Black Spots On Marine Vinyl

How to clean mold mildew and black spots off vinyl boat seats.

Black spots on marine vinyl.

In this article the pros at boating deliver guidance that will help you decide whether to clean or replace mildewed vinyl. There are few things more frustrating for a boat owner than mildew stains taking over your vinyl seats and comfy cushions. Are your seats hard vinyl seats attached to the boat. The real problem is how the material is cared for and cleaned.

A solution made of bleach should work but if you need it to be environmentally friendly for disposing the cleaning solution into the lake river etc. Those little black specs of spider droppings on vinyl seats can also be removed this way. If your boat is stored near lakes rivers and oceans this is often a given. Spray with water or a multipurpose cleaner spray let it soak in for 30 seconds then wipe off.

Mildew challenges boaters from cabin to cockpit. Marine vinyl and other fabrics are especially difficult to clean. Quick drops in temperature. Not only are the black spots unattractive but they can keep you from enjoying your time on board and even diminish the overall value of your boat.

Condensation that forms due to temperature swings can create a friendly environment for mold on your boat seats. I think you can use simple green. Your boat tends to be outdoors longer in the warm weather leading to the promotion of mildew growth. We are not pointing fingers but this is usually the 1 reason marine vinyl breaks down.

The black tar like spots that are all over your vinyl siding are more than likely a fungus called sphaerobolus stellatus better known as artillery or shotgun fungus although it s most often found on the east coast it can grow anywhere and especially thrives in areas that have cool damp springs or rainy fall weather conditions. Guess what the problem isn t with the vinyl. Natalie sears owns deckhand detailing and is the author of the insider s guide to boat cleaning and detailing.