Question: How to keep mildew from growing on boat seats?

(Posted by: robert odom on 2010-03-07 07:49:38)

I can clean my boat seats good and in no time the seats are turning black with mildew.

Posted by: Ӝ on 2010-03-07, 07:56:00

Mildew is bacteria whose growth is promoted by moisture, so keep your boat covered and well ventilated. Wipe dry the interior after using the boat. Wipe down your upholstery with a mixture of water, bleach and dish soap frequently. Expensive mildew cleaners are usually not necessary.

Posted by: jefecito87 on 2010-03-07, 08:19:00

Im no boat expert but i know a decent amount being around them i agree on how to clean them but if they are leather i would say use leather conditioner so they dont have water since the conditioners keeps them nice and oily and from basic knowledge stuff doesnt grow to well in oil..... thats what i would use anyways though just cause i use it in my car first of all smells and keeps leather butter soft

Posted by: Havoc Squad on 2010-03-07, 11:51:44

#1. Always allow your boat to dry out 1 to 2 days after use before putting boat cover back on if possible. #2. Don't leave your boat uncovered or inadequately covered. #3. Provide adequate air ventilation for the boat cover. Mildew stains are best removed off of "Marine grade " boat seat upholstery with WD40. This stuff works wonders in getting black mildew stains off. Just spray it all over the upholstery, wipe off with rag vigorously, done. Repeat if necessary. However, BEFORE trying this with your boat upholstery, you need to test it in a hidden spot that has mildew on it. Once it safely removes the mildew easily without staining or bleeding (it shouldn't), then apply it to all boat upholstery. Most boat upholstery is oil and chemical resistant, so it shouldn't be a problem. Just test first in a hidden spot to make sure.

Posted by: ricsudukai on 2010-03-07, 15:19:23

Ventilate, ventilate,ventilate! You have mildew as there is enough moisture in the air for mould and mildew to flourish. Air flow is critical, if the conditions are cold and clammy you use a light box - an incandescent light fitting of 40 to 100 watts in a box with full venting (mesh is good) top and bottom so it heats the air gently. Set up low in the boat with no cover or obstruction, set up a good air flow regardless of covers. On a mooring you set up deck vents or hatches cracked open towards the bow so any breeze is forced into the boat, make sure there are vents at the stern so the air can pass through. Solar extraction fans are often used - basically any way to get air flow happening. Your cushions will have less problems if placed on a plastic spaghetti matting - this to allow airflow under them, another option is to store them vertically on edge to the same purpose. If the seats have been wet at some stage there may be a lot of moisture in the foam. Only thing to do then is use a moisture meter to test internally. In some cases there may have to be a re-think on the cushions themselves, as if they have mildew or mould in the foam you have no practical choice other than to get rid of them and have new ones made. Good luck.

Posted by: Patrick on 2010-03-07, 20:13:45

Everyone above is correct in their answers. I would like to add that at the property where I work we also store boats for the winter. When we cover a boat to be stored indoors of outside with shrink wrap we use desicant packs to help absorb moisture that may reside in the cushions and flooring of the boat. Hope this helps