How to Remove Mildew from Boat Seats
Boating is a pastime enjoyed by millions of Americans. Cruising along the surface of the water is exhilarating. However, lounging in the boat can be an uneasy experience when the boat seats are covered in mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More. Our professionals are here to prove some safe ways to remove mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More stains from boat seats.
The National Marine Manufacturers Association reports that 12 million boats were registered in the US in 2018. The majority of these boats are small, being sailboats, powerboats or personal watercraft. These boats have an average length of less than 26 feet.
Approximately 95 percent of the recreational boats purchased in the U.S. are American made. Most of the boats are manufactured with vinylVinyl is a durable synthetic plastic material commonly used ... More seating. VinylVinyl is a durable synthetic plastic material commonly used ... More is the preferred material for cushioned boat seats because of its durability as well as its ability to withstand water exposure.
VinylVinyl is a durable synthetic plastic material commonly used ... More, despite its long-term resistance to wear and tear, comes with limitations. VinylVinyl is a durable synthetic plastic material commonly used ... More seating can gradually become shabby when improperly maintained. MildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More can form, too. Boat owners must clean the vinylVinyl is a durable synthetic plastic material commonly used ... More seating on a regular basis to remove splotches of mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More and moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More.
Mold and mildew sporesSpores are microscopic reproductive units of fungi or mold t... More are everywhere in the natural environment, so fully protecting a boat from the airborne sporesSpores are microscopic reproductive units of fungi or mold t... More is impossible. MildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More requires three elements to flourish: moisture, ideal temperatures, and an organic food source, like upholstery fabric. Controlling mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More is a continuous effort.
Although cleaning mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More off boat seats is a regular chore, the cleaners necessary to remove mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More stains are inexpensive and readily available. Be careful when selecting a cleaner, as some may contain bleach as a primary ingredient. Bleach removes mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More but is harmful to vinylVinyl is a durable synthetic plastic material commonly used ... More seats.
Why should boaters avoid cleaning mold with bleach?
Bleach is a powerful cleaner and useful for cleaning mildew and mold off a multitude of surfaces. When used on vinylVinyl is a durable synthetic plastic material commonly used ... More materials, however, bleach strips the vinylVinyl is a durable synthetic plastic material commonly used ... More of the essential oils that are necessary to preserve its longevity and resistance to water.
As a harsh cleaner, bleach will break down the vinylVinyl is a durable synthetic plastic material commonly used ... More over time. Rather than retain its durability, vinylVinyl is a durable synthetic plastic material commonly used ... More seats cleaned with bleach will become more easily damaged from normal wear and tear. Plus, when using bleach, the boater may accidentally bleach the carpeting or nearby materials.
Although bleach is an inexpensive household solutionA solution is a homogeneous mixture of two or more substance... More, using it to clean vinylVinyl is a durable synthetic plastic material commonly used ... More boat seats is not recommended. Instead, purchase cleaners specially designed to clean vinylVinyl is a durable synthetic plastic material commonly used ... More, as these are better for preserving the material. Commercially made vinylVinyl is a durable synthetic plastic material commonly used ... More cleaners are available at all marine stores.
Use distilled water when cleaning the seats. Alternately, clean, fresh water or tap water will clean the seats without causing damage. Salt water and water from a lake or river are filled with minerals and dirt that will wear down the seats like sandpaper during cleaning.
Step 1: Wipe away dirt
The first step in removing mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More from boat seats is to saturate a clean cloth with fresh or distilled water. Wipe away visible dirt from the vinylVinyl is a durable synthetic plastic material commonly used ... More seats. Spray the vinylVinyl is a durable synthetic plastic material commonly used ... More cleaner onto the seats and into any gaps and seams—mildew thrives in concealed places, like these.
Step 2: Follow recommended contact times
Allow the mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More cleaner to saturate the vinylVinyl is a durable synthetic plastic material commonly used ... More for the length of time recommended on the product’s label, usually a few minutes. Longer contact time is ideal when the mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More stains are stubborn. Extended contact time allows the cleaner to break down the mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More and moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More and make it easier to clean.
Step 3: Scrub away mildew
Once the recommended contact time has passed, scrub the vinylVinyl is a durable synthetic plastic material commonly used ... More with a soft brush. Soft bristles are critical, as they will not scratch the vinylVinyl is a durable synthetic plastic material commonly used ... More material and cause additional damage. When scrubbing, apply gentle force; excessive force will also result in unnecessary damage.
Step 4: Wipe away remaining mildew
Gently scrubbing the vinylVinyl is a durable synthetic plastic material commonly used ... More seats as well as the crevices will remove the majority of mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More. However, minor amounts of mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More and moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More may linger. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe away the remaining mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More. Depending on the extent of mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More, several microfiber cloths may be needed.
Eliminating heavy mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More stains is unlikely to be accomplished in one round of cleaning. Successfully removing the mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More may require repeating the aforementioned steps several times. If a stain is especially stubborn, boat owners have a last line of defense—magic erasers.
A magic eraser spongeA sponge is a porous material used to absorb liquids or clea... More is manufactured with cleaners inside. Boat owners often notice good results immediately upon using the magic eraser on problem areas. A few passes may be necessary to get rid of the mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More. Apply gentle pressure to avoid causing further ruin to the vinylVinyl is a durable synthetic plastic material commonly used ... More boat seats.
Once the mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More stains are removed, add a vinylVinyl is a durable synthetic plastic material commonly used ... More protectant as a preventive measure against future mildew outbreaks. Since mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More thrives in moisture-rich areas, wipe down the vinylVinyl is a durable synthetic plastic material commonly used ... More seats after a day on the water. Run a towel along the seats’ cracks and seams to ensure a thorough dry.
Mold Remediation Specialists
MoldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More and mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More affect boats and buildings alike. When moisture conditions are ideal, moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More and mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More will invade the areas and cause serious damage. If you are faced with a moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More disaster of any level, consult the mold remediation experts at RestorationMaster.
Our moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More cleanup technicians are IICRC-certified and experienced in eliminating moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More from a variety of spaces, including residential homes, commercial businesses, and facilities of all sizes. We tackle moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More infestations that are visible and those that are concealed behind walls and underneath floorboards.
When you call RestorationMaster, expect top-notch mold remediationMold remediation is the process of identifying, removing, an... More services. We’ll promptly arrive and perform an assessment of the moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More damage. Black moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More, if present, will be contained so that the sporesSpores are microscopic reproductive units of fungi or mold t... More do not contaminate other areas of the property.
Skilled mold clean up specialists remove all traces of moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More and apply antimicrobials. Using cutting-edge cleaning products and techniques, our technicians prevent moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More from returning. We also work with property owners to accelerate moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More damage insurance claims.
MoldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More is a nuisance that must be professionally addressed. RestorationMaster immediately respond to calls for emergency moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More removal. Call us at for fast and reliable mold remediationMold remediation is the process of identifying, removing, an... More services.
About Vince Sandri
Vince Sandri is a content writer and blogger with more than 12 years of experience. His expertise is in creating content related to disaster restorationRestoration is the process of returning a property to its pr... More, including information about preventing and reacting to natural disasters like floodingFlooding is the overflow or accumulation of water in areas t... More, water damage, fire and smoke damage, moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More growth, storm damage and more.
Vince has been the main contributor to RestorationMasterFinder.com since 2014. Over that time, he has written numerous service pages and blogs for disaster restorationRestoration is the process of returning a property to its pr... More providers featured on RestorationMasterFinder.com. Vince has done extensive research and covered a wide range of topics relating to disaster restorationRestoration is the process of returning a property to its pr... More to help homeowners, business owners, and property managers better protect their property. He understands the problems that disasters like floodingFlooding is the overflow or accumulation of water in areas t... More, fire, smoke, and moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More can cause as well as the best ways to respond to these issues to limit the damage.
Vince completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at Aurora University and his master’s degree at DePaul University. He has been writing SEO website pages, blogs, and press releases since 2012. Vince is also a musician and can be seen playing in the Chicago, IL area.
