Suggestion on vinyl seat cleaning product...see pictures.

[Jasoniboat]

Hi, all.

I would like to brighten up the vinyl and seats in my boat. As you can see from the pictures below, the stains are generally light brown. I am not sure what they are, but my guess is that they might be suntan oil ?

The guy that worked on my seats gave me a product called "Grease Away." It worked moderately well. I was working on one seat cushion for about 20 minutes and saw some improvement...but the stains are still there.

Does anyone have any suggestions regarding a product that really seems to work for removing stains and also a product to protect the vinyl, once the stains are removed ???

I have seen suggestions from simple green, soft scrub, 3M Vinyl cleaner, Tilex, to Starbright Vinyl cleaner.

Anyone have any suggestions.... the professional cleaning agents are expensive and I am wondering if there is one or two products that stand out to first remove stains, then second protect the vinyl.

At this point, I am leaning toward the Starbright Vinyl Cleaner....

The last picture is the seat cushion that I cleaned. It is better, but still has some stains. Is there a product that will completely clean the seats.... or one that may be worth trying ?

thanks for any suggestions !

--
18 ft, 1997 Searay 185
4.3 Liter, V6

 

[LagunaBlue]

Re: Suggestion on vinyl seat cleaning product...see pictures.

Hi Jason,

Check out this thread I actually just posted before seeing yours:

http://forums.iboats.com/boat-resto...epair/i-found-great-vinyl-cleaner-611490.html

I've been using Tilex Mold & Mildew Remover for years with great success! I think the bleach in it may work well for your situation. Let us know how it goes.

-Mark

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Suggestion on vinyl seat cleaning product...see pictures.

You can use a 50/50 mix of bleach and water. Take a cloth and wet it (not dripping wet) and lay it on your seat. You don't want to wet the threads because the bleach will eat the threads. Get your self some McGuire's vynl seat cleaner and conditioner and treat the seats after the bleaching. It will not leave a slippery feeling like Armoural will but will leave a nice shine.

 

[eavega]

Re: Suggestion on vinyl seat cleaning product...see pictures.

+1 on the McGuire's product. I had a lot of grease stains on my seats and trim vinyl ( from working on the boat, and putting dirty hands on different parts of the seats) and it all came clean, and I notice its easier to re-clean.

Rgds

 

[Jasoniboat]

Re: Suggestion on vinyl seat cleaning product...see pictures.

Thanks LagunaBlue, Thalasso and eavega... good thoughts...

I have heard about the Tilex... a little nervous about the threads, but I may give it a try !

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Suggestion on vinyl seat cleaning product...see pictures.

Be very very very careful with bleach around the threads.

 

[Jasoniboat]

Re: Suggestion on vinyl seat cleaning product...see pictures.

Be very very very careful with bleach around the threads.

Thanks, Bruce....

Well I have a little Meguires and also the Tilex.

If I wanted to play it safe...do you ( or others) know of another product that is as effective, or nearly as effective as Tilex?

 

[Jasoniboat]

Re: Suggestion on vinyl seat cleaning product...see pictures.

I am not sure if you can tell, but what appears to be threads on the cushion and seat back aren't really threads, it's vinyl made to look like threads.

Nevertheless, the blue piece and also the sides of the seats are threaded.

Just wondering if there is a product that is effective and safer than tilex ?

Also, if I use the Tilex, do I "rinse" it off locally, with a wet rag ? I don't spray water on it....correct ??

 

[Jasoniboat]

Re: Suggestion on vinyl seat cleaning product...see pictures.

Hi, All, after researching this and other threads, I am thinking of going with the following :

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
Soft Scrub ( with Bleach).


If these don't work, then I will try the Tilex.

.....Followed by adding a conditioner. I have some Meguire's #40 Rubber and Vinyl Reconditioner....

My question... is this is decent UV conditioner.... or should I go with a 303 product.



Thanks for all the help!


Thanks everyone for the suggestions and help.

 

[airshot]

Re: Suggestion on vinyl seat cleaning product...see pictures.

Go to your local auto parts supplier and pick up some D&L hand cleaner, it is a white cream material, slather it on your seats and lightly scrub with a "soft" brush. Wipe off and depending on what it is another coat may be needed. Bottom line is the cleaner has lanolin in it and will leave your vinyl soft and supple and make it easier to clean in the future. Ask any of the old "car" guys about how well it works on the old vinyl tops we had on cars back in the day.

Airshot

 

[spoilsofwar]

Re: Suggestion on vinyl seat cleaning product...see pictures.

Hi, All, after researching this and other threads, I am thinking of going with the following :

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
Soft Scrub ( with Bleach).

Our resident upholsterers and canvas guys recommend against it. Magic erasers are abrasive, and while they will remove the stains, they will also remove the vinyl's outer protective coating, leaving it susceptible to future staining and cracking.

Soft scrub I'm not so sure about, but I remember vaguely using it years ago to clean sinks and think it was also somewhat abrasive..

 

[GoFastr]

Re: Suggestion on vinyl seat cleaning product...see pictures.

Bleach products will ruin the threads in your stitching. Marine vinyl comes with a protective coating to help protect it from the elements and UV. Scrub that off and you will fight a never ending battle with dirtiness and watching your cushions fall apart.

Initially soap and water and a very soft brush and soft bristle toothbrush to get the dirt out of the grain. Go to your local marine store and purchase a cleaning product especially for marine applications. Grocery store products are cheaper but why use cheap products on something you take pride in. Spend the extra couple dollars and do it right. There's also a very effective mold-mildew cleaner for vinyls that works well. Remember grocery store products are for sinks and toilets. Later the power of the sun's UV will brighten it up as a natural cleaner AFTER of course putting a good coat of vinyl protectant like Formula 303.

 

[kjsAZ]

Re: Suggestion on vinyl seat cleaning product...see pictures.

Spray Nine cleaner worked fine for me. Spray Nine

That's a problem with un-vented boat covers and longer storage, the reason I now have my solar powered vent in the boat. Works great and the boat smells always fresh. If you leave the drain plug out even fuel smell won't build up. That's a serious summer problem here with these pre-2011 plastic tanks...

See in my link below.....

 

[rallyart]

Re: Suggestion on vinyl seat cleaning product...see pictures.

Starbrite vinyl cleaner is dirt cheap and is effective so you can use it often. Other products like LA Totally Awesome which you can get a dollar stores is effective and not expensive but is harsher.
The real trick is to find a soft nylon bristle scrub brush like you can buy almost anywhere and use that with the cleaner. The money you spend on that brush will be worth more than any extra on the cleaner, by far. Then rinse with water.
Don NOT use 50/50 bleach and water. You need way less strength than that to clean a meat locker or sewer pipe.

 

[Chef Shawn]

Re: Suggestion on vinyl seat cleaning product...see pictures.

I agree with "Airshot" to a point, any good automotive (mechanic) hand cleaner will work, they have the neutral oils in them to keep the vinyl pliable. For tough stains I use Comet with Bleach, it's liquid in a spray bottle, my seat guy turned me onto it, but he said he always coats the stitching with a light coat of petroleum jelly first, bleach and thread don't mix, just like everyone else said. It doesn't "bleach" like bleach, but it works for tough stains.

 

[Jasoniboat]

Re: Suggestion on vinyl seat cleaning product...see pictures.

Our resident upholsterers and canvas guys recommend against it. Magic erasers are abrasive, and while they will remove the stains, they will also remove the vinyl's outer protective coating, leaving it susceptible to future staining and cracking.

Soft scrub I'm not so sure about, but I remember vaguely using it years ago to clean sinks and think it was also somewhat abrasive..

Good point.... you know after reading your post and the others as well... I think I will head to the marine store and buy something made for marine vinyl. I am thinking Starbright, followed by 303 protectant. Sounds like there are a lot of choices out there. I will let you all know how it goes.

Appreciate all of the feedback and suggestions !

 

[LagunaBlue]

Re: Suggestion on vinyl seat cleaning product...see pictures.

Well just for the record Ive been using Tilex on the seats in my Donzi for at least 7 years and have not experienced any thread or vinyl deterioration, and the vinyl is exposed to the harsh conditions of coastal NC. However, YMMV

 

[Jasoniboat]

Re: Suggestion on vinyl seat cleaning product...see pictures.

Hello guys, here is the finished product. I wasn't able to get some of the stains out, but overall the vinyl looks a lot brighter...at least in my garage.

Here's the products I used :

1. 303 Fabric/Vinyl Cleaner
2. 303 aerospace protectant.
3. lots of elbow grease..

I also tried Starbrite vinyl cleaner and I would say that the 303 Vinyl cleaner was about equal to it.

Even with the cleaners, lots of scrubbing to clean things up... but it is looking a lot better.

I appreciate all of the advice !!

 

[rallyart]

Re: Suggestion on vinyl seat cleaning product...see pictures.

Looks great Jason. Thanks for showing the results.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Suggestion on vinyl seat cleaning product...see pictures.

As an upholsterer, I always warn about using Magic Erasers. As stated earlier, they will get the staining out, but they are an abrasive ans will remove the vinyl's protective layer and the damage will be far worse in the coming months. Soft scrub with bleach will work, as long as you make sure you get the one WITHOUT pumice in it (same issues).

I always recommend Clorox Clean-Up. It's less than 2% bleach and also contains a soapy cleaning solution (don't use on color vinyl...runs the risk of fading them). As far as using just household bleach and water, 50/50 mixture is asking to destroy your seats. 1 cup in a gallon of soapy water is more than enough to not only clean, but technically to sanitize your boat as well. Rinse with clean water afterward and dry.