Imagine you are setting sail across the vast waters, which means constant moisture exposure. Mold can grow 100%, so here’s how to clean mold off boat seats.
While you want your vessel to be good as new all the time, there is no escaping the risk of growing mold. Unless you want a do-it-yourself indoor bio-ecosystem, foster a cleaning schedule. Regular cleaning and maintenance are two things necessary to stir off the pesky mold.
If you are a beginner at removing molds, this guide is tailored for you! As long as you have the tool requirements, you are good to go. Hold on to your seats as we walk you through.
What Pushes Mold Growth?
Mold growth can take a toll on both aesthetic aspects and health issues. The question is, how is mold so prominent on your surface? Here are a few:
- Temperature – Most mold colonies do not thrive in cold areas. This is why food is refrigerated to avoid growing mold on them. They survive in temperatures between 77° F and 86° F.
- Moisture – Water sprinkles can still promote mold growth even if it is not exposed to heavy rainfall intensity. Many experts recommend keeping furniture as dry as possible so it wouldn’t accumulate unsightly bacteria.
- Oxygen – Mold is naturally aerobic, which means they require oxygen to complete their metabolism process. Notice that many food items are in vacuum-sealed bags to prevent foreign colonies from joining in.
5 Key Steps On Cleaning Mold Off Boat Seats
Step #1. Inspect the damage
Given the right environment, mold is fungi that can grow anywhere. In the present case, as a boat owner, you have to face the problem. Your boat is constantly exposed to hot weather, salt water, wind, cold weather, and many more.
Take note of the color variation of the molds. Black molds are denoted as toxic if ingested. If you see tiny specks of mold on the surface, you do not need many tools and equipment to work.
If the mold damage is too much, you still do not have to worry. Natural cleaning solutions can do the job, and if not, bring in more powerful chemical solutions.
Step #2. Prepare boat interior for cleaning
First, you have to know what type of material the seats are made of. The ones available in the market are usually leather or vinyl. Leather seats are typically made for cars, and vinyl seats are tailored into boat interiors.
Due to vinyl’s ability to endure wear-and-tear situations, it is preferred by sailors and boat owners. Just like any property, they still need to undergo cleaning.
Here are some tools and equipment you need to prepare:
- Soft brush
- Microfiber cloth
- Bleach-free cleaning solution
- Warm or hot water
Fair warning, if you want to protect your seats, do not use cleaning agents containing bleach in them. Sure, bleach is effective against mold infestation, but they are also strong enough to erase color off the seats.
Step #3. Wear protective gear
Just as you wear life jackets in open waters, you need to protect yourself from bacteria. Removing molds is a vigorous task. These tiny guys can float into the air that will inhale.
Not only are those molds unsightly, but they can also pose health concerns. Put on a mask, a pair of gloves, and some goggles. If you think the cleaning job will last a whole day, wear PPE too.
Step #4. Remove the mold
All-natural ingredient solutions are acceptable as long you get rid of the mold damage. On the other hand, we recommend that you use strong chemical cleaning agents.
For the homemade process, put distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle. Directly spritz it on the surface and let it sit for a few minutes. Wipe it with a clean microfiber cloth.
If you really want a squeaky-clean vinyl seat interior, switch to specific mildew cleaners. These are chlorine-free, and they work just as good as the vinegar solution. Wipe it off with a clean towel soaked in warm or hot water.
Step #5. Vacuum the remaining mold
After that, consider applying vinyl protectors to avoid molds from forming again in the future. Using your boat’s interior will protect it from UV abrasion. It is an excellent preventive measure and will make your seats shiny as new.
Lastly, vacuum the surrounding areas to get rid of any wet parts. Make sure the boat interiors are dry.
Boat Cleaning Tips
Impose a regular cleaning schedule for your boat. Choose cleaners responsibly as they can cause further damage if not given adequate attention. Also, vacuum and spot clean the interiors every now and then.
Go easy on the scrubbing. Sure, saltwater fog up your portlights and boat glass, but they should come off quickly when gently scrubbed.
Conclusion
Hassles and struggles may come to your path if you own a boat vessel. You want your hard-earned money wasted wisely, don’t you? Instead of purchasing new vinyl cover seats, just follow our guide on how to clean mold off boat seats.
Want to be an expert on spotting molds immediately? Here’s an article you can read about black molds and how you can identify them.
How to clean mold of RV interiors, and how danger is the expose to this nasty situation, is a health danger for whom is going to clean the (recreational) unit ?