Treating Boat Seats: Tips For Maintaining Your Vessel's Interior

Boat seats are often made of vinyl, which is susceptible to mildew and mould due to the moisture, humidity, and lack of ventilation in a marine environment. To treat boat seats, it is important to establish a regular cleaning routine to prevent the growth of mildew and mould, which can cause irreversible damage to the vinyl. This involves rinsing the seats with freshwater, using a gentle soap, and wiping them down until they are completely dry. Deep cleaning can be done less frequently and only when necessary, such as when preparing the boat for winter storage or removing tough stains. It is recommended to use dedicated vinyl cleaners and protectants instead of household cleaners, which can damage the vinyl.

Preventing mould and mildew

Mildew and mould are common issues for boat owners, and they can be challenging to remove and deal with. Here are some detailed tips to prevent mould and mildew from forming on your boat seats:

Wipe Down Your Seats

After a day on the water, always wipe down your seats with a towel. Pay particular attention to cracks and seams, as these areas are more susceptible to mould and mildew growth. Even if the seats don't seem wet, it's a good idea to wipe them down, as moisture can quickly lead to mould.

Use a Protective Sealant

There are many top-rated brands of protective sealants on the market that can prevent mildew and mould from forming. Do your research to find the best product for your specific seat fabric and follow the directions carefully. If your product recommends a monthly application, be diligent and don't skip sessions.

Wash Vinyl Seats Regularly

Use a cloth and a mild soap solution to scrub and clean your vinyl seats regularly. Remove dirt, sweat, and debris, and always dry the seats completely after washing. Leaving moisture on the seats can create the perfect environment for mould and mildew to grow.

Store Your Boat Properly

When storing your boat, keep it in a dry, well-ventilated area. Before covering your boat, let it dry out, especially the storage compartments. When you do cover it, use a vinyl-protectant spray, and consider adding moisture-absorbing materials, such as charcoal bricks.

Choose the Right Materials

When replacing boat seats or buying a new boat, opt for mildew-resistant and mould-resistant seat materials. Look for materials with anti-fungal or anti-microbial treatments that meet American Society for Testing and Materials G21 standards.

Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance and cleaning are crucial to preventing mould and mildew. Clean your boat seats at least once a month during the boating season. Additionally, always clean and dry your boat thoroughly before long-term storage.

Removing mould and mildew

Mildew is a common problem for boat owners, especially on vinyl seats. It's unsightly, can cause an unpleasant odour, and, if left untreated, can eventually break down the vinyl. To prevent mildew, it's important to regularly clean and maintain your boat, wiping down damp areas and storing your boat in a dry, well-ventilated area when not in use.

Choose the Right Cleaner

When it comes to removing mildew, it's important to choose a cleaner that is specifically designed for this purpose. Bleach, for example, can be effective at removing mildew stains, but it can also damage your boat's upholstery and weaken the material over time. Instead, opt for a mildew remover that is safe for use on fabrics and won't cause discolouration.

Prepare the Area

Before you start cleaning, put on rubber gloves and safety goggles to protect yourself from chemicals and mildew spores. It's also important to work in a well-ventilated area or outdoors. If your boat seats are made of vinyl, be sure to choose a mildew remover that is safe for this material.

Remove Loose Debris

Use a soft-bristle scrub brush or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove loose dirt, dust, and debris from the seat cushions. This will help to prevent scratching or further damage to the seats during the cleaning process.

Prepare and Apply the Cleaning Solution

If you're using a commercial cleaning product, carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions for mixing and application. If you're using a DIY solution, mix one part white vinegar with one part fresh water in a bucket, or use equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide (3% solution). You can also add a few drops of dish soap to enhance the cleaning power for stubborn stains.

Before applying the cleaning solution to the entire seat, test it on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it won't cause any damage. Then, dip your soft-bristle brush or sponge into the solution and gently scrub the mildewed areas, using a circular motion. Avoid applying too much pressure to prevent damaging the upholstery.

Let the Solution Sit

Allow the cleaning solution to sit on the mildew stains for a few minutes. This will give it time to penetrate and loosen the mildew, making it easier to remove.

Scrub and Rinse

After the cleaning solution has had time to work, scrub the mildewed areas once more to lift any remaining stains. Then, use a water hose or clean water and a sponge to thoroughly rinse the boat seats, making sure to remove all traces of the cleaning solution.

Dry the Seats

Use a clean, dry microfiber or soft cloth to wipe down and completely dry the boat seats. Proper drying is crucial to prevent mildew from returning.

Prevent Future Mildew Growth

To prevent mildew from coming back, it's important to address any underlying moisture issues and ensure your boat is stored in a dry and well-ventilated area. Consider using mildew-resistant seat covers or treating the seats with a mildew-resistant spray. Regular cleaning and maintenance will also help to keep mildew at bay.

Deep cleaning

Firstly, use a vacuum to remove any trapped dirt in the seats. Get a vacuum nozzle that will fit into the cracks and gaps in the seats so you can vacuum the hard-to-reach areas.

Next, wash the seats with warm water and soap. Use a sponge or soft cloth and clean in sections, using a circular motion. Avoid aggressively scrubbing the seats to prevent colour fading or cracking.

After washing the seats, dry them with a microfiber cloth or towel. Again, work in sections, rubbing the cloth in a circular motion until the seats are completely dry.

Finally, apply a vinyl cleaner with a soft-bristled brush or clean cloth. You can also use alcohol wipes for this step, which will help to remove any remaining deep stains.

Routine cleaning

It is important to wipe down the seats after each use, especially if they are wet, to prevent mildew from forming. You should also wipe down the seats, bolsters and coaming on a regular basis to prevent stains. It is recommended to use a vinyl protectant after cleaning to help condition the material and protect it from UV rays.

Drying

It is also important to dry out your boat before covering it for extended periods. Leaving the storage compartments open will help it to dry well. When you do cover your boat, use a vinyl-protectant spray and consider throwing in a moisture-absorbing material, such as a tin of charcoal bricks.

After cleaning your boat seats, you should also apply a vinyl protectant. These are chemicals that you spray or buff onto the vinyl, protecting the seats against UV rays and premature ageing. Not only do they help to prolong the life of your seats, but they also add an attractive shine.

When drying your boat seats, it is important to avoid using caustic cleaners, especially bleach. While bleach can be effective at removing mildew stains, it may damage the upholstery and weaken the material over time. It is also important to avoid stiff-bristled brushes, as these can scrub or chemically burn away important anti-microbial, anti-fungal, and anti-stain treatments. Instead, use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe down and dry your boat seats.

Frequently asked questions