I recently put my new inflatable in the boat yard for bottom paint. As expected it came back filthy with several oily boot prints on the hypalon. Normal boat soap and a brush failed to clean them. Any suggestions what I can use to make it new again?
Cleaning a inflatable
- Thread starter aoversier
- Start date
First, I'd try the mild soap you use on your topsides with some warmish water, paper towels or sponge. Then, I'might try a Inflatable cleaner (you could try West Marine for the various products.
Finally, if it was really and issue -- there are more agressive cleaners; but, I'm not sure what it would do to the Hypalon. If you keep the raft inflated and in the sun a lot (which you apparently do because otherwise you wouldn't have put antifouling on your tender?), then I'd probably put one of the treatments on the Hypalon to help with blocking UV and making cleaning easier.
Finally, if it was really and issue -- there are more agressive cleaners; but, I'm not sure what it would do to the Hypalon. If you keep the raft inflated and in the sun a lot (which you apparently do because otherwise you wouldn't have put antifouling on your tender?), then I'd probably put one of the treatments on the Hypalon to help with blocking UV and making cleaning easier.
I think the cleaning strategy should be to identify the soil composition, and find something that will break it down that will do no, or minimal harm to the hypalon. A degreaser like Purple Power might work. I wouldn't leave it on too long, just long enough to break down the oil.
Then, as others recommend, a good cleaning with soap and lots of fresh water.
I also highly recommend a UV inhibiting treatment like 303 Aerospace Protectant.
Then, as others recommend, a good cleaning with soap and lots of fresh water.
I also highly recommend a UV inhibiting treatment like 303 Aerospace Protectant.
I’d start with Dawn dishwashing detergent. It is an excellent, non harsh degreaser and I don’t think it will harm the hypalon.
Dawn shouldn't harm Hypalon (though it would probably reduce or remove the protectorant (like 303).
The reason I suggested the paper towels is that you want to aborb, not spread the "gooh". You can saturate the towel with some soap/detergent, place it on the affected area, let it loosen the grim, then try to get most of it off without smearing.
IF IS JUST SOME irritating (sloppy foot prints) that wipe off easily, then don't fixate on -- just wipe it off. It was "deeper" grung, you might have to use a SOFT brush and some detergent to looen it from the surface.
Gentle is the watch word here. Minimalism and escalating the aggressiveness. You don't want degrade or roughen the surface of Hypalon.
The reason I suggested the paper towels is that you want to aborb, not spread the "gooh". You can saturate the towel with some soap/detergent, place it on the affected area, let it loosen the grim, then try to get most of it off without smearing.
IF IS JUST SOME irritating (sloppy foot prints) that wipe off easily, then don't fixate on -- just wipe it off. It was "deeper" grung, you might have to use a SOFT brush and some detergent to looen it from the surface.
Gentle is the watch word here. Minimalism and escalating the aggressiveness. You don't want degrade or roughen the surface of Hypalon.
Thank you for all the suggestions. I found the answer to my problem. West Marine inflatable boat cleaner (not the combination cleaner and protectant) . $13.99. Just spray it on, let it sit for a couple of minutes and wipe dry. Took the oily footprints (courtesy of my local boat yard) right off which boat soap and a brush would not. Thanks again my fellow boaters.