Does anyone know of a common household product or commerical that cleans vinal well????  The seats on the boat arent bad, but there are a few spots I would like to get rid of.

I usually just use windex then go back over it with a marine cleaner /protector spray or paste.  I think it cleans as well or better then most products I've tried and alot cheaper then some out there for boats or autos but it doesn't give any lasting weather or sun protection.  It works pretty well, although I have still have had a few old stains that it didn't take off.   I haven't noticed any problems like discoloring on any surfaces that I've tried it on, that I am aware of.

  I did buy a marine vinal cleaner that worked better then anything else I've tried so far, but I can't remember the name of it or where I got it, right now.  I 'm thinking about trying WD-40 on any small spots and see how it works.

Baby oil. It will soften the vinyl and also remove minor acid rain stains. Wipe it on and let it set for a few minutes, then wipe dry. Then use a vinyl ptotectant. Also works well on vinyl boat covers as well. It will not remove all stains, but will suprise you as to the ones it will take off.

If you can find it, there is a cleaner called Knights Spray Nine.  I've been using it since 1972 and it's the best dang cleaner I've ever come across for almost anything but it will clean the crap out of vinyl. Don't know why it never made it big and not sure they still make it.   I ordered it out of Virginia the last time I bought some.  It was getting so hard to find, I ordered 20 cases several years ago and still have a few left.  I think my wife (and I) will go into withdrawels when it runs out and we can't get more.    

It will beat Simple Green, Purple Power, that junk called 409 and everyother cleaner I've tried 10 fold.

I have to agree Ben, best cleaner ever! If you ever need any there is lots avaiable in Canada, all the stores carry it here in N.S. Just hollar.

Wayne

AAGH!!! I'm hyperventilating here.  Petroleum products are terrible for vinyl!  So are harsh solvents and cleaners.  They'll dry out the vinyl, despite using protectants.  Over time, they shorten the life of the material.

So, what does Glenn use?  In a pinch, Fantastic.  It's easy on vinyl and won't harm it.  But usually you'll find me reaching for the 303 cleaners and protectants: 

Awesome stuff, easy to use, works better than anything you'll find in the automotive dept.  They also make an excellent fiberglass protectant with UV protection that works on vinyl, plexiglass, and rubber too.  No need to buy a bunch of different bottles for different surfaces on your boat.

I bought some 3M marine vinal cleaner/conditioner at Wal-mart and it worked great. I took out several stains and brought the color back to the seats. They look brand new agian. I was very supprised how well it worked. I found next to all the boating stuff back in the sporting goods dept.

Scrubbing bubbles also works well on a lot of stuff!