Boating & Yacht Blog — Clean Boat Seats

While summer days and boating go hand in hand, hot weather and harsh marine conditions can do a number on boat seats. That is, unless you know the right way to clean them.

In this guide, we are breaking down the best steps in how to clean your boat seats the right way. From getting the right supplies to the correct drying process, by the end of this read, you’ll have everything you need to give your boat seats that ideal fresh look.

Why Cleaning Boat Seats Regularly Is Important

While using your boat allows you to enjoy the water and sunny weather, it consistently exposes your boat seats to various environmental factors, including UV rays from the sun and saltwater. When left uncleaned, these can slowly wear away at the seat material, ruining both its usability and appearance. 

While cleaning your seats often can be a chore, it’s better than paying big bucks to replace sun-faded and mold-covered seats. With the right tools and cleaning routine, you can enjoy regular boating and a fresh-looking interior with little to no hassle. How do you do that? Let's break down the best way to clean your boat seats.

Clean Your Boat Seats in 6 Easy Steps

1. Gather Your Supplies

Here is the basic list of tools to get started:

• Soft sponge 

• Soft-bristled brush

• A mild soap or material-specific cleaner, such as a marine cleaner for vinyl

• A bucket of clean water

• Microfiber cloths or the Absorber by CleanTools (for drying)

2. Remove Loose Debris

Take time to clear off any loose debris using your soft brush. Doing this will prevent dirt or grime from being rubbed into the material during the cleaning process.

3. Apply Cleaner

Mix either your marine cleaner or the mild soap with clean water. Once thoroughly mixed, apply the mixture to the seats with either your brush or sponge. Work slowly and divide the seat into sections for a much more complete clean. 

4. Scrub Gently

This is the part you don’t want to rush. Use gentle circular motions as you scrub, focusing on any visible staining. Being gentle is essential, as being too hard against the material can cause more wear. 

5. Rinse Thoroughly

Once all seats have been thoroughly scrubbed, it's time to rinse the cleaner. Use clean water to wash away any cleaner, ensuring that nothing remains on the seat surface. This is important as any leftover cleaner or soap can discolor or cause streaks if left to dry.

6. Dry Completely

All that's left is to dry the seats. Use your microfiber cloth or the Absorber to dry each seat completely. If any moisture is left in the sun, it can risk mold or mildew growth, especially in humid conditions.

What Not to Do When Cleaning Boat Seats

Cleaning your boat can be a time-consuming process, but the results will speak for themselves if you do it right. Keep your seats in the best shape possible and avoid these common cleaning mistakes:

• Pressure Washers: Although it's tempting, the high-powered spray from these washers can cause unintended scratches and tears in the seat material.

• Degreasers: The chemical content of degreasers can remove the protective coating on seat materials, such as vinyl.

• Gasoline: Gasoline and cleaning are never a combo you want. Gasoline is not only highly flammable, but it can wreak havoc on your vinyl seats. 

• Sharp or Abrasive Tools: Avoid using abrasive tools, such as Magic Erasers or sharp metal, as these can directly damage the material layer even when used gently.

• Skipping on Wiping Seats: Never leave your wet seats out to dry, as it can lead to moisture buildup. Make it a habit of drying off seats after every cleaning.

• Leaving Stains Alone: While it can be a pain to clean up every seat stain as soon as you see it, the longer they remain, the harder it is to remove later on, especially with materials like vinyl.

Give Your Boat Seats a Showroom Shine with CleanTools

Owning a boat is great, but it also means you have the responsibility of keeping your boat clean. While it may seem like a chore, taking the time to give your boat seats a thorough clean not only preserves their appearance and usability for the summer boating trips ahead but also ensures they remain in good condition.

Want to know the secret to the best cleaning method for boat seats? It is by drying them with the Absorber. This is more than your everyday drying towel. The Absorber is made with a sponge-like structure that quickly grabs onto and dries moisture. 

Drying becomes even easier and faster, meaning less time cleaning and more time out on the water. Don’t leave the dock without the Absorber by Boat Lover’s Towel—get yours today.