sprayer that many boaters prefer because they are ready to use as they are. There is no need for mixing as they can be immediately and directly applied on contact.
Meanwhile, mold removers in powder form are useful when soaking heavily stained materials. It also offers convenience because they usually come in small containers that can be easily chucked inside the car trunk or backpack if youre an active outdoor person.
Both liquid and powder forms are economical because they come in larger quantities. Liquid mildew removers are available in gallons for surfaces that need deep cleaning. On the other hand, even a small container of cleaning powder can amazingly produce gallons of solution.
- Ease of Application
Regardless, they all guarantee satisfying results. It is how you follow the manufacturers instructions that play a vital role in its effectiveness.
- Speed of cleaning action
- Type of surface
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Different Cleaning Agents You Should Know
When it comes time to start to clean your boat, you will want to make sure you have all the supplies that you need.
Supplies needed to clean your boat can include:
- Vacuum Cleaner
- Old toothbrush
- Cleaning solution designed for your upholstery
There are different types of cleaning agents that you can use to clean the seating on your vessel. Make sure when you are selecting one, you pay special attention to any special needs that are required for your fabric.
You can figure this out by looking up exactly what grade of vinyl or other material you have and see if there is anything you need to know or look out for.
Some possible cleaning agents include:
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.
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Can I Use Bleach To Remove Mildew Stains On Vinyl
Yes, although using bleach on vinyl boat seats is not ideal. Bleach dries up the vinyl seat by removing the natural oil from vinyl, damaging your boat even more. Although its a quick solution, it can do more harm than good, so its best to avoid using bleach completely.
How Do You Get Stains Out Of Vinyl Seats
If you have any spots to remove on your vinyl seats, you can make a paste with baking soda, which is known for brightening surfaces and lifting stains. To make a baking soda paste, simply mix three parts baking soda with one part water and add five to ten drops of dish soap to the paste mixture.
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References and Further Readings :
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How To Clean Vinyl Boat Seats Of Mildew
- Spraying the Remover
You can start spraying the remover once you have all the needed things on hand. It must be done in full coverage. So, dont miss the gaps and seams as mildew can also develop in these areas.
Give the cleaner some time to work its wonders. Check the label for the recommended time. It usually needs five minutes or more for stubborn stains. Let it sit longer if necessary to break down the mildew, and it will be easier for you to clean.
- Scrubbing the Surface
After giving the mildew remover enough time, you can start scrubbing the vinyl seats. Part of being careful is using a soft brush like the one with nylon bristles. See to it that you dont mislay scratches or some damage on the surface.
If you picked a mildew remover that works like magic, you dont have to scrub hard to eleminate the stain. You may remove the mildew but some debris can be swept with ease. When scrubbing, focus on nooks and crannies too.
- What to Do With Debris
Debris will be likely seen on sections with serious mildew infestation. Simply wipe them out to make the vinyl seats spick and span! It would be helpful if you should use a microfiber cloth in doing the job. Its the kind of fabric that doesnt tear up over vinyl.
Again, dont forget about narrow sections as they also need to be cleaned even though theyre a bit hidden. Prepare more than one piece of microfiber cloth. The number that you may need depends on the seats color and their condition.
- Repeat When Needed
M Mildew Stain Remover
The 3M Mildew Stain Remover is a mildew stain remover thats specially formulated to remove dark stains and dirt from light-colored surfaces. It can also be used on vinyl, making it perfect for cleaning mildew from boat seats.
The thing that I love about this mildew remover is that it doesnt simply clean the surface. It also penetrates deeply into the material to clean it thoroughly and effectively get rid of mildew and mold. This prevents them from reoccurring, hence making your life as a boat owner a lot easier.
Additionally, its easy to use and quick to work so its efficient at cleaning as well. Moreover, it has a quick-acting formula that doesnt require any scrubbing so you can say goodbye to vigorous scrubbing all you need to do is spray then wipe.
Its especially effective in removing dark mildew stains from light-colored and white vinyl, so keeping your boat seats stylish and pristine wont be a problem at all.
- Not suitable for use on tougher stains
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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
How Do You Bleach Boat Seats
Some people claimed it would not only stain the vinyl seating, it would also weaken the threads. Then I read someone who said they had been in the upolstry business for over 20 years. He said you can absolutely use bleach but to mix 1 cup in a gallon of water. Then to apply it but not to leave it on forever.
Also Check: How To Remove Mold From Vinyl Boat Seats
Is It Possible For A Laundromat To Clean A Canvas Cover
Surprisingly, yes. You can go to a laundromat and get the cover cleaned using their huge washing machine. Laundromats that are near a marina usually offer this time of cleaning. They also use a specialized laundry detergent that is suited to remove mildew.
The price for washing covers in a laundromat varies in every location. Typically, it will cost around $35 every time you hit the laundromat to remove mildew. This is already cheap as a custom boat covering can cost you around $1,500.
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.
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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.
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
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Scrub But Don’t Scrub
Alright, so we’ve gone over the cleaning and drying process but there is one more thing that we need to cover. I mentioned at the very beginning about a scuffed seat. After a few rounds, people start wanting to kick their feet up on anything available. I don’t blame anyone because I do the exact same thing, but it still leaves marks.
Check out these premium boat scuff magic erasers. They make removing these unsightly marks an absolute snap. Stay away from those green scrubbing pads and especially steel wool, and be amazed at how quickly these magic erasers can clean vinyl seats. They can work anywhere else on your boat as well!
You won’t find anything safer or easier. Speaking of scrubbing, when you’re using the ultra safe cleanser we mentioned you should pair it with an equivalent brush. This high-quality cleaning brush set includes one nylon brush for general cleaning, and a gentler horse-hair brush for any detailing that needs to get done.
Your scrubbing shouldn’t be overly vigorous, and the cleaning brush set above does wonders at helping you to apply just the right amount of force. With the arsenal of four simple items I’ve suggested, you’ll be prepared for any difficulties that might be presented. Mother Nature will cower in fear at your cleaning prowess!
Marine 31 Mildew Remover Gel
Like all the other Marine 31 products, this remover in gel form exceeded my expectations. I tried using it as a vinyl mildew cleaner, and it does wonder. My boat seats were heavily mildewed, but this product removed those stubborn mildew stains. It takes multiple applications, though, before I achieved my desired result.
This products outstanding feature is its high viscosity, enabling long setting time on the affected surfaces. It allows the gel to slowly and deeply penetrate the impacted area, leading to an effective and fast mildew stain removal. Light mildew stains are removed quickly with only one application.
Another fantastic feature of this product is that the gel formula doesnt need to be diluted, making it easy to use. You can either put the gel in a spray bottle or directly apply the gel to the area. You should lightly scrub the surface with a soft brush or cloth before rinsing and drying for the best result.
I love using this product for cleaning my boat upholsteries. Imagine all the hassle you can save yourself from when you use this product. All you have to do is apply the gel on the damaged surface, let it sit for at least three minutes, then rinse and dry it thoroughly. After that, the upholstery is good as new.
- Ideal for vinyl and upholstery
- Can quickly remove mildew stains
- High viscous gel with no dilution needed
- Also designed for household cleaning
- May sometimes require multiple applications
- With strong bleach smell
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