Some good examples of these are the Meguiars Marine Vinyl & Rubber Cleaner and the 3M Marine Vinyl Cleaner. Copyright 2022 Boating Magazine. Like most maintenance formulas for marine applications, theres a great deal of mystery to the chemistry inside the bottle. However, a downside is that it is not the most effective cleaner in the market for removing stains. However, it is a different story if the stain is caused by mildew. The cleaner helps restore the suppleness of vinyl, making it look new again. And the label indicates it provides UV protection as well. After testing it, I can attest that this vinyl cleaner is quite easy to use. After Use: Its lighter sheen didnt require buffing, and it was surprisingly less tacky without it. Always follow the product instructions to make sure that you are just using the right amount of product. That said, weve created this comprehensive guide on the best-selling cleaners on the market to help you find the best boat vinyl cleaner on the market these days. This cleaner will help you restore the suppleness and shine of your vinyl surface, making your boat the envy of other boaters. It does an excellent job of cleaning many surfaces such as vinyl upholstery, wood, fiberglass, siding, drywall, outdoor acrylic fabrics, and much more. Meguiars M5716SP Marine Vinyl Cleaner, 2. My vinyl seats have not looked this good in years. Meguiars M180132 Marine Vinyl Protectant, 7. A subsidiary of Palm Beach Motoring Group, 2019 Autogeek - We Are Car Care! All you have to do is follow the product instruction, apply the solution to the stained surface, and wipe it off. The spray cleaner has no harmful chemicals and no protectants. Further, theres more than a little mystery to the manufacturing of the vinyl itself. In fact, it doesnt require any pre-washing like most products do, including homemade vinyl cleaner for boat seats. Massage product into surface using a circular motion. What makes them one of the best boat vinyl makers is that they have a reputation for only producing high-quality products. Besides cleaning interior spots, this product contains a conditioning base solution that improves their natural qualities. Star brite recommends its Ultimate Vinyl Guard with PTEF a product we tested later with great results. We buffed it off the next day. Some of them have made efforts to reduce the strong odor of their cleaners so that customers can comfortably use the products. Results: It removed all grease spots and dirt but would not remove black spots left by spiders at the docks. Meguiar has formulated this product with special conditioners and UV-inhibiting agents to protect your vinyl and rubber surfaces, hence ensuring the longevity of your boat. Heres what wedid: This all-purpose marine cleaner is safe for fiberglass and vinyl. The buffed-bleach formula has been rated as a safer alternative to regular cleaners. Precautions: As with all the cleaners, dont mix them with other cleaning chemicals, and it would be wise to rinse the surfaces before spraying the cleaner to avoid interaction with other chemical residue. The reason behind this is because some boat vinyl cleaners contain strong chemicals that are not meant to stay on the surface for too long. Not doing so can weaken the vinyl, making it deteriorate faster. When removing stains from your vinyl boat, avoid using a homemade vinyl cleaner for boat seats. Vinyl and rubber protectants have the ideal mix of UV protection to resist sun damage. For tougher spots, you will need to find something a bit stronger than this formula. In most cases, the stain will fade after about 15 to 30 seconds. It dried with a handsome, lighter sheen and wouldnt restain with ink the ballpoint pen failed to transfer ink to the surface. After Use: We tried Lucas Tire and Trim Protectant, and it had good results. We sprayed it on, brushed it in, and let it stand a few minutes before wiping down. This gives you the assurance that it is top-notch and safe to use. Boating Magazine may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site. Household Cleaners We also used Mean Green and Star brites Super Orange cleaners. All Rights Reserved. Can you use a magic eraser on boat vinyl? What I love the most about this cleaner is that it has a no-alcohol formula which makes it extra safe for use on delicate surfaces. If your nose is sensitive, avoid using this product at all costs. We followed up with a light water spray and found it did repel water. Among the three, pinpointing, which exactly is the best maker, depends on who you will be asking, so the answer all boils down to preference. However, I would not recommend using this product for painted surfaces, indoor fabric, and clothing. It quickly penetrates to lift in-ground dirt and remove food spills. I am amazed by how much it changes the appearance of such spots. This is why you need to work quickly while the solution is still wet. Cost: $15 per pint; meguiarsonline.com; amazon.com. However, since they are white, specks of dirt and grime are very visible hence why you need to learn how to clean white vinyl boat seats. The only downside with this cleaner is that its not capable of removing all types of stain despite its effectiveness. I find this cleaner exceptional because it removes these stains without requiring heavy scrubbing. Ridetheducksofseattle is reader-supported. This cleaner is highly versatile and can be used on vinyl as well as rubberized seats on your boat. As the name suggests, this product comes with a PTEF protective barrier coating that does an excellent job of eliminating light grime. Although it doesnt include a sprayer, the process of application is quick and straightforward. Marine vinyl maintenance help for boaters. We would recommend frequent re-treating after boating. Fortunately, the Meguiars M180132 leaves a glossy satin finish to vinyl and rubber surfaces. With mildew specific cleaners, the mildew stains can be gone in just a matter of minutes. Its non-greasy formula is another thing that catches my attention. However, the good news is few boat vinyl cleaners also act as a vinyl restorer for boats. On the other hand, bleach is a major no-no because it will damage your vinyl seats threads. Star brites Deck Cleaner with PTEF left a coating that protected against future stains (for more info, go to boatingmag.com/deck-cleaner). However, it is important to take note that mildew specific boat vinyl cleaners are more penetrating than the standard type. After Use: Rinse, dry and always follow up this cleaner with a protectant to rejuvenate the vinyls inherent coatings and to help prevent future stains and sun damage. Mothers 91424 Marine Vinyl & Rubber Care, 10. First-time users will have an easy time cleaning vinyl boat seats due to its convenient spray design. They do not contain abrasive particles. Some are made with protective coatings that seal the pores and stop stains on the surface, making them relatively easy to wipe off. If youre looking for a vinyl cleaner that can give your boats surface a nice finish and increased protection, then this marine vinyl cleaner and protectant from Meguiars is a solid choice. It is a chemical used in preserving animals, and it has a strong foul odor. Using too much too frequently can get you the opposite results that you are hoping for. Vinyl cleaners remove dirt and grease without damaging vinyls protective UV coating. Aside from damage caused by organic matter and seawater, boat interiors are also susceptible to sun damage. The surface can fade or crack, making its structure weaker. Yet, it is still susceptible to dirt, mildew, and sun damage as time goes by. Precautions: Unless its clearly a hazmat scene, start with a detailer because, like any detergent, this will remove any protectants youve already applied and take the vinyl all the way back to its original form. Most boat owners also appreciated how it can be used for both light and deep cleaning. Just make sure to use it in a well-ventilated area to avoid any problems, especially regarding its odor. Detailers and cleaner/restorers are usually best on well-maintained vinyl. It was slightly tacky, so we buffed it lightly with a rag, and the results were a clear sheen and supple feel. These are specially formulated to easily remove dirt on the boat vinyl surface without causing damage. The two major things that you should avoid adding on your DIY cleaning solution are alcohol and bleach. These products are not only for cleaning white vinyl but also for protecting the surfaces against UV rays that can quickly discolor white vinyl boat seats. With this product, you can say goodbye to damaged seats. So, we made a couple of calls, the first to Star brite, one of the worlds largest brands and bottlers of marine maintenance chemicals. You can get good results when using this product, especially on the boats high traffic areas such as the decks and walkways. Cost: $11 for 24 ounces; amazon.com, lucasoil.com. This makes it really safe, and quite effective, for cleaning your boats surfaces. Designed specifically for marine fiberglass, the detailer is touted to use a hydrophobic polymer technology that repels water after removing dirt, grime and fresh contaminants. It has a sort of polymer aroma to it followed by a fruity smell. However, this product has been designed with safety in mind, so you wont need to worry that it will damage your marine upholstery. Use bleach or ammonia only as a last-ditch effort before reupholstering. When it comes to usage, youll find how easy and convenient the application process is. If versatility matters to you, then you will appreciate how versatile this cleaner is. After Use: It worked nearly as well as a full vinyl cleaner, but included protectants. I am impressed by how this cleaner gets the work done without leaving a greasy residue. Furthermore, it cleans without drying or harming the surface. The first type is the standard boat vinyl cleaners. Each time you are using it on your boat vinyl surface, you are actually scraping off a layer of that material similar to what you do when you are sanding wood. Once you spot a stain, simply spray the cleaner and allow it to sit for a while before rinsing. What I like most is the versatility it offers as it is effective for cleaning vinyl, leather, and plastic surfaces. Results: Both knocked down the grease, dirt and ground-in stains with a single, gentle, brushed-on application. You might want to consider using the 3M marine vinyl cleaner, conditioner and protector or 303 vinyl cleaner. A Bonnier LLC Company. There is just something about them that makes boats look more luxurious. With this superb cleaner, you will not only deep clean your boat but also polish and protect the surface from severe marine environments. Apart from cleaning boat surfaces, this product is ideal for keeping car interiors, furniture, bumpers, vinyl tops and plastic door panels clean. However, I dont recommend this product if you are looking to remove tough stains in upholstery as it may not work as intended. However, if youre fond of DIY and you prefer making your own cleaner, then you can also do that, but there are a few things that you have to avoid. Lastly, Meguiars can easily be considered the top-rated boat vinyl cleaner because it has been in the industry for over a century. I actually recommend it for anyone who wants the best vinyl boat protectant. Once you pick a mildew formulated cleaner, follow the product instructions until you get the results that you want. After a sunny day of tanning, it is inevitable for your upholstery to have sunscreen stains. Marine 31 Vinyl & Fabric Care Complete Kit, Cobra Supreme 530 Microfiber Towel, 16 x 16 inches. Star Brite Ultimate Vinyl Guard Protectant, Benefits and Drawbacks of Using a Boat Vinyl Cleaner. There you have it. This might be due to its nature as a conditioner and protectant at the same time. Babes Boat Care BB8016 Boat Care Seat Soap, 9. Tire and Trim Shine gives good UV protection and a more subtle, soft sheen. Vinyl Guard leaves a strong sheen that sheds water, resists dirt and adds UV protection. Another great cleaner in our list of the top-rated boat cleaners is the Babes Boat Care BB8016 Seat Soap. The best way to clean vinyl boat seats with white seats is by using boat vinyl cleaner. It is a natural disinfectant, and it can help remove dirt and stains. Since the product includes an easy-to-use spray trigger, you just need to spray on the surface that you intend to clean before wiping off. Shake well and spray product directly onto surface or applicator. Making your own boat vinyl cleaner can be a hit or miss. How do you get stains out of vinyl boats? However, even though it is durable, it is still not exempted from the harsh marine conditions long-term effects, which is why using the best boat vinyl cleaner is very important. Despite exceeding expectations, this product comes in a low-quality bottle that tends to leak when poorly handled. Here are the simple steps: Select a boat vinyl cleaner formulated for mildew because these are more stubborn than regular dirt and grime. Though its a vinyl restorer for boats, its also suitable for use on cars, trucks, boat covers, RV interior leather, plastic surfaces, and more. The last thing you want is to clean your boat and then notice a greasy residue after application. The first products we tested were in the category of detailers or cleaner/protectant sprays. If your boat seats are discolored because of sun damage and dirt, consider using boat care products first before deciding to totally replace them. Our job took only a few minutes to complete, then we wiped it dry. Once done, you will notice that your vinyl feels soft and has a supple finish. Is the vinyl surface in your boat old and unsightly because of exposure to harsh conditions? Do this until the stain is fully removed. According to one company, Simple Green, 409 or similar spray cleaners are OK for the initial cleaning because they dont have ammonia or bleach, chemicals that are destructive to vinyl. If anything, I believe it is the best product for any boater whos wondering how to clean white vinyl boat seats. Here are some that are worth mentioning: The reason why vinyl is a popular choice among boat owners is its affordable price and beautiful look. Great Protectant against the hot Arizona sun! The downside, however, is that it has a poor construction since the product is crafted from poor-quality plastic. Cost: $18 per pint; westmarine.com; amazon.com. These are the brands raved about by many boat owners. As mentioned earlier, it can protect your boats surfaces from the effects of UV rays. Star brites Ultimate Vinyl Guard appears to add a heavier, more visible protective layer, so the choice is dependent on your preferences. This is especially helpful considering that your boat is often exposed to harsh sunlight. Make sure the towel is not rough so that it does not leave scratch marks. Besides, the product has the ability to clean deep into the vinyl surface, thus delivering optimal cleaning results. Easy, right? This one is off-label for vinyl seating, but because the product had similar properties to Meguiars Vinyl and Rubber 57, we called Lucas Oil. It did not remove the spider stains, and it had little impact on our ink stain. This is especially important to ensure the longevity of vinyl surfaces that are easily damaged by harsh sun rays. And, to be blunt, on our heavily soiled beanbag chairs they didnt fare as well as first-line cleaners. Although it does manage to do some cleaning, its not as effective as the other cleaners. This is the go-to product for a wipe down after a day of boating to make sure sand, dirt and sunscreen are removed from the vinyl. Although hundreds of boat vinyl cleaners are sold in the market, there are just two main types. Also, Magic Eraser contains formaldehyde. White vinyl boat seats are stunning and seamless. Not only does it clean the vinyl surface effectively, but it can provide another layer of protection so that it will last longer. Vinyl surfaces on boats suffer a lot of damage due to harsh UV rays. When it comes into contact with water, it penetrates the surface groove removing dirt, grease, and other built-ups. Precautions: This product leaves a heavier film, so it could be applied with a cloth if a less noticeable sheen was preferred. Its more robust than cleaners specifically designed for vinyl, yet it includes no chemicals harmful to vinyl. As such, its important to have the right type of cleaner for your boats vinyl surfaces to ensure its long lifespan and durability. This product also features UV inhibitors that help prevent cracking and fading. You need to pick a stronger cleaner to remove it altogether. The company packages its detailer with its marine wax in kits, and so we took it to the task of cleaning our test beanbag. If you are looking for a trusted marine vinyl cleaner from a reputable company, the Meguiars M180132 Extreme Marine Vinyl & Rubber Protectant would be ideal. In addition, it also has a pleasant odor and will leave your seats spotless and smelling nice. How to clean vinyl boat seats of mildew? It is equipped with an easy-to-use sprayer that allows you to spray on the stain. What makes them special is that they have high-quality products and affordable price ranges, making them an obvious favorite by many. What stands out most to me is the UV protection that comes with this product. Another amazing feature of this cleaner is its alcohol-free formulation. After Use: The beauty of spray detailers is when youre done, youre done. If the stain is there, spray the solution again and brush the surface. Deciding who makes the best boat vinyl cleaner can be subjective. Besides, its formula is specially designed to combat the damage caused by exposure to harsh marine conditions. Considered the right cleaner for boat vinyl seats, this cleaner can revitalize and revive vinyl surfaces to give your boat a brand-new look. Weve found this additive improved the efficacy of all its products. Exposure to harsh marine conditions makes boat seats and cushions prone to mold and mildew. Using a soft bristle brush, gently brush the stained surface in a circular motion. The last entry is the Star Brite Ultimate Vinyl Guard Protectant. Both were all-purpose cleaners without ammonia or bleach and had the muscle to lift the greasiest spots on our beanbags. This can significantly affect the overall aesthetics of the boat. Marine-grade vinyl is an excellent choice for boat seats and other surfaces. Hence, it excels at eliminating mold and mildew stains. Spraying it onto surfaces is a breeze, effectively removing any wastage, especially when you miscalculated the required amount while cleaning. You can also avail of promotions and reduce the price of the product. We sprayed it on, lightly brushed it in with a medium-bristle brush, then waited a few minutes before wiping it off. As if thats not enough, it offers a lasting and waterproof coating to prevent vinyl surfaces from cracking or drying out. However, the first thing that you have to do is determine the cause of the stain. We wiped it on with bare hands, allowed it to dry, then wiped it dry with a soft cloth for a deep, protective sheen. Despite this, its effective not just at removing tough stains and dirt from vinyl surfaces but also as a preventive measure against further stains and even cracking. Nevertheless, the 3M marine vinyl cleaner is still a great choice if youre only doing some regular maintenance for your boats surfaces and dont need to remove tough stains. With the SIO2 ceramic protectant formula, cleaning interior surfaces like upholstery, vinyl, plastic, carpet, and foam flooring has never been this easy. Once you are satisfied with the result, you need to fully dry the surface by using a brand new towel. Boat vinyl cleaner can damage the surface of the boat when it is left to dry out. Boat vinyl cleaners are indeed great, but it is not without faults.