How To Make A Homemade Vinyl Boat Seat Cleaner

Paul Stockdale Author Avatar
Written by Paul Stockdale | March 22, 2023
Homemade vinyl boat seat cleaner

Cleaning vinyl boat seats with a homemade vinyl cleaner can be a great way to remove dirt, stains, mold and mildew from the upholstery.

To create a homemade vinyl boat seat cleaner:

  1. Get A Spray Bottle (Over 30 Oz)
  2. Use 2 Oz Of White Vinegar
  3. Use 4 Oz Of Laundry Stain Remover Spray
  4. Use 3 Oz Of Dishwasher Liquid Soap
  5. Fill The Spray Bottle With Water & Mix It

When mixed together, these homemade vinyl seat cleaning materials will tackle and remove even the toughest of dirt and deepest stains on any boat vinyl surface.

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1. Get A Spray Bottle (Over 30 Ounces)

The first step is to find an empty spray bottle and use it to mix all the cleaning materials together.

Using a spray bottle over 30 ounces will:

  • Ensure the cleaning materials are mixed: A bottle over 30 oz. is a great way of mixing all the different homemade liquids together
  • The spray nozzle will help keep things clean: The spray nozzle helps to spray the cleaner evenly across the dirty vinyl seating. This will keep it from getting messy and also apply it evenly without a patchy look
  • Means the homemade cleaner can be reused: Storing the homemade cleaner in this bottle makes it easy to reuse it when it's needed

If you do not have a bottle at home, simply find one on Amazon or at a local store.

Summary
Use a spray bottle with over 30 oz. capacity. This will mix all the homemade cleaning materials together. The spray nozzle will make it easier when applying the liquid to dirty vinyl seats.

2. Use 2 Ounces Of White Vinegar

The second step is to get white vinegar and put 2 ounces of it into the spray bottle.

Using white vinegar will:

  • Help remove deep stains, mold and mildew: White vinegar is acidic. This will help break down and remove even the toughest stains and dirt from the vinyl seats
  • Adds a shine: The acidity of the white vinegar removes the dirt and leaves a shine on the vinyl seats

Do not put more than 2 ounces into the spray container as more than 2 ounces can cause color fading of the vinyl seats.

If you do not have any at home, you can shop for white vinegar online.

Summary
White vinegar is acidic which means it will help break down and remove deep stains and dirt from the vinyl boat seats.

3. Use 4 Ounces Of Laundry Stain Remover Spray

The third step is to get a laundry stain remover spray and put 4 ounces into the spray bottle.

Using a laundry stain remover spray for the homemade vinyl cleaner will:

  • Help remove stains deep in the vinyl: The laundry stain remover spray will help remove the stains and dirt from the vinyl
  • Add a scent to the homemade vinyl cleaner: A laundry spray will add a nice scent to the cleaner and have the seats smelling great when cleaned
  • Be kind on the vinyl material: Laundry stain remover will be kind on the vinyl seat material as it has no harsh chemicals that could damage the vinyl

If you don't have it at home, you can shop for laundry stain remover spray online.

Summary
Using laundry stain remover spray as part of a homemade vinyl seat cleaner helps remove tricky stains deep in the vinyl without harming it. It will also add a nice scent to the homemade cleaner.

4. Use 3 Ounces Of Dishwasher Liquid Soap

The fourth step is to get dishwasher liquid soap and put 3 ounces into the spray bottle.

Using dishwasher liquid soap in the homemade vinyl cleaner will:

  • Adds a nice scent to the vinyl cleaner: The dishwashing liquid will add a nice scent to the cleaner
  • Not harm the vinyl material: The dishwashing soap will not harm the vinyl seat material
  • Remove grease from the vinyl seats: Adding dishwashing soap helps clean and remove grease from the vinyl

If you do not have it at home, you can shop for liquid dishwashing soap online.

Summary
Dishwashing liquid soap added to the vinyl cleaner will add a nice scent. It will also help remove grease from the vinyl seats.

5. Fill The Spray Bottle With Water & Use A Spoon To Mix Liquids

The fifth step is to fill the spray bottle up with water once all the cleaning products are in the bottle and stir it together.

After the water is filled into the bottle, use a spoon to stir and mix all the cleaning materials together.

As stated, use a bottle with a capacity of over 30 ounces. This will ensure the white vinegar, dishwasher soap and laundry stain remover liquid are diluted properly.

Stir the cleaning fluids for approximately 1 minute to ensure they are adequately mixed together.

It is important that the homemade vinyl cleaner is mixed together properly.

Once you mix all these ingredients together, the homemade vinyl boat seat cleaner is made and is ready to be used.

When cleaning vinyl boat seats, simply spray the homemade cleaner onto the dirty vinyl area, let it sit for 3 - 5 minutes and then start wiping with a microfiber cloth.

This cleaner should help clean the vinyl seats, remove all dirt and have it look like new.

It will also add a nice scent to the boat's upholstery.

Products To Use In A Homemade Vinyl Boat Seat Cleaner

The products to use in a homemade vinyl boat seat cleaner are:

  • Water
  • White Vinegar
  • Laundry Stain Remover Spray
  • Dishwasher Liquid Soap
  • Spoon (for mixing)
  • 30 oz. Spray Bottle

Products To Avoid In A Homemade Vinyl Boat Seat Cleaner

The products to avoid in a homemade vinyl boat seat cleaner are:

  • Bleach: Bleach can be too harsh on the vinyl and cause the vinyl seats to get damaged
  • Gasoline: Gasoline will damage the vinyl and cause a foul odor
  • Ammonia-based products: These are too harsh and can cause discoloration on the vinyl seats

Alternative Vinyl Boat Seat Cleaning

A boater can simply choose from one of the best boat vinyl cleaners and easily clean any dirty vinyl boat surfaces without the hassle of making the product themselves.