I’m An Idiot! Mold and Mildew On Seats

Hi Gang,

Well... once again I'm learning the hard way!

When I put my boat to rest for the winter, I did not provide for air circulation. The new upholstery my wife and I made last year is FULL of mold and mildew.

What is the best way to clean it up? I've asked around and I get many different answers... so I thought I'd pose the question here to the true boat experts.

Any help guys?

Thanks!

Joe

Magic Eraser worked for me, with exception of a couple real bad spots. It's probably not something you want to use all the time, because it may rub some of the pigment and protectant off also. But, for a once over, it worked great. Use a conditioner afterwards though...

Steve

I've used the magic erasers and they work very well. The first time I used them on our boat I had just gotten done cleaning all the vinyl with vinyl cleaner and had one stubborn spot so I used the magic eraser. The spot I cleaned was so much cleaner I went back and cleaned all the vinyl with the magic eraser.

Keep in mind the magic eraser is good at what it does because it is mildly abrasive. I do not believe they are a cleaning product that can be used frequently without risk of damaging the vinyl. I use them once a year in the spring and then I give the seats a couple of good coats with the 303.

Remember that your seats need sunscreen just like your skin. I've used the 303 for years with very good results. Before we put up for the day I'll give everything a light coating of the 303 to keep it looking good.

Mr. Clean Magic Erasers. Get them at walmart with the cleaning supplies. No one knows what they are because they are Magic.

I've gotta ask the other question: What is 303?

I used just plain soap and warm water and it worked great on my interior.

I have used the Starbright mold and mildew cleaner to remove mold. It works pretty good if scrubbed real good with a stiff brush.

Scrubbing Bubbles bathroom cleaner (the foam stuff in the green aerosol can) works excellent for cleaning vinyl. used with a stiff brush it really get the dirt out but doesn't work as well on the mold as the starbrite.

My .02 - use the starbrite mold and mildew cleaner first to remove the stains. it helps if you let it soak in for a couple minutes... then follow with the scrubbing bubbles and finally with a good heavy application of 303. This is what I did with mine and it turned out fantastic!


The PO told me he would use Murphy's oil soap to keep the vinyl clean...

West Marine sells 303 in spray bottles or by the gallon.

Thanks Randy,

Will do. And let me state for the record...

I'm not a TOTAL idiot... I did place all the seat cushions in my house, so they are fine. The problem is just on the Driver's seat, seat backs, and combing(sp?)pads. My wife and I are prepping the boat today for a weekend maiden voyage.

Have a great holiday weekend gang! And don't forget to post those pics of all the lovely boats... err... I'm mean girls in bikini's, you see this weekend. ;o)

Joe

The Magic Erasers are a high grade commercial melamine foam. Less expensive store branded should be the same and cheaper to buy. Or you can get full 4X8 sheets at industrial supply co. They are pretty amazing on everything...like others have reported they are abrasive. Good luck