Black specs on top and rear of seats

[jeffk]

We are getting black specks, sort of look like mold on the back and top of the rear seats of our 2006 300 Dancer. Tried vinyl cleaner and clorox cleanup, but still there. Any ideas on how to clean this up?

 

[sccchiii]

Same problem with my seats....I have tried everything and have not found a solution to get them removed. They're almost are like super small cigarette burns, but we dont smoke? I also thought it might be mold spores but they just wont come out.

 

[rcknecht]

try magic eraser... lightly wipe, and they should come off...

 

[jeffk]

Thanks, will give it a try.

 

[Lazy Daze]

I take it this is an area that doesn't get much sun in your boat (either cockpit cover or it's a dark area under the camper canvas)?

Try using a clean, white cloth that is dampened in a solution of water:bleach at about 4:1. Lay it on the affected area for a few minutes and see what happens. Sometimes just letting it in the bright sun for a few days can help, too.

 

[Turtlesboat]

Lighter fluid

 

[HUMPH]

Lighter fluid

And a match? Mine was bad so I used acetone and followed up immediately with 303.

 

[Turtlesboat]

acetone is a no no on vinyl.

seriously, lighter fluid works great on vinyl and canvas.

 

[floriduramax1]

Lighter fluid

Here we go again...lol

 

[MonacoMike]

I am using "Meguiars Vinyl and Rubber Cleaner and Conditioner" http://www.meguiarsdirect.com/product_detail.do?q=4682 for quick clean-up and "Malco Leather and Plastic Cleaner" http://www.malcoautomotive.com/Leath...r-details.aspx to deep clean.

The Malco really cleans anything I have gotten on my cockpit seats except some red mold that NOTHING has touched but a little sun fade. It has cleaned grease, foods, drinks and the recurring black stuff that rubs off the cover in transport. Meguiars did not clean some of this, especially the black stuff from the cover. So, why use both? The Meguiars leaves a nice feeling finish, I coat the seats, let them dry some, then buff. They feel supple and new with a nice sheen on 13 year old vinyl.

My mistake was: while working on a project in the bilge I left the cockpit table face down on the side lounger. Whe I finished the project 10 days or so later I had red stains on the vinyl. I assumed this was some kind of mold. I have tried most of the things I have heard on this site including Magic E, bleach, vinegar, the cleaners, and carb cleaner as a solvent. Anything I missed? MM

 

[HUMPH]

acetone is a no no on vinyl.

seriously, lighter fluid works great on vinyl and canvas.

Worked well but it was a one time deal. I will try lighter fluid next time. If it melts will you buy me new vinyl? I am so through with this white vinyl, I am ready for the Sunbrella change I think...

 

[Turtlesboat]

yeah, me too. I'm sick of vinyl.

 

[Lazy Daze]

I think it was probably Turtle who first informed me about lighter fluid. The active (or at least one of them) ingredient in lighter fluid is Naptha (available at places like Home Depot). I've used Naptha COUNTLESS times on vinyl. Literally hundreds. Naphtha is perfectly safe for vinyl. I've never tried lighter fluid, but assuming it's basically naphtha, there would be nothing to worry about. I just wanted to add that info to lend credence to Turtle's recommendation. Although, I can understand why some may be apprehensive about using fire-starting chemicals on their boat! :smt001

 

[billnpat]

I take it this is an area that doesn't get much sun in your boat (either cockpit cover or it's a dark area under the camper canvas)?

Try using a clean, white cloth that is dampened in a solution of water:bleach at about 4:1. Lay it on the affected area for a few minutes and see what happens. Sometimes just letting it in the bright sun for a few days can help, too.

YES, YES, That worked for me last season Bleach, water and the sun....

Good call dennis....:thumbsup:

 

[HUMPH]

I think it was probably Turtle who first informed me about lighter fluid. The active (or at least one of them) ingredient in lighter fluid is Naptha (available at places like Home Depot). I've used Naptha COUNTLESS times on vinyl. Literally hundreds. Naphtha is perfectly safe for vinyl. I've never tried lighter fluid, but assuming it's basically naphtha, there would be nothing to worry about. I just wanted to add that info to lend credence to Turtle's recommendation. Although, I can understand why some may be apprehensive about using fire-starting chemicals on their boat! :smt001

Hmmmm, looks like I get to try Naptha before I go to Napa...

 

[dpmulvey]

Depending on where you are, it sounds like spider poop.

Plus one on the Malco products.

I've not tried Naptha but I will.

In this economy, the lighter fluid would be too too tempting!!!!!

:wow:OH NO.:huh:But your honor......:grin:

Kidding.

 

[marks737]

I have the same problem. I think it's because that area sits just below the canvas that snaps just aft of the rear seat bolster and I think that area can stay moist. It definitely looks like mold spots. I've also tried most over the counter stuff without luck. I'll have to try the Naptha route as well. I was going to try household bathroom mold cleaner, but wasn't sure if that was too harsh for the vinyl.

 

[fwebster]

Kind of cloudy dark blotches are most likely signs of the end of the line for vinyl on a Sundancer in Sarasota FL. If you can't get the spots to lighten with a bleach solution, then it probably means the mold/mildew is between the vinyl face and backing and you are not going to get it off. The fix is new cockpit vinyl.

 

[MonacoMike]

This might help you. They offer a lot of cleaning procedures.

Curtain Cleaning

SPAM Do Not Click

They get paid to produce clicks.

Now we have spammers in our threads. MM :smt021

 

[Bucit]

Now we have spammers in our threads. MM :smt021

Great, next thing you know we will have people trying to bring pigs on their boat and keep them cool with a portable genny hooked to an A/C unit.