Best way to clean vinyl seats?

[halljb2]

What is the best way to clean mildew on vinyl seats and how can I prevent it after cleaning??

 

[waterdog08]

Re: Best way to clean vinyl seats?

I don't know the best way to remove the mildew, but I do keep my seats wiped down with baby oil after I clean them and don't have any problems with mildew. It seems to help keep them soft also.

 

[salty87]

Re: Best way to clean vinyl seats?

a soft brush with mild soap. whatever is left will get bleached by the sun. harsh chemicals and detergents can break down vinyl's plasticizers and UV protection making it age prematurely. mr clean erasers are also bad, basically microscopic sandpaper.

 

[airshot]

Re: Best way to clean vinyl seats?

One of the things I have always used for vinyl seats and things is D&L hand cleaner. Can be found at most automotive stores, it is a cream hand cleaner that dissolves grease and other dirt but has lanolin in it to leave the vinyl soft and pliable. Use a soft brush to scrub away the crud from the little cracks and crevicies. IN the old days (way old) we used it to clean and protect the vinyl roofs on our autos.

Airshot

 

[doyall]

Re: Best way to clean vinyl seats?

a soft brush with mild soap. whatever is left will get bleached by the sun. harsh chemicals and detergents can break down vinyl's plasticizers and UV protection making it age prematurely. mr clean erasers are also bad, basically microscopic sandpaper.

Ditto. Bleach is especially harsh ... the nuclear option if you will. While it is the best and sometimes only way to deal with mold/mildew, it is also the worst on the material. If you must use it, do not get it on the stitching as it will quickly destroy it. Some say a dilute vinegar soak will kill some 80-plus percent of molds but I do not know a viable way to soak a boat seat as long as it would take (overnight). If you manage to get it satisfactorily killed you are likely to still have some stains. Go for the vinyl paint at that point. It will enhance the appearance and delay the inevitable recovering.

To keep mold from forming the best thing is not to cover the boat while wet and keep it well ventilated while covered. (I keep a box fan running in mine 24/7.) Desiccants (Damp Rid, etc.) can help but have to be changed often in hot, humid environments. There are also sprays (3M Marine Mildew Block, etc.) that claim to inhibit mold/mildew formation. If you can ever get rid of it they may be worth a try.

Good luck and welcome to the forum.

 

[Quit It]

Re: Best way to clean vinyl seats?

a soft brush with mild soap. whatever is left will get bleached by the sun. harsh chemicals and detergents can break down vinyl's plasticizers and UV protection making it age prematurely. mr clean erasers are also bad, basically microscopic sandpaper.

Hmmm, that's interesting. A new product, Z-Cleaner and it's magic eraser type sponge are really popular around here.

 

[halljb2]

Re: Best way to clean vinyl seats?

Thanks for the advice

 

[jkust]

Re: Best way to clean vinyl seats?

Magic Erasers work almost too well. I only use them in the most sparing way possible. For example when my wife's toe nail polish end up on the sun pad. It ends up as the only way to get it off but still use it very gently.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Best way to clean vinyl seats?

Soap and water are the best way. For heavy staining, I always use and recommend Clorox Clean-up. It's only 1% bleach and about 6% other cleaners, so bleach damage isn't an issue. My seats are 10 years old and look almost new. Stay away from anything with abrasives in it (Mr. Clean Magic Pads, Ajax, Soft Scrub with pumice, etc). This removes the vinyl's protective layer and allows moisture and dirt to get in below the surface and then the mildew starts from the back side.

When washing the boat, don't forget to wash the seats. Sweat and suntan lotion are absolute killers on vinyls.

 

[boatguy19]

Re: Best way to clean vinyl seats?

oxiclean and that is it ,do not use any harsh cleaners on it or it will take the film off the vinyl and ruin it. coat it with 303 protectant and your done.