I want to clean my fenders over the winter. Can I get some advise as to what would be the best for cleaning some very dirty fenders. Acetone, softscrub some kind of dingy cleaner?
Thanks in advance
Thanks in advance
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Besides dirt, if the fenders have become 'gooey' and sticky.... the best is to apply a light mineral oil, let soak for a few days covered with saran, etc., then use a strong detergent to remove the oil and the 'goo' that comes out of the vinyl. The 'goo' is dioctyl-pthalate a component of the vinyl.
Old fashioned armstrong cleaning with cleanser and a brush will do the rest.
Old fashioned armstrong cleaning with cleanser and a brush will do the rest.
Hypalon
hermit, I wouldn;t use something as harsh as acetone on my dinghy. I say "harsh" 'cuz when it can clean that cr*p off my fenders, it's gotta be pretty strong. I keep the dinghy as clean as we can and use dinghy cleaner from WM on it - gives it a clean and shine at the same time. I have no idea what's in it, and the newer neutro (sp?) stuff they're peddling has gotten a good review at least for the waterproofing stuff.
hermit, I wouldn;t use something as harsh as acetone on my dinghy. I say "harsh" 'cuz when it can clean that cr*p off my fenders, it's gotta be pretty strong. I keep the dinghy as clean as we can and use dinghy cleaner from WM on it - gives it a clean and shine at the same time. I have no idea what's in it, and the newer neutro (sp?) stuff they're peddling has gotten a good review at least for the waterproofing stuff.
I wouldn't. Too harsh for that. Here's one suggestion that is (or used to be) available through this site. I have used it.
http://www.islandgirlproducts.com/island2.html
I must respectfully disagree with those that promote acetone. It is entirely too harsh. It is very effective, but my understanding from talking to the people at Taylor-Made, using acetone will cause the fenders to become sticky on their surface and after that the fenders can no longer be kept clean.
I have successfully used Amazon Inflatable Boat Cleaner and for really tough spots I have used paint thinner or mineral spirits sparingly. Wesley's whitewall tire cleaner also does a good job.
I have successfully used Amazon Inflatable Boat Cleaner and for really tough spots I have used paint thinner or mineral spirits sparingly. Wesley's whitewall tire cleaner also does a good job.
acetone will melt fenders and dinghys. try 3m general purpose adhesive cleaner. it uses xylene. it will not harm a dinghy or fender, and it does an excellent job of cleaning.
Bob, a guy I met here sold me a hypalon dinghy. It's 8 years old, no patches, been kept in the bag when not in use, pretty good condition. I sanded the transom down to bare wood. Last night I epoxied and put one sheet of fiberglass over the transom. The only things wrong with it are, it's dirty and the check valves in the inflating ports don't work. That's not that bad so long as I am quick with the plug. Still I would like to fix that if possible. I need to remove the registration numbers and clean up the hypalon and I will be finished with it. Oh yeah and paint the transom.
I will stop by west marine and pick up some dinghy cleaner tomorrow. I was aprehensive about using acetone or any other harsh chemical on a rubber boat.
Any advice on removing the numbers?
I will stop by west marine and pick up some dinghy cleaner tomorrow. I was aprehensive about using acetone or any other harsh chemical on a rubber boat.
Any advice on removing the numbers?
I have used auto bug & tar remover and spray on wheel cleaner with great results. Once clean I spray them with SailKote. This is usually a winter project as they remain fairly clean during the season. I have Taylor-made fenders if it matters.
JerryA
JerryA
All you need is this
Get a gallon of ArmorAll EZ deck wash, it is about 3 bucks at wall mart or home depot. put it in a spray bottle and it will take IT ALL OFF no problem. I use it all the time. Be a little carefull no to get it on any fabric as it will bleech it.
Dean
Get a gallon of ArmorAll EZ deck wash, it is about 3 bucks at wall mart or home depot. put it in a spray bottle and it will take IT ALL OFF no problem. I use it all the time. Be a little carefull no to get it on any fabric as it will bleech it.
Dean
We have used acetone to clean fenders, lifeline covers, power cords and other material for years. It has never broken down the materials or caused any sticky residue and our great looking fenders are hanging on the boat right now. It is the only substance that will thoroughly clean fenders that have been let go for a while. For inflatables we have tried every cleaner on the market and the one that has done the best job for us is Marykate Inflatable boat cleaner. Working for a large new boat dealer, these are the same products we used to maintain new equipment prior to sale. Chuck
HEINZIR
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- Jan 22, 2008
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