Cleaning Mildew Off of Boat Seats

Owning a boat can be extremely rewarding, but it also comes with some responsibilities. Regular boat maintenance is important if you want to keep your boat functional and ready to go on a cruise at a moment’s notice. Something that’s often overlooked is the cleanliness of your boat, specifically when it comes to mold and mildew. Because your craft is around water, it’s more likely that these unwanted and unsightly stains will show up on your vinyl seating at some point. This makes your seats look uninviting and reduces the resale value of your vessel.

So how do you deal with these fungal invasions? As your local boat dealer, Andersen Boat of Burnt Hills, New York, has rounded up some tips for cleaning the mold and mildew off your vinyl so you can make it look bright and clean again, ready for your next adventure.

Gather Up Supplies

The first step is to remove items on your boat seats and have it trailered and ready for cleaning. Then you can gather up your supplies. Many boat manufacturers caution against using harsh chemicals like bleach on your vinyl, as this can further discolor or damage it and cause it to wear out much faster over time. Bleach wears down seams as well, forcing you to replace your seating entirely.

Choose some gentler cleaners for this task instead. One highly recommended cleaner is CLR Mold & Mildew Remover. In addition to this cleaner, you should have a soft-bristle brush, some microfiber cloths, some gentle sponges and some Magic Eraser white sponges on hand. The final step will require a good marine-grade sealant to protect your vinyl. We recommend 303 Aerospace & UV Protectant.

Spray Cleaner & Scrub

Spray down your vinyl with CLR and get the liquid into every crevice. You may want to apply more on darker spots of mold. Let the substance soak for five to ten minutes before you take your soft brush and gently scrub at the stains. You don’t want to grind in the bristles as this may wear down your vinyl or scuff it. Mold and mildew should come off easily as you do this.

Wipe It Down

Next, use your sponges or microfiber cloths to wipe all that muck and debris away. If you find that you’ve still got some patches left, you’ll want to repeat the spray, wait, scrub and wipe cycle until things look clean. Failing that, you can try the Magic Eraser to scrub at stubborn stains gently in circular motions, and this should remove much of whatever is left. Wipe down the vinyl again when you’re done.

Seal & Protect

Once you’ve removed all traces of mold or mildew, it’s important to take steps to prevent it from coming back in the future. Spray down your dry vinyl with 303 Aerospace & UV Protectant. This sealer is designed to create a nice glossy finish while repelling dirt, mold, mildew and even sun damage which can all discolor and break down your vinyl over time.

After every boat ride, make sure you wipe down your vinyl and keep your boat clean. Never store your craft while it’s damp, as this only provides a breeding ground for fungus.

Still don’t have the perfect craft? Visit our Burnt Hills dealership today to check out our current selection of new and used boats for sale in many styles. We have a pro shop to help you get the boating gear you need, and we also provide financing options. Andersen Boat proudly serves the New York cities of Saratoga Springs and Schenectady.