Mildew spot removal

Skipper May 25, 2015 Ask The Skipper

Dave Jull asked:

Is there anything that will remove pink spots from vinyl seats?

Answer:

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Nothing that I know of. The pink spot is an indelible stain that has gone into the vinyl and changed the color all the way through. The only stains that can be removed are superficial. Chemicals strong enough to bleach the stain will destroy the vinyl. Some boat owners have tried painting their vinyl but the results are only temporary and then the paint cracks and peels. The only solution is replacement.

Pink spots are most often caused by using the wrong type of cleaner but can also be caused by mold or mildew and in some cases by defective vinyl manufacture. A lot of people think it’s OK to use household cleaners on vinyl, but most are highly alkaline and if you don’t get a 100% rinse, which is very difficult to do, the sun causes a reaction with the residue resulting in pink spots. These cleaners also attack the stitching.

In future, use only cleaners and protectors made especially for vinyl, such as EZ Vinyl Cleaner and Vinyl Guard. These products can double the life of vinyl and in the end are a lot cheaper than replacing the seats.

Sorry that I don’t have better news for you.

Captain Aurora
Richard Kittar