Cleaning Vinyl Seat stains

[jwharan]

Any suggestions for cleaning "yellow" stain spots on the bow seats in my boat? Of course the seats are white.

 

[QC]

Re: Cleaning Vinyl Seat stains

I have had good luck with 409. Just get some water on it after in case it's doing any damage. My guess is that these type of cleaners probably shorten the life somewhat, but it gets it clean . . . May need a scrub brush of some type to get into the texture too.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Cleaning Vinyl Seat stains

The most effective thing that I have used on white seats is soft scrub that contains bleach.I would focus on the yellow stains first.If it looks more like a discoloration than a stain then you can try some bleach on a sponge and hold it on one of the stains for a minute then rinse well and see if there was any improvement.Saturate the seams and threads with water before you begin.Try to avoid the threads if you can .To finish off the seats when you are done I recommend an application of formula 303 protectant.If the yellow staining is from something like tar you probably will never get it out completely.Let us know your results.Charlie

 

[nrladeere]

Re: Cleaning Vinyl Seat stains

I spray on Walmart cleaner with bleach and let it sit in the sun. It may take several times but I have removed some impossible stains with patience.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Cleaning Vinyl Seat stains

Mr Clean Magic Eraser from the grocery store. It breaks down to get into the texture. Bleach can damage vinyl and the stitching.

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Cleaning Vinyl Seat stains

Simple Green is another effective option for some stains.

 

[Stumpys]

Re: Cleaning Vinyl Seat stains

My wife uses the simple green on ours too, and it works just fine. On the old boat we just sold, she use to use diluted bleach for the stains and mold. Still, we never had any problems with the vinyl after two years of using it. I guess it's what ever you choose.

 

[txswinner]

Re: Cleaning Vinyl Seat stains

Careful with the bleach on the threads, you may find yourself with upholstery coming apart. It will eat the cotton.

 

[vipzach]

Re: Cleaning Vinyl Seat stains

I used tilex mold and mildew remover. I would spray it on, scrub a little bit and rinse off with water, do again until stains were gone and then put some 303 on the seats after the water dried. My seats and all the vinyl in my boat used to look pretty nasty.

 

[salty87]

Re: Cleaning Vinyl Seat stains

woops, wrong thread

 

[NYMINUTE]

Re: Cleaning Vinyl Seat stains

Soft Scrub(not the generics)is good. Don't do it in direct sun light. Dries too fast. Tough to scub because the cushion gives easily. Wet lightly, apply to stain and let sit for 30-45 seconds, then rub gently, repeat or increase rub strength as needed. At minimum it will reduce the stain. Rinse off w/ clear water. I coat with a bit of armor all, or Murphys Oil soap, 303 is also good. Often the sun will lighten the stains, but can cause some too.