Cleaning Vinyl

[toddh]

Some of my seats are stained from the kids getting mud and sand on their feet. Any recommendations on how I should remove these stains on white vinyl?

 

[Lazy Daze]

They shouldn't really be "stained" from mud or sand. What have you tried to clean it with, to this point? What have you used to clean and protect the vinyl with in the past?

 

[Turtlesboat]

Lighter fluid

 

[rcknecht]

Magic eraser works great on the seats....

 

[Ms. Mymoney]

3M makes a vinyl cleaner that I have had great results with.

 

[toddh]

I have not tried to clean it yet. They have a slight yellowing to them. I want to get them cleaned real good before winter.

 

[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/Leather_and_Plastic_Cleaner-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

 

[Lazy Daze]

Start with whatever cleaners you may have (course, doing this during the season, a little at a time, would have been best!) already - Fantastik, 409, Simple Green or any boat-specific cleaners that you may have. Before you step up to any harsh chemicals, the next step would be to leave it in the sun for a few days to see if gets better.

FYI: suntan lotion can permanently discolor (and stiffen) vinyl - especially if the vinyl isn't given regular cleanings and protection.

 

[JohnGordon]

Simple Green

 

[spfortjohn]

Krazy Kleen funny name but it works great. I have been used it for years and it keeps the seats clean and then I apply 303 for protection.

 

[JVM225]

Spray 9 and a Magic Eraser clean most things so they should be able to handle mud and sand. Whatever you use just make sure you follow up with 303 Protectant or other protective product.

 

[Skuza]

I'll get shot for this but I use Clorox cleaner with bleach. I mist it on and use a fine bristle brush to clean the grain of the vinyl then hose off. DISCLAIMER: This is usually a ONCE a year type cleaning. Our seats don't get dirty enough on a regular basis that I would be doing this every week. For any other time I use a damp rag or some Windex. My bleach method is like a shock treatment for a pool as it really cleans them and then I keep on the for the rest of the season to prevent any buildup. 10 years of this method hasn't hurt anything. Granted this is Michingan sun and only 6 mos a year exposure to test the longevity of the material after cleaning with such harsh chemical. For weekly cleaning the other products recommended probably do a fine job.
Sometimes the dangerous stuff is the what works best!

 

[Angry Ranch Hand]

Dow Scrubbin Bubbles works excellent with a brush.
Buy it in the 4 pack at COSTCO or Sam's.
The Magic Eraser is abrasive so eyes wide open,, but it sure helps.
Also, no spray on tans.
They will stain your Vinyl worse than most anything.