What to Do if Your Seats are Mildewed

If you’re having trouble keeping mildew off your boat seats, don’t panic! We have the perfect cleaning guide for you. If you’re in need of any boating repairs, parts, or storage, feel free to stop by our location in Nisswa, Minnesota. 

Preventing Mildew

To prevent mildew you’ll need to keep your seats as dry as possible. However, this isn’t exactly an easy task on a boat. After every outing, try to thoroughly wipe down seats and be sure they’re completely dry before covering your ship. Every month or so give them a quick cleaning with a gentle cleanser and soft scrub brush. 

Tools

You probably already have a gentle vinyl cleanser and soft scrub brush on hand. If you don’t, we advise getting one immediately, as well as a vinyl protectant. Thankfully, these items are easy to find at your local pro shop! Lastly, be sure to grab a few microfiber towels, a soft sponge, and a magic eraser before getting to work on your seats.

Removing Mildew

Start by spraying the cleanser down (adding extra product to darker areas) and allowing it to sit for 5 to 10 minutes. While it may be tempting to use harsh chemicals like bleach for this job, we advise against it as it may end up damaging your vinyl. Once the 10 minutes have passed take your scrub brush and work on the stains, being careful not to grind the brush too harshly. Wipe the muck and cleaner away with the sponge and towels and repeat the process if there are any left behind stains. You may need to replace the scrub brush with a magic eraser if the stains do not disappear after the first treatment. Afterward, spray your seats with the protectant and allow them to dry before covering your ship. 

If you’re located nearby in Minneapolis or St. Cloud, Minnesota we hope you’ll visit us here at Nisswa Marine for all of your boating needs! On top of our impressive inventory of ships, we offer a number of helpful services such as financing options, trade-ins, and promotional deals.