cleaning the boat
 

Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to remove the grey mildew stains from the vinal seats that the boats gets from sitting covered all winter. I have tried bleach.Works a little but not good enough. I know the sun will also bleach them out a bit but thought maybe there was a sulution ar something to use. Also how to prevent this from happening.....:(

Try Magic Eraser by Mr Clean. It brought back my 25 year old white vinyl upholstery in the boat. :) NB

http://www.mrclean.com/en_US/magic-eraser.do

Thanks NB...am going out to try it now!!!!

One item that works very well for all stains is Westley's Bleach White - for whitewall tires. It is an amazing product. Found in the automotive section of most stores. Works great on just about everything.

Something that you might want to consider: Whitewall cleaner is VERY Aggressive. I would be very concerned with the effect this would have on the Stitching in the upholstery. :look: NB

Very good point. Same holds true for Lestoil, Fantastic, Spic and Span, regular detergent, and on and on.

Much depends on the quality of the vinyl. Less expensive boats use less expensive vinyl. Some vinyl reacts to all chemicals.

Some stains in vinyl will never come out. The actual chemical composition of the vinyl changes at the stain. The color goes and will never come back.

Ceaning the boat
 

Ditto what NoBozo suggested about 'Magic Eraser'. I have same mold issue, within vinyl and seats, as a result of winter storage. Annually as part of my Spring boat cleanup, I first wipe the seats and vinyl with a mixture of gallon of water with about a 1/2 cup of regular bleach, then finish with the Magic Eraser, comes clean every time !

Caution when selecting the 'Magic Eraser', b/c it comes in different grades.
I'd buy the least coarseness/minumum strength. I think that one may be the original 'Magic Eraser'. They make a SUPER Magic Eraser, but think that may be too strong, and really not needed. That SUPER could actually marr the vinyl finish.

Good luck !

Bigdog

or you could try this...
 

I use a product called Incredible Pink. I have used this amazing product for years on just about any tough stain you can imagine from the mildew in a boat to the toughest laundry stain. I have yet to have a situation where this stuff doesn't work. It is generally available at Aubuchon Hardware and other retail outlets but I have heard stories that isn't widely available.
It is made locally in Gorham Maine

http://chem-quest.com/incredible-pink.htm

BT

Bleach is going to do a number on vinyl. It'll dry it out pretty quickly. I'd use it sparingly and hit the area with LOTS of water afterward if you must use bleach. Hit it with a good leather/vinyl treatment afterward.

If the mildew problem is not bad it should just come off with regaular boat wash (soap). If it is impregnated into the vinyl I doubt you will remove it with anything. Like said above alot of cleaners are hard on the vinyl and the stitching. I if I have some that doesnt come of with routine washing you can try 409. That works well. Also I have another product called Mean Green that will work very good at removing most stubborn stains but I would wash it off as soon as you are satisfied with the outcome. THis is a concentrate though and I have not tried it on the seats.

Star-Brite Boat Scuff Eraser
 

I used one of these yesterday to clean the seats. I tried the Zep Vinyl cleaner first and didn't get the results I wanted, I remembered seeing them at Aubuchon Hardware a few weeks ago so I went back and purchased a box.
Just dip in to a bucket of water and start wiping, I was amazed at the difference even after the Zep cleaner.

http://www.starbrite.com/productdeta...&ProductSSCat=

cleaning the boat
 

Thanks so much for all the feed back....Lots of things for me to try:)

Please Post Back: I will NOT be insulted if My suggestion is not the answer in your case. I WANT to learn something....:look: NB

LOL....Thanks NoBozo....I did try the Magic Erasor.....Sorry..It did not work on the grey spots on the vinal but worked great on the boat floor in the bow and other areas...Am going to get some more to keep in the boat.

Use tilex mildew root penetrator and remover. Don't bother with the other versions, you need the root version. It works great on seats, but I would still wash off with water after use. It did a great job on my pontoon when other methods were marginally successful.

Clorox clean-up
 

I have always had good luck with this product on any vinyl surfaces.
I have not had any problems with thread damage but have always rinsed good and then always applied a good quality vinyl protector. I like Maguire’s flagship vinyl protector it costs more but it a lot less greasy then Amor All.

FYI if you want to keep your engine looking spot on for years try spraying it down when cool or cold with Amor All. I have sprayed mine down in the spring and when I put it away in the fall since it was new and my engine block and all parts look like new. No signs of rust or corrosion. Just keep it away from your belts.

any luck with anything Winter??? usually once you get that "grey" looking stain...it's too late. i've even had vinyl re-dyed and the stain came back through...unless you catch it very early...i have not had much luck, nor have i found others who have found a great solution...

I got a cleaner from goodhue marine here in moultonboro. It took the mold and the gray out and made the seats look they were brand new. Best stuff i ever used. Give Brent a call , i know he keeps the cleaner in stock since he uses it on his customers boats doing the detailing.

Any Luck?
 

WinterharborGirl, Any luck removing the stains?

I remember Mom use to use liquid laundry detergent mixed with borax to rmove mold and mildew. I can't recall if that combination remove the stains. She would let the fabric/vinyl set for 20 minutes and rinse it off. Works great on patio furniture and my Dad's boat.

No... I think the grey stains are going to be permanent!!!. Sometimes the sun will fade them a bit. Am going to try one of the Mildew removers some one suggested but am not real hopeful....ugh!

Thanks I may go see them...I know right where they are.

Thanks i may give that a try...