... both products and process.

I've got a bunch of gear for doing vehicles but I have a boat cover that is covered in mold and junk. How do you all with boats stored at the house clean your covers?

I usually use Dawn detergent and a soft bristle brush for cleaning. Lay it out on the deck and scrub it down, then rinse and repeat. I then let it dry completely the treat it with 303 Fabric Guard. I stuff it into a rubber storage bin, pour a gallon of the fabric guard in then shake/tumble until thoroughly saturated then let dry in the sun

I think I have a different type of boat cover. The one I've got is vinyl with a cloth backing - and there's a lot of cover to clean as it keeps the sun off a 20' power boat with a large outboard motor.

There isn't anyplace here where I can remove it to clean it so I'm looking at doing the job in place. I figured on using one of those long-handled brushes for washing cars and such that one finds at Wal-Mart, but didn't know what to use that would effectively get rid of the mold/mildew without damaging the cover itself.

First, try and stay away from using a product that includes bleach in it. 'Most' marine mildew cleaner/removers include bleach, which will actually do more harm than good to what you're cleaning. It can also discolor other things in your boat (i.e carpet, etc).

Marine 21 Mildew Remover

I used this stuff on my ski boat with terrific results, and although it smells like bleach when you use it, the label and the manufacturer claims there's no bleach in it.

Pictures typically speak louder than words, so here's what this stuff can do when used correctly.

Dirty/Moldy bow cushion



Bow Cushion after Marine 21 Cleaner Application

I used to have a cover like that. I got rid of it and got a canvas cover. WAY easier to deal with, and lighter, too. Also no worries about mildew and that type of crap since canvas breathes better than vinyl.

Note that canvas doesn't keep the water out quite as well as vinyl, but it's a boat - they get wet. Just leave the plug out and it'll all drain out as designed.

exx1976 & KDR - I'm storing the boat for a neighbor that has moved. He'll be back in about 6 months to get the boat. The cover already had lots of mold, etc., on it before coming to my place. I just like to give things back in better condition (if possible) than when I receive them.

Also, this is a big cover. It's a 22' long pleasure boat, fairly wide and with a massive engine. I keep the batteries charged and want to keep it clean, but as it's someone else's property, a new cover isn't in the works. Plus, the vinyl cover keeps the boat dry underneath, which is important due to all the electronics, batteries, and such.

bigdeal - thanks for the Mildew 21 product recommendation. I'll get a bottle and give it a try. Thanks also for the advice to not use any bleach as that was something I was going to try. Not anymore!

For Sunbrella material, they recommend the following (from their actual website):

Combine one fourth cup dishwashing liquid (*Dawn) and one cup bleach per one gallon water.

If severely stained, use a little more bleach.

Soak it, scrub it, rinse it.

I have used this mix many times with no issues.

Giving things back better than you got them is a great policy, but if the cover cleaning risks doing damage, it may be best to ask the owner first. And - truth to tell - you're doing him a favor just by storing the boat, even if the cover is left on autopilot and deteriorates on its own.

"Honey, you need to go clean the boat cover." She trots to the dock, a fullsome, buxom blonde in a bikini. Then I wake up.

The above mentioned method works well, soap with bleach..... once you get it clean, get a gallon of starbrite waterproofing agent and roll on a coat with a 3/8" nap synthetic roller (like you'd paint the walls in your house). This will keep it waterproof but also help it from staining and mildewing again.....do it off of the boat of course and shake it really well before using.