Best Boat Seat Cleaners: Keep Your Vessel Pristine

Boat seats are made from vinyl, which is a porous material that can be damaged by mould and mildew. To keep boat seats in good condition, it's important to clean them regularly and gently. The best way to do this is to use a soft rag and gentle soap, such as warm dish soap and water. This process should be repeated at least once a week, and more often if the boat is used frequently or stored in a damp environment. While there are dedicated vinyl cleaners on the market, these should only be used if mould or mildew appears, as they can scrub away important anti-microbial, anti-fungal, and anti-stain barriers. When using a vinyl cleaner, it's important to follow up with a vinyl protectant to prevent further damage.

How to prevent mould and mildew on boat seats

Mould and mildew are the scourge of many boaters. This fungus flourishes in dark, damp places with lots of moisture and poor air circulation. To prevent mould and mildew from growing on your boat seats, follow these steps:

Cover Your Seats

The sun will damage anything left outside. This is the number one cause of fading and cracked seats. If you want your boat seats to last, they need to be covered when not in use. Make sure your cover has a vent cap to help with air circulation.

Wipe Down Seats Regularly

Wipe down the seats with a soft rag and gentle soap, such as warm dish soap and water, at least once a week. This will prevent contaminants from getting into the material and causing mould and mildew to grow. Pay particular attention to cleaning up any spills or messes right away, as they can cause stains and provide a breeding ground for mould.

Deep Clean Monthly

Once a month, give your seats a deep cleaning by soaking them with soap and water and letting it sit for a few minutes to loosen any dirt or grime. Then, gently wipe down the seats again. Repeat this process several times until the vinyl is clean. Be sure to clean your seats on a monthly basis, even if the boat is kept indoors, to remove dust and airborne contaminants.

Rinse Seats After Each Use

Rinse down the seats with freshwater after each use, even if they appear clean. This will help to remove any invisible contaminants such as suntan lotion, bug repellent, or sweat that may provide a breeding ground for mould and mildew.

Avoid Aftermarket Cleaners

Avoid using aftermarket vinyl cleaners unless absolutely necessary. Over time, the treatments on your seats will wear away, and you may need to use a dedicated vinyl cleaner to remove tough stains. However, these cleaners can also remove the important anti-microbial, anti-fungal, and anti-stain barriers on your seats, so use them sparingly and only when needed.

Apply a Vinyl Protectant

After using any vinyl cleaner, allow the seats to dry completely, then apply a vinyl protectant to help extend the life of the vinyl.

Avoid Caustic Cleaners

Never use caustic cleaners, especially bleach, on your boat seats. These tough cleaners will damage the vinyl and turn it brittle, leading to rips and tears. They will also damage the threads used to sew the vinyl together, causing the stitching to deteriorate over time.

What products to avoid when cleaning boat seats

When cleaning boat seats, it is important to avoid certain products and cleaning methods to prevent damage to the upholstery fabric and vinyl. Here are some products and practices to avoid when cleaning boat seats:

Power Washers

Power washers should be avoided as they can damage the upholstery fabric and vinyl. The high pressure of a power washer can strip away protective sealants, leaving the seats vulnerable to UV rays, fading, and cracking. The pressure can also damage the stitching and fabric of the boat seats. If you must use a power washer, it is recommended to keep it on the lowest setting, maintain a distance of at least one foot, and continuously move the nozzle while using it.

Scrub Brushes

Using scrub brushes on boat seats is not advisable. Scrub brushes are designed for tough surfaces and can be too harsh for fabric boat seats, potentially tearing the fabric and leaving permanent marks. Instead, opt for mild soaps and gentle cloths to clean the seats effectively without causing damage.

Harsh Chemicals and Household Cleaners

Harsh chemicals and household cleaners should be avoided as they can damage the boat seat material and cause discolouration. Bleach, for example, can remove protective layers from vinyl, and household cleaners are often too strong and harmful. Instead, use mild soaps, detergents, or cleaners specifically designed for marine vinyl or fabric.

Magic Eraser

While a Magic Eraser can effectively remove dirt and marks, it will also remove the protective outer coating from the boat seats. This can leave the seats vulnerable to damage and discolouration.

Degreasers

Degreasers will give your boat seats a clean appearance, but they will also strip away the protective coating over time, weakening the material. While degreasers may be necessary to address extreme mould build-up, it is best to use alternative methods for regular cleaning.

Goo B Gone

Goo B Gone is effective at removing stubborn messes, but it will also remove the protective coating from the boat seats. This can expose the seats to potential damage and discolouration.

In summary, it is crucial to avoid certain products and cleaning methods when maintaining boat seats. By steering clear of power washers, scrub brushes, harsh chemicals, Magic Erasers, degreasers, Goo B Gone, and household cleaners, you can effectively clean and protect your boat seats while preserving their longevity.

How to remove mould and mildew from boat seats

Mould and mildew are the scourge of many boaters. This fungus flourishes in dark, damp places with lots of moisture and poor air circulation. To make matters worse, once mould and mildew have penetrated your boat seats, they can be extremely difficult to remove. This is because they grow into the cushions as well as the vinyl, and even if you manage to clean them off the surface, they will just grow back from the inside out.

Prevention is Better than Cure

The best way to deal with mould and mildew is to prevent them from taking hold in the first place. Modern marine vinyls are treated with anti-microbial, anti-fungal, and anti-stain barriers, which do a good job of keeping mildew and mould at bay. However, these treatments can be scrubbed or chemically burned away if you use the wrong cleaning products or techniques. Therefore, it is important to follow the steps outlined below:

• Rinse your boat seats down with freshwater after each use, even if they look clean. This will remove any suntan lotion, bug repellent, or sweat that might provide a breeding ground for mould.
• Wash your seats with a soft rag and gentle soap at least once a week, or more often if possible.
• Give your seats a deep clean with a soft rag and gentle soap at least once a month.
• Avoid using an aftermarket vinyl cleaner unless mould or mildew appears that cannot be gently scrubbed away.
• After using any vinyl cleaner, allow the seat to dry completely, then apply a vinyl protectant.
• Never use caustic cleaners, such as bleach, or stiff-bristled brushes on your boat seats, as these will damage the vinyl and the threads used to sew the seats together.

Removing Mould and Mildew

If mould or mildew does take hold, you will need to take more drastic action to remove it. Here are some of the best boat seat cleaners recommended by boaters:

• Star Brite Mildew Stain Remover
• Marine 31
• 3M Vinyl Cleaner/Protectant Cream
• 303 Marine & Recreation Aerospace Protectant
• Malco Leather Plastic Cleaner
• Concrobium Mold Control
• Oxy Clean
• Mold Armor
• Simple Green
• Tilex
• Vinegar

When using any of these products, always follow the manufacturer's instructions and take care to protect yourself with suitable clothing and safety equipment.

How to clean vinyl boat seats

Cleaning Your Seats

Firstly, rinse down your seats with freshwater, then use a soft rag and gentle soap to clean the vinyl cushions as often as possible—at least once a week is recommended. You can also use dish soap and water, carefully scrubbing the seats to remove dirt, sweat, and debris. Be sure to rinse your seats after each use, even if they look clean, as suntan lotion, bug repellent, or sweat may not be visible but can cause damage.

For a deep clean, use a soft rag and gentle soap at least once a month. If there are stubborn stains, soak the seats with soap and water and wait a few minutes for dirt and grime to loosen before gently wiping down. Repeat this process for several cycles until the vinyl is clean.

Drying Your Seats

After cleaning, always wipe down your seats until they are completely dry. Leaving moisture on a surface that is susceptible to high humidity creates the perfect breeding ground for mildew.

Preventing Mildew

To prevent mildew, use a protective sealant. Research which product is best for your fabric and follow the instructions carefully. If the instructions recommend a monthly application, be diligent and never skip a session. It is much easier to prevent mildew than to remove it.

Removing Mildew

If mildew does appear on your seats, do not treat it with bleach. Instead, invest in a quality mildew remover that is specially formulated for boat use, safe to apply to vinyl, and free of harmful chemicals. After applying the mildew remover, maintain your cleaning and drying routine to avoid further mildew exposure.

Other Tips

• Cover your seats when they are not in use to protect them from the sun, which is the number one cause of fading and cracking.
• Ensure your boat cover has a vent cap to help with air circulation.
• Wipe down your seats twice a month to catch any less visible messes, like sunscreen.
• Avoid using harsh cleaners or scrubbing too hard, as this can damage the outer protective layer of the vinyl.
• Do not use a power washer, magic eraser, degreasers, bleach, Goo B Gone, gasoline, or household cleaners on your vinyl seats, as these can damage the protective coating.

The best boat seat cleaners

Boat seats are usually made of vinyl, a material that is susceptible to mould and mildew. The best way to prevent mould is to cover your seats when not in use and to wipe them down after every use. However, if your boat seats are already covered in mould, there are several products that can be used to clean them.

Star Brite Mildew Stain Remover

Star Brite Mildew Stain Remover is a popular choice for cleaning boat seats. It is designed for marine vinyl and can be used to remove mildew spots and blood from the seats. It is available at Wal-Mart, Academy, West Marine, BPS, ship's stores, and on Amazon. When using Star Brite, it is recommended to use a Scotchbrite pad or a stiff brush for better results.

Marine 31

Marine 31 is another effective product for cleaning boat seats. It is a vinyl cleaner that can remove mould and mildew. It may require some scrubbing, but it can leave your boat seats looking brand new. After using Marine 31, it is important to rinse the seats thoroughly to wash away any remaining bleach.

3M Vinyl Cleaner/Protectant Cream

The 3M Vinyl Cleaner/Protectant Cream is a product that not only cleans the surface of marine vinyl fabric safely but also adds a protective layer to extend the life of the vinyl.

Other Options

Other products that can be used to clean boat seats include:

• 303 Marine & Recreation Aerospace Protectant
• MALCO LEATHER PLASTIC CLEANER
• Simple Green
• Clorox Clean-Up
• Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
• Borax and warm water
• Tea tree oil and water
• Concrobium Mold Control
• Oxy Clean and warm water
• Vinegar and water
• Soft Scrub and Scotch Brite
• X14 Cleaner
• Bleach and water
• Tilex
• Mold Armor
• Clorox Mold and Mildew Spray

It is important to note that some of these products, such as Magic Eraser and bleach, can be too harsh on boat upholstery and may damage the protective coating or the threads. Therefore, it is recommended to test them on a small inconspicuous area first and always follow up with a conditioner.

Frequently asked questions