Trying to clean up the boat

BoatingBetty · Jun 28, 2011

Hey all,

I've got an older Bayliner and the mold and mildew has started to become a big problem. None of the crap I use seems to work from taking it off the vinyl seats. Am I the only one with this problem? Do you all use something that actually works? If you could tell me what is and where to get it I would greatly appreciate it! Any other comments or suggestions are well appreciated as well.

sbbamafan · Jun 28, 2011

Re: Trying to clean up the boat

Soft scrub and a wet sponge works best for me.

roscoe · Jun 28, 2011

Re: Trying to clean up the boat

Trisodium Phosphate or TSP.

If you can't get it at the local hardware store or farm supply, then try the TSP substitute.

Once the mildew gets a good hold, it is hard to make it gone.

TSP, sunshine, clean and dry, bleach.

emilsr · Jun 28, 2011

Re: Trying to clean up the boat

I've had good results using Mr. Clean's Magic Eraser. Try to stay away from the stitching and follow it up with a good application of 303 protectant after you're done.

jigngrub · Jun 28, 2011

Re: Trying to clean up the boat

Have you tried the Armorall automotive interior cleaning wipes for vinyl upholstery? They work pretty well for me, and I follow up with the protectant wipes. Let set about 30 min and remove the excess with a towel.

robert graham · Jun 28, 2011

Re: Trying to clean up the boat

I put Clorox in a spray bottle, wet the area with fresh water, spray it with clorox, brush it some, rinse right away with fresh water. If in doubt, use some clorox on a Q-Tip to apply to small area to make sure you don't damage anything. Clorox and bright sunlight can remove a lot of mildew. I use the straight clorox on my Sunbrella Bimini top, rinse off quickly, really works on mildew!

lncoop · Jun 28, 2011

Re: Trying to clean up the boat

+1 on the Magic Erasers. I've found them to be very effective on upholstery. They don't last that long though, so you'll need to buy several boxes if you decide they'll work for you.

MrBigStuff · Jun 28, 2011

Re: Trying to clean up the boat

Heck, I just use Tilex, the same stuff we use on the shower & bathtub. Spritz it on and use a medium bristle brush to scrub the vinyl, including seams, then rinse with the hose and viola! Just did my bass boat seats yesterday and they were pretty bad this time with mildew. Look almost new. YMMV.

jigngrub · Jun 28, 2011

Re: Trying to clean up the boat

Be very careful with the bleach based cleaners, I used to use these on my upholstry and they work really well on mildew... but will eat the threads that your upholstry is sewn together with over time, and you can guess what happens after that.

That's why I switched to the Armorall products.

mlpaskett · Jun 28, 2011

Re: Trying to clean up the boat

You could give this a try...
http://www.homedepot.com/Paint-Clea...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

jayhanig · Jun 28, 2011

Re: Trying to clean up the boat

Marine Spray Nine.

retiredfornow · Jun 28, 2011

Re: Trying to clean up the boat

Works great! Works on any color.

BoatingBetty · Jun 28, 2011

Re: Trying to clean up the boat

Thank you so much for all your help! These are some great ideas that I'll have to try out.

brick75 · Jun 28, 2011

Re: Trying to clean up the boat

+3 on the magic erasers. I just recently had this problem, and someone on here suggested this to me after nothing else was working well. I just got some standard vinyl cleaner from West Marine (I like to use the kind that doesn't leave the greasy film) sprayed a little on, and the magic eraser took it right off. Doesn't even require a lot of effort. Definitely give this a try.

Bamaman1 · Jun 28, 2011

Re: Trying to clean up the boat

All of the above work well.

I go the cheap route and purchase large spray bottles of Awesome at Dollar General Store for $1. It'll remove mold, mildew and black streaks like nothing I've ever used. It is yellow in color, and DG sells the stew out of it. I was in a RV dealership last week, and he buys Awesome by the case to clean travel trailers and fifth wheel trailers.

Trying to clean up the boat

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