Mold and Mildew stain remover

On The Edge · 09-28-2004, 07:45 AM

Hi All

I need to call upon the forums vast knowledge and years of experience in boating to help me out. I sadly let me boat seats get Mold and Mildew stains on them and now I can't get the stains out with ordinary cleaners. I was wondering if anyone has had any luck with a cleaner and wouldn't mind sharing that info with me.

Thanks a bunch

On The Edge

Seaplane Pilot · 09-28-2004, 07:54 AM

I've used Greased Lightning Marine Formula for several years. It's taken out every stain imaginable. Give it a try.

Tyler · 09-28-2004, 10:11 AM

Try a 50/50 mix of bleach and warm water, works great. Be carefull of spilling on the carpet for obvious reasons. Let us know how it works.

Proline · 09-28-2004, 10:39 AM

Bleach will work. I used the bleach they make in a spray bottle and sell as a kitchen cleaner. Spray on and let sit for a few minutes then wipe off. Best to hose off away from the lake though.

SIKSUKR · 09-28-2004, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seaplane Pilot

I've used Greased Lightning Marine Formula for several years. It's taken out every stain imaginable. Give it a try.

Did it get the tequila stains off the bar at the Tiki Hut? SS

NightWing · 09-28-2004, 01:56 PM

Simple Green is also pretty effective.

GrandmaBig6 · 09-28-2004, 03:03 PM

Ammonia and water are good for killing the mold. I'd be worried to use clorox on a color seat - but say it's ok on white.

Tyler · 09-28-2004, 03:07 PM

I use clorox on white, blue, and maroon, no problems with good old clorox and warm water having an affect on the colors.

Smith Point · 09-28-2004, 06:13 PM

If it won't come cleen with Castrol super cleen it won't come cleen.

Proline · 09-29-2004, 10:19 AM

Just an FYI. I was assuming the seats are vinal. I have not had a problem with clorox changing color s on vinal.

Sammy · 09-29-2004, 11:05 AM

Starbrite mildew stain remover is the best. Works in an instant. Most marine stores carry it, West Marine for sure.

Seaplane Pilot · 09-30-2004, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SIKSUKR

Did it get the tequila stains off the bar at the Tiki Hut? SS

Yes sir... even removed the Jagermeister stains!

parrothead · 09-30-2004, 02:50 PM

I have used "black streak cleaner" for RV's. I cleaned boats for a marina out in Western MA for years. The owner of the marina used it to clean everything. It will take stains out of vinyl seats, carpets, fiberglass. The stuff works really well. Spray it on and let it sit for a few minutes and then soak the seats with soapy warm water and scrub lightly with a scrub brush. Spray the seat off with a hose and you'll be amazed. Obviously this is something to be done once the boat has been taken out for the season or before it goes in for the season. It will also work on the fiberglass sides to get rid of the water line mark, and any black streaks coming out from under the snaps, or vent holes. If you call and RV dealer they may have the stuff, there are many brands, but they all work pretty similar. According to the bottle it is also biodegradeable. Good luck.

WakeUp · 10-29-2004, 07:42 PM

Be CAREFUL using any bleached-based products cleaning marine upholstery! It's not so much the color of the vinyl being effected, the problem is the bleach deteriorates the stitching of the seats! I learned the hard way. Bleach PLUS the sunlight kills the threads! There are products formulated specifically for marine use...some sort of UV protection. WORTH THE INVESTMENT!!!

Rinkerfam · 10-29-2004, 09:00 PM

I have had great success using Meguire's Mirror Glaze "One Step" cleaner/wax (#50 I believe) on marine vinyl. It removes pen, crayon, mold etc., etc..... Once you have taken the stains out, apply a protectant such as 303 aerospace protectant (both products are available at Sports and Marine Parafunalia or West Marine). I swear by both of these products. Good luck.

DLBIV · 10-31-2004, 09:31 AM

Hi
I have used Starbrite mildew cleaner with great success. Also I highly recommend using a product by Starbrite called "NO DAMP Dehumidifier" system. This product pulls the moister out of the air. I use it during the boating season when I cover the boat weekly and also I put a few of these in prior to being wrapped for the season for storage. Keep the moisture out which causes the problem to begin with.
DLBIV

ddemers · 11-05-2004, 06:50 PM

Try using a mild solution of TSP (trisodiumphosphate), it can be found at most home depots. Start weak and work your way up.

BroadHopper · 11-06-2004, 06:33 PM

Bleach and ammonia are hard on vinyl. Ask any marine upholsterer.
I use the color-safe 'bleach' found at the supermarkets. It is hydrogen peroxide. It removes the stains and helps keep the mold and mildew from coming back.

donnamatrix · 11-07-2004, 10:53 AM

I use Tilex Mildew remover (any grocery store). I've used it on our vinyl cushions and also the boat covers. We used to have a Bayliner many years ago that had vinyl instead of canvas for the covers/Bimini. In the spring everything that was stored in the boat had black spots, and Tilex is great. I've also used it to clean the patio umbrella. Does a great job.

KBoater · 11-07-2004, 11:33 AM

Be careful using Tilex Mildew it works well but be sure you completely rinse it off or you can rot any metal including stainless.

Belmont Resident · 11-07-2004, 08:50 PM

I've uesed Starbright with the help of a scrub brush. Has worked great on everything I've encountered so far with the exception of what looked like a cigarette stain. Have not had luck with anything on that one.

HotDog · 11-10-2004, 06:41 PM

Mr Clean Magic Sponges i have seen work the best and they don't harm the seats or anything on the boat!!

KPW · 11-15-2004, 01:36 AM

[QUOTE=BroadHopper]Bleach and ammonia are hard on vinyl. Ask any marine upholsterer.

Bleach and Ammonia do not make a good mix!!

09-28-2004, 07:45 AM	#1
On The Edge Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Sleepers Island Posts: 28 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Mold and Mildew stain remover Hi All I need to call upon the forums vast knowledge and years of experience in boating to help me out. I sadly let me boat seats get Mold and Mildew stains on them and now I can't get the stains out with ordinary cleaners. I was wondering if anyone has had any luck with a cleaner and wouldn't mind sharing that info with me. Thanks a bunch On The Edge Last edited by On The Edge; 09-28-2004 at 07:49 AM.

09-28-2004, 10:11 AM	#3
Tyler Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 123 Thanks: 19 Thanked 9 Times in 4 Posts	Mold remover Try a 50/50 mix of bleach and warm water, works great. Be carefull of spilling on the carpet for obvious reasons. Let us know how it works.

09-28-2004, 03:03 PM	#7
GrandmaBig6 Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Long Island, New York Posts: 103 Thanks: 10 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Cleaning Ammonia and water are good for killing the mold. I'd be worried to use clorox on a color seat - but say it's ok on white.

09-28-2004, 03:07 PM	#8
Tyler Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 123 Thanks: 19 Thanked 9 Times in 4 Posts	Won't harm color I use clorox on white, blue, and maroon, no problems with good old clorox and warm water having an affect on the colors.

09-28-2004, 06:13 PM	#9
Smith Point Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Smith Point/ Bangor ME Posts: 195 Thanks: 198 Thanked 35 Times in 18 Posts	Super cleen If it won't come cleen with Castrol super cleen it won't come cleen.

09-28-2004, 07:54 AM	#2
Seaplane Pilot Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 1,177 Thanks: 664 Thanked 943 Times in 368 Posts	I've used Greased Lightning Marine Formula for several years. It's taken out every stain imaginable. Give it a try.

09-28-2004, 10:39 AM	#4
Proline Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 12 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Bleach will work. I used the bleach they make in a spray bottle and sell as a kitchen cleaner. Spray on and let sit for a few minutes then wipe off. Best to hose off away from the lake though.

09-28-2004, 01:56 PM	#6
NightWing Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 410 Thanks: 4 Thanked 6 Times in 6 Posts	Simple Green is also pretty effective.

09-29-2004, 10:19 AM	#10
Proline Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 12 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Just an FYI. I was assuming the seats are vinal. I have not had a problem with clorox changing color s on vinal.

09-29-2004, 11:05 AM	#11
Sammy Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 73 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts	Starbrite mildew stain remover is the best. Works in an instant. Most marine stores carry it, West Marine for sure.

09-30-2004, 02:50 PM	#13
parrothead Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Merrimack, NH Posts: 132 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Black Streak Cleaner I have used "black streak cleaner" for RV's. I cleaned boats for a marina out in Western MA for years. The owner of the marina used it to clean everything. It will take stains out of vinyl seats, carpets, fiberglass. The stuff works really well. Spray it on and let it sit for a few minutes and then soak the seats with soapy warm water and scrub lightly with a scrub brush. Spray the seat off with a hose and you'll be amazed. Obviously this is something to be done once the boat has been taken out for the season or before it goes in for the season. It will also work on the fiberglass sides to get rid of the water line mark, and any black streaks coming out from under the snaps, or vent holes. If you call and RV dealer they may have the stuff, there are many brands, but they all work pretty similar. According to the bottle it is also biodegradeable. Good luck.

10-29-2004, 07:42 PM	#14
WakeUp Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 83 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	Don't Use A Bleach-based Product!!! Be CAREFUL using any bleached-based products cleaning marine upholstery! It's not so much the color of the vinyl being effected, the problem is the bleach deteriorates the stitching of the seats! I learned the hard way. Bleach PLUS the sunlight kills the threads! There are products formulated specifically for marine use...some sort of UV protection. WORTH THE INVESTMENT!!!

10-29-2004, 09:00 PM	#15
Rinkerfam Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 268 Thanks: 0 Thanked 14 Times in 8 Posts	I have had great success using Meguire's Mirror Glaze "One Step" cleaner/wax (#50 I believe) on marine vinyl. It removes pen, crayon, mold etc., etc..... Once you have taken the stains out, apply a protectant such as 303 aerospace protectant (both products are available at Sports and Marine Parafunalia or West Marine). I swear by both of these products. Good luck. __________________ Education is hanging around 'til you've caught on - Frost

10-31-2004, 09:31 AM	#16
DLBIV Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Pelham NH Posts: 10 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Mildew Hi I have used Starbrite mildew cleaner with great success. Also I highly recommend using a product by Starbrite called "NO DAMP Dehumidifier" system. This product pulls the moister out of the air. I use it during the boating season when I cover the boat weekly and also I put a few of these in prior to being wrapped for the season for storage. Keep the moisture out which causes the problem to begin with. DLBIV

11-05-2004, 06:50 PM	#17
ddemers Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Weare, Gilford, Meredith Posts: 62 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Tsp Try using a mild solution of TSP (trisodiumphosphate), it can be found at most home depots. Start weak and work your way up.

11-06-2004, 06:33 PM	#18
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,570 Thanks: 3,206 Thanked 1,101 Times in 793 Posts	mold and mildew remover. Bleach and ammonia are hard on vinyl. Ask any marine upholsterer. I use the color-safe 'bleach' found at the supermarkets. It is hydrogen peroxide. It removes the stains and helps keep the mold and mildew from coming back.

11-07-2004, 10:53 AM	#19
donnamatrix Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Moultonboro Posts: 833 Thanks: 24 Thanked 258 Times in 120 Posts	Getting rid of Mildew/Mold I use Tilex Mildew remover (any grocery store). I've used it on our vinyl cushions and also the boat covers. We used to have a Bayliner many years ago that had vinyl instead of canvas for the covers/Bimini. In the spring everything that was stored in the boat had black spots, and Tilex is great. I've also used it to clean the patio umbrella. Does a great job.

11-07-2004, 11:33 AM	#20
KBoater Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Wolfeboro Posts: 521 Thanks: 10 Thanked 29 Times in 15 Posts	Tilex Mildew Be careful using Tilex Mildew it works well but be sure you completely rinse it off or you can rot any metal including stainless.

11-07-2004, 08:50 PM	#21
Belmont Resident Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Belmont NH but prefer Jackman Maine Posts: 1,857 Thanks: 491 Thanked 410 Times in 251 Posts	I've uesed Starbright with the help of a scrub brush. Has worked great on everything I've encountered so far with the exception of what looked like a cigarette stain. Have not had luck with anything on that one. __________________ "better to have a short life that is full of what you like doing, then a long life spent in a miserable way.."

11-10-2004, 06:41 PM	#22
HotDog Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 40 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Mr. Clean Magic sponge Mr Clean Magic Sponges i have seen work the best and they don't harm the seats or anything on the boat!! __________________ live today like you wont live tomorrow

11-15-2004, 01:36 AM	#23
KPW Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 397 Thanks: 732 Thanked 118 Times in 59 Posts	[QUOTE=BroadHopper]Bleach and ammonia are hard on vinyl. Ask any marine upholsterer. Bleach and Ammonia do not make a good mix!!