DIY: How to Clean Vinyl Boat Seats

When you think about it, vinyl boat seats go through a lot. Whether its UV rays, water, wind, or stains, cleaning them is the key to keep them looking new and lasting. By washing your seats, you reduce the chance of stains setting permanently in the vinyl, prevent fading, and avoid mildew. And let’s face it, it is more friendly to your wallet to clean rather than replace your seats year after year.

In terms of general care, it is a good idea to start a habit of washing down the vinyl after each use. This will help prevent the buildup of mold and mildew over time. When cleaning, use circular motions and avoid harsh scrubbing and use a soft brush or rag. Mild dish soap is a great choice for routine cleansing, but when you need to remove trickier stains, here are some cleaners we recommend:

• Babe’s Seat Soap is a great choice when cleaning your vinyl, plastic, or even leather surfaces. Its conditioning solution draws out stains, dirt, and sunscreen without damaging the fabric. 

• Boat Bling Condition Sauce provides UV protection along with cleaning your surface. Its moisturizing formula prevents the vinyl from becoming dry and cracking, keeping it looking brand new. 

• Starbrite Vinyl-Brite Protector is a great option for cleaning and protecting white vinyl. It cleans and restores your vinyl’s appearance while simultaneously protecting it from future weathering. 

With some stains, you will need to wipe or scrape off the excess before rinsing and applying cleaner. This ensures the cleaner can fully penetrate the stain to lift and remove it. Furthermore, if you come across an oil-based stain, remove the excess, apply cleaning agent, then use soft brush and rinse. As a general rule of thumb, you should avoid cleaning your seats in full-sun. Choose an evening, early morning, or overcast conditions to clean your upholstery.

Once the vinyl has been cleaned, don’t forget to protect it from the elements and harsh UV rays. The 303 Aerospace UV Protectant is easy to apply and ensures your fresh and clean vinyl seats are protected from fading and future causes of stains. Head over to our Boat Vinyl Cleaners page for our selection of products!

Just like a boat, vinyl seats are an investment. Overall, one of the most important tips to remember when cleaning vinyl seats is to remove stains immediately. Additionally, ensure the seats are completely dried off because if the water pools in seems, mildew can grow. If you have any further questions about the cleaning process or what cleaning agents to use, don’t hesitate to contact our call center. We are available Monday-Friday from 9AM-4PM.