If you’re reading this article you probably have mildew in your boat seats. Sure, you’ve tried to use a scrub and water, but that doesn’t seem to be working. The best mildew removers for boat seats are stronger and should definitely be in your cleaning arsenal and they are good for other things around the boat like the outdoor teak.
This article is going to start out by focusing on boat seats, but the best mildew removers can be used anywhere on the boat and should be used to kill mildew on grass and other outdoor stuff you own.
Mildew on your boat seats can be a problem, but don’t scratch yet. All is not lost and worst case scenario you’ll be buying new boat seats. We’re going to show you a blend of substances that will clean your hull and kill the mold at the same time.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Marine 31 Mildew Remover | Best Overall |  |
| Star Brite Mold & Mildew Stain Remover + Cleaner | Budget Pick |  |
| WD-40 Company 260240 Mildew Stain Remov128oz | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Marine 31 Mildew Remover
The Marine 31 is acetone-free and made with biodegradable ingredients. This product guarantees longer-lasting protection which is something you won’t get from your soap-based cleaning agents. It works instantaneously to remove mildew stains. The first time I tried it on my canvas boat seats, I couldn’t believe the results. One treatment removed years of mildew in seconds.
The genuine package has a Scent Booster which is the pink thingie you see in the photo. But the counterfeit package has a silver thingie which is a silicone-based paint treatment. Do not be fooled by the different looking thingie. The package I’ve seen the most has the same formula and same logo at the back.
2. Star Brite Mold & Mildew Stain Remover + Cleaner
Pros:
- Versatile cleaner
- Safe on fiberglass, plastic, vinyl, and gel-coat
- Manufacturer offers a satisfaction guarantee
- Removes mildew smells and stains
- Cleans interior and exterior surfaces
- Safe for use on carpets and upholstery
- Works fast- lifts dirt and stains on contact
- No harsh chemicals or abrasives
Cons:
- User reviews indicate that many users had trouble unlocking the cap
- Some users report that the cap doesn’t fit tightly enough
- Some users report that mold still reappears after the product is used
- Users say that the product smells like industrial cleaner
Works with Hot water! The Star Brite Mold & Mildew Stain Remover includes a satisfaction guarantee, which allows the customer to use the product and return it if not satisfied!
Star Brite has been around since 1968 and has continued to produce products that are safe to use. The Star Brite brand is associated with quality, trust, and integrity!
The Star Brite Mold & Mildew Stain Remover is popular in the watercraft community. This is because it’s safe on fiberglass, plastic, vinyl, and gel-coat. Plus, it’s safe for use on carpets and upholstery!
3. WD-40 Company 260240 Mildew Stain Remov128oz
Pros:
- Simple to use spray-on formula
- Easy to apply without being messy
- Lasts long
- Removes mold and mildew stains
In comparison to other mold and mildew removers, the Wd-40 Company 260240 Mildew Stain Remover does what it’s for. This mold and mildew remover is a spray that’s great for cleaning your carpets.
You can also use it to clean your surfaces such as boats, fabric, and vinyl, too. You can use it on your surfaces without any residue left behind.
The this mildew remover comes ready to use. You don’t need to dilute it because it’s been pre-mixed. When you spray it, you’ll notice that it creates a white, foamy action. It’s similar to a shower cleaner.
4. Boater's EDGE Mold & Mildew Stain Remover + Surface Cleaner
Pros:
- May be used for fabric & vinyl.
- Can be used to clean car seats, boat seats, boat carpeting, and more.
- Cleans outdoor washable surfaces.
- Safe for use in both indoor and outdoors.
- The product is odor-less on application.
- The product is not tested on animals, but it is safe for the environment, and is biodegradable.
- The product is safe for use on other surfaces such as plastics, metals, and ceramics.
- The product is made in the USA.
- The product is available on Amazon.
Cons:
- Some products had leakage issues.
- Some customers had difficulty using the pumps to dispense the cleaner.
- Some customers thought the ingredients were not strong enough.
- Some customers thought the product lost its effectiveness after several uses.
- Some customers would not purchase the product again, because of the leakage issues.
Leaving a Fresh Citrus Scent on Boat Seats, Carpeting, Vinyl, Canvas, Vinyl Canvas, Leather Seats, and more.
5. 3M Mildew Stain Remover
Pros:
- Easy-to-use 3M Mildew Stain Remover
- Effectively removes tough mildew stains without scrubbing
- Contains no caustic additives (Soap, bleach & chemicals)
- Can be used on vinyl, plastic, carpet & other materials
- Great for use around your home
- Eliminates tough mildew & mold stains
- Also great for boat seats & more
- Safe for use around you, your family & pets
- Mildew Stain Remover can also be used to clean Rain Gear, Shoes, Leather, Siding, Roofing & More!
The 3M Mildew Stain Remover cleans without the use of soap, cleaning chemicals or scrubbing.
It effectively removes tough mildew stains and odors. The black mildew remover formula goes to work upon contact to remove mildew stains from a wide variety of fabrics, plastics, vinyl and carpet. The Mildew Stain Remover works great around your home as well as on boat seats & more.
6. CLR PB-CMM-6 Mold and Mildew Stain Remover
Pros:
- Works fast
- Safe to use
- Cheap as chips
CLR is designed for mold and mildew stains. It does what it says on the tin.
Mildew and bubbles are a thing of the past with CLR. It lasts for ages even if you fill your cleaning bottle with the diluted product and keep it to use for several other cleaning and maintenance jobs.
CLR has a lovely simple formula. You simply spray and let it cook on the stain overnight. You may have to repeat this between 3-4 times for a really stubborn stain.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What will take mold off of boat seats?
Mold and mildew can be very hard to remove from boat seats, even with strong cleaners. There are many different things that need to be considered when trying to get rid of mold from a boat seat and then the mold needs to be treated.
It can also be difficult to treat the material of the boat seat to prevent future mold. This is how mold and mildew can be so hard to treat.
There are many different cleaning agents out there that can be used to remove mold from a boat seat. Most of these tend to be milder and are designed to not destroy the boat seat. The cleaner works by getting the mold off and removing it.
Treating the mold and mildew can be harder. You have to do a post-clean on the material to ensure that mold and mildew will not develop on the boat seat again.
What is the best product to clean boat seats?
The best homemade product for cleaning boat seats is a mixture of vinegar and water, according to this article. The acidity of the vinegar will neutralize the mildew. At the same time, the water will aid in getting the seat clean.
Vinegar should be left to set for five minutes, after which the seat should be rinsed. You can apply as many treatments as needed if you want to completely rid your seats of mildew.
You should check your seats at least once per year for mildew.
How do you remove mildew from vinyl?
Mildew can be a real problem on trailer covers, boat seats, patio furniture, and other items that are subject to moisture.
Commonly available products such as bleach and vinegar are often highly irritating to skin and will cause the mildew to spread, so they are not a good option.
Moisture in boat seats, covers, and other items can be controlled by simply removing the source of the moisture. However, in some cases, this is not practical or possible, and you will need to remove the mildew itself.
It will take some time, but mildew can be removed from vinyl. Depending on the severity of the mildew and the strength of the vinyl, this may be a challenge. The following are the best ways to remove mildew from vinyl.
What is the best mildew remover?
Keeping the seats in storage for two months while you go on vacation is not a nice experience. Mildew can form easily, particularly when there is considerably different temperatures during the heat of summer and the cold of winter. It can lead to a foul smell and a real lack of comfort when it is that time of the year to sit outside in the boat.
There are many different products and cleaners that can be used to tackle mildew on boat seats. They range from general household cleaners to specialized cleaners and sprays designed specifically for marine use. All of these options will do a much better job than leaving the seat outside or storing it outdoors on the back of the boat.
Conclusion
If you are looking to buy a mildew removal product for your boat seat, then don’t leave this article just yet. This piece will review the best mildew removers in the market today to help you make an informed decision.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Marine 31 Mildew Remover | Best Overall | |
| Star Brite Mold & Mildew Stain Remover + Cleaner | Budget Pick | |
| WD-40 Company 260240 Mildew Stain Remov128oz | Upgrade Pick | |