Mildew, mold, leaf stains, and pinking on vinyl or leather upholstery often cannot be completely cleaned, but they can be concealed with a new color. Mold and mildew are fungi and must first be killed, so they do not colonize and grow through the new finish.
Learn how to kill mold on leather.
Learn how to kill mold on vinyl.
Learn how to treat pinking on vinyl.
Kill Mold on Leather
Use denatured or rubbing alcohol (the higher the percentage of alcohol to water, the better) to kill mold on leather upholstery. Alcohol is better than undiluted distilled white vinegar due to its less acidic pH. It also leaves less odor. Allow the alcohol to sit for 30 minutes to several hours and then gently scrub the surface.
Never use abrasive cleaners like borax or baking soda on leather.
If the mold is present on the interior stuffing, if you’re concerned about mycotoxins, or if the mold returns after treating the leather, the items should be placed in a sealed ozone chamber for several days. This will deprive the fungus of oxygen and kill it. Fire or flood restoration companies usually have an ozone chamber. Otherwise, the piece will require reupholstery or total replacement.
Once the mold / mildew has been treated, a pigmented finish will conceal any remaining stains.
Kill Mold on Vinyl
We’ve had many years’ success with bleach, but EPA and OSHA (and certified mold inspectors) have retracted bleach as an effective mold remediation. Bleach is no more effective than alcohol but is more toxic. It does, however, work faster (let it sit only a few minutes and wipe dry). It also lightens the remaining stains most effectively.
We recommend denatured or rubbing alcohol (the higher the percentage of alcohol to water, the better). Some customers have also reported success with Marine 31® Mildew Remover.
Never use abrasive cleaners like borax, baking soda, or Soft Scrub® on vinyl.
If the mold is present on the interior stuffing, if it returns after treating the vinyl, or if you’re concerned about mycotoxins, the components should be placed in a sealed ozone chamber. Contact a local fire or flood restoration company. Otherwise, the piece will require reupholstery or replacement.
Once the mold / mildew has been treated, a pigmented finish will correct any remaining stains.
Treat Pinking on Vinyl
Pinking is a phenomenon that results in pink stains on vinyl boat upholstery.
Bacterial pinking occurs in humid climates where Streptoverticillium reticulum produces a pink dye that stains the vinyl. It has a splotchy appearance. Pinkaway Solution will remove it bacterial pinking from white or off-white vinyl, but it may fade other colors.
Chemical pinking occurs in arid regions where heat melts the glue within the vinyl and leaves a pink smear. Direct sunlight may fade chemical pinking, but trapped heat will continue to exacerbate the issue.
In either case, Rub ‘n Restore® finishes will hide the stains and add UV protection to the vinyl.
How do you specifically use the bleach water to kill it?
Rub it on with a rag or sponge, let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Proceed with normal cleaning procedure for restoration.
Interesting thank you
Bleach doesn’t kill mold..only removes appearance of.
Vinegar kills mold and is in no way as damaging as bleach.
Thank you; you inspired me to research this further with a certified mold inspector and update the article. Vinegar only kills 82% of mold species, but yes, less toxic than bleach. We still prefer alcohol to vinegar on leather, which has a more neutral pH.
What products do you recommend.
No Mold but cracked and pealing balusters/ back rests as well. All cracked on top from sun damage.
Can not wait to use your products.
Marine White & Red.
Bayliner boat…19 ft. I want enough product to do all of the interior.
Sounds like filler (but read this first about cracking vinyl), Marine White, a red (which may require customization) and Clear Prep+Finish will do. We can be of more help if you submit the evaluation.
Our boat wells have mold in them what is the best way to clean them out??