Pontoon Boat & Deck Boat Forum

I have these spots on my seats. I have tried magic eraser, roll-off, 303 cleaner, soft scrub, spray 9, and I cant clean them off. Any ideas?

Looks like it might be mildew or mold. Try some bleach that. Is what I have used in the past. Just remember to treat the seats after using it.

Assuming it is mildew. I would try a washcloth soaked in a bleach water mix (between a third and half bleach since it has been resistant) and lay it on there for a while. Just keep it off the seams where the threads are. when you take it off let it sit in the sun for a day. If it is spider poop that may help it but some will probably remain.

I start with Mean Green or Dollar General's Awesome ($1). If that won't get it, I go to Zep Orange Degreaser. From there, it's Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Then, it's a bleach solution. My problem's been spider droppings from the roof of my boathouse, and I've gone as far as to fabricate a set of canvas seat covers to keep the seats covered all the time. It looks like mildew on your seats.

This is the best forum! It was mildew. A little bleach and it is gone! I was scrubbing that crap for almost an hour when I started this topic. Thanks for the advice!

Glad the bleach worked. Now make sure you treat the seats with 303 or some form of cleaner/treatment for boat seats the bleach will dry the seat outs.

1 - I started noticing places where mildew was forming that seemed strange until I realized that those spots were located where my wife sprayed sun screen on herself or me. I could be wrong but mildew seems to thrive where people use sun screen/tanning lotion. If possible, put the sun protectant on before you get on the boat or watch where you are spraying when on the boat.

2 - The sun can be a great friend when it comes to mildew (and all types of stains for that matter). Treat it with as mild of a mildew remover as possible then put her in the full sun for a day.

P.S. My mildew problem was greatly reduced when I went with vinyl flooring as opposed to carpet.

Hey Jim, try Tilex too, it worked great for me. Our life vests get mildew on them and it takes it all off easily and doesn't affect colors. Also used it on my PC's seats and it took the mildew right off.

When using bleach, be VERY careful you keep it off the stitching. Get it on the thread and you will be having all your seams rip apart in short order.

Scrubbing Bubbles and a Green Scotch pad.

For small areas an old tooth brush works well. For bigger areas, use a medium bristle brush. Scrub whatever you are using into the spot, leave it soak for a minute or two. Magic eraser works well as a finish in many cases.

You never want to use a magic eraser unless it's your last resort. They are very abrasive and takes the original finish off the vinyl.

Scotch Brite pads are even worse.!

Found a great (cheap) product that took off severe mildew that had covered the seats on our boat before we purchased it. It's called Mean Green Mildew Remover - $2 per spray bottle at Family Dollar or other dollar stores. They also make a general purpose cleaner - same price, but similar bottle, so make sure you get the mildew remover.

Spray it on, let it sit for a minute or two, and mildew wipes right off. Then rinse the seats thoroughly with clean water. Best to follow up with 303 aerospace protectant, making sure to get it down into the seams and onto the threads. Cleaned ours up nicely....