Removing Mildew from Boat Furniture Safely

If you’re living in a humid area or you often leave your boat open, you probably aren’t a stranger to mildew buildup. It can look bad, weaken your furniture, and smell unpleasant. But how do you go about removing mildew from boat furniture safely?

Like most things, mildew is cleanable. With the right tools and techniques, you can tackle most cases yourself. But, it’s also important to know when to call for professional boat detailing in the GTA. If you want to take this problem up by yourself, keep reading to find out what you can do to minimize and rid of mildew on your boat’s furniture!

How Does Mildew Grow on Boat Furniture?

Mildew grows and stays in warm and damp environments. Since your boat is often getting wet from carrying passengers or water splashes, it’s a strong breeding ground for mildew. Whether it’s canvas covers, vinyl seating, or wooden trim, any surface that stays moist for too long becomes a target. After a short time, mildew can form – leaving lasting damage on your furniture which you’re likely less than happy to see.

 

Getting Rid of Mildew on Boat Furniture

There are several safe and effective methods for removing mildew from boat furniture, depending on the material and severity of the growth.

Clean Furniture Pieces with Vinegar and Water

White vinegar is a natural disinfectant and works well on light mildew stains:

1. Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle.
2. Spray it on the affected area and let sit for about 10 minutes.
3. Scrub gently with a soft brush, then rinse thoroughly and dry completely.

This method is great for small spots on vinyl or canvas.

Use Baking Soda for Tougher Boat Furniture Stains

For more stubborn mildew, baking soda is a gentle abrasive that won’t scratch surfaces. Here’s how to use it:

1. Mix baking soda and water until it forms a paste-like consistency
2. Spread it over the stained area
3. Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes depending on how bad the stain is
4. Gently scrub with a brush, rinse well, and allow the furniture to air dry.

This method works best on textured surfaces like cushions or marine-grade fabrics.

Try Oxygen-Based Bleach (Not Chlorine!)

Oxygen bleach is much safer than chlorine bleach. Chlorine bleach can often harm the material of your boat furniture. To use oxygen bleach:

1. Mix a solution according to package instructions
2. Apply to the affected area with precision
3. Let the solution soak before scrubbing lightly
4. Rinse thoroughly and dry.

This is a go-to solution for removing deep-set mildew on fabric and upholstery without fading colours.

Consider Commercial Mildew Removers

There are many store-bought products designed specifically for removing mildew from boat furniture. These often contain enzymes or mildewcides that break down mildew and mould, preventing them from growing in the future. Always follow label directions carefully, and test on a small area first to make sure it doesn’t discolour or harm the material.

Call a Detailing Professional

If the mildew has deeply penetrated fabric, wood, or foam, or if the smell lingers despite cleaning, it might be time to bring in a specialist. We use industrial-strength equipment and treatments that penetrate deeper than DIY solutions. We take advantage of tools as well to guarantee you’re left with a clean beginning.

How to Prevent Mildew from Growing in the Future

Now that you know how to clean it, you also have to learn how to maintain the cleanliness. Keeping mildew at bay is key for the long term health of your boat. Here are a few ways that we like to prevent mildew from growing on furniture:

• Keep Your Boat Furniture Dry: After each use, make sure all furniture and covers are fully dry before storing. Open windows, remove seat cushions and allow airflow to reduce moisture buildup.
• Use Mildew-Resistant Covers: Go for marine-grade covers treated to resist that pesky mildew. These are specially designed to withstand the elements!
• Store Boat Furniture Indoors When Not in Use: If possible, take removable cushions and covers off the boat and store them indoors during the off-season. This makes sure that your furniture is less exposed to humidity or moistness when not in use.
• Apply a Protective Spray: Much like the mildew-resistant covers, there are sprays available that create a barrier against moisture and mildew. Apply these after cleaning for added protection on fabrics or more textured materials.
• Regular Cleaning and Inspection: Don’t wait until mildew appears. Give your boat furniture a quick clean every few weeks, especially during humid months. A little maintenance here and there will only help your boat furniture.

Keeping Your Boat Furniture Free of Mildew

Removing mildew from boat furniture is something most boat owners will face at one point or another. With bigger problems like deep-set mildew or mould growth, don’t be afraid to contact Wash Me Now. Combine healthy cleaning habits with other protective measures to keep your boat free of mildew every season!