My latest cleaning project is the nonskid deck on the exterior of the boat. I went out and bought a cleaner specifically designed to be used to clean the bumpy nonskid surface. I followed the manufacturer's suggested directions on its proper use. I even used my trusty old toothbrush to scrub into those little bumps. It just is not getting out all the dirt!!! I tried several times, using alot of elbow grease and it just doesn't look clean! Does anyone have some suggestions on cleaning nonskid surfaces??? Or maybe doing a job twice isn't going to be enough!?!?! ANY IDEAS *! ?
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ajl
3M
Don't know what brand you used, but I've had good luck with 3M's nonskid cleaner and a stiff brush.
Don't know what brand you used, but I've had good luck with 3M's nonskid cleaner and a stiff brush.
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Paul Akers
Soft Scrub, Stiff Brush
Works wonders! If the Starbrite didn't work, then possibly you have more than dirt in the non-skid?
Works wonders! If the Starbrite didn't work, then possibly you have more than dirt in the non-skid?
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Cyndy
brand used was...
The brand I used was Star brite at almost $9 per bottle. I've used their sail /canvas cleaner and it worked wonders so thought I should stay with the same brand. Guess not...
The brand I used was Star brite at almost $9 per bottle. I've used their sail /canvas cleaner and it worked wonders so thought I should stay with the same brand. Guess not...
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agolden
Cleaning nonskid deck
Try Roll-Off, available at Boaters World, it works great. Spray it on, let it set a minute or two, scrub and off goes the dirt.
Try Roll-Off, available at Boaters World, it works great. Spray it on, let it set a minute or two, scrub and off goes the dirt.
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Steve O.
Avoid abrasives!
I would avoid Comet or Soft Scrub (except non-abrasive Soft Scrub with bleach) because they are hard on your gel coat. Probably what you have is the little black mold spots that seem to love growing in the non-skid. I use boat soap and bleach diluted in water, seems to work as good as the fancy expensive cleaners. But watch out for your clothes and anything else you don't want bleached.
I would avoid Comet or Soft Scrub (except non-abrasive Soft Scrub with bleach) because they are hard on your gel coat. Probably what you have is the little black mold spots that seem to love growing in the non-skid. I use boat soap and bleach diluted in water, seems to work as good as the fancy expensive cleaners. But watch out for your clothes and anything else you don't want bleached.
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Bill
kind of non-skid
What kind of non-skid, is is the type which is patterned into the gel coat which should clean up realatively well, with little trouble or is it the rough painted on type which I have, you will never slip on it and it can be use it to sand down rough edges on any wood projects you may have. If its the latter I wish you all the luck in the world trying to clean it.
What kind of non-skid, is is the type which is patterned into the gel coat which should clean up realatively well, with little trouble or is it the rough painted on type which I have, you will never slip on it and it can be use it to sand down rough edges on any wood projects you may have. If its the latter I wish you all the luck in the world trying to clean it.
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Jeff
I have been following Akers advise
and used the soft scrub with bleach and a stiff brush but I added Dawn to the bucket. It has work well for the past year and a half. Jeff
and used the soft scrub with bleach and a stiff brush but I added Dawn to the bucket. It has work well for the past year and a half. Jeff
Non-Skid Clean and POLISH
I have been using Aurora 'Boat Scrub' to clean the Non-Skid areas after a general boat washing with boat soap (WM Crystal Boat Wash), and it comes out pretty clean. After that, I apply Aurora 'Sure Step' Non-Skid Polish to shine and protect it. "Sure Step' doesn't add traction, but you don't lose tractation after applying it. It keeps the Non-Skid cleaner. I have used all of the above for 5 years now and have been very satisfied. Practical Sailor had a write up on "Sure Step' and also found it good and recommended it. The problem is that it is hard to find Aurora products in the usual marine stores. Boat/US used to carry them, but dropped them. Boaters World also carried them and still has 'Boat Scrub', but not 'Sure Step'. I had to call Aurora directly and order it from them. Aurora is Aurora Marine Industries. Dick Carey S/V Puffin 1990 H-33.5
I have been using Aurora 'Boat Scrub' to clean the Non-Skid areas after a general boat washing with boat soap (WM Crystal Boat Wash), and it comes out pretty clean. After that, I apply Aurora 'Sure Step' Non-Skid Polish to shine and protect it. "Sure Step' doesn't add traction, but you don't lose tractation after applying it. It keeps the Non-Skid cleaner. I have used all of the above for 5 years now and have been very satisfied. Practical Sailor had a write up on "Sure Step' and also found it good and recommended it. The problem is that it is hard to find Aurora products in the usual marine stores. Boat/US used to carry them, but dropped them. Boaters World also carried them and still has 'Boat Scrub', but not 'Sure Step'. I had to call Aurora directly and order it from them. Aurora is Aurora Marine Industries. Dick Carey S/V Puffin 1990 H-33.5
I agree with Dick. Aurora Marine Boat Scrub and
Sure-Step Non-Skid Polish do the trick. The polish actually helps keep the non-skid cleaner. Most dirt runs right off the polish. After applying the polish, we buff it off with a soft brush. It really is not slippery at all when wet while wearing boat shoes. Not the greatest in barefeet, however.
Sure-Step Non-Skid Polish do the trick. The polish actually helps keep the non-skid cleaner. Most dirt runs right off the polish. After applying the polish, we buff it off with a soft brush. It really is not slippery at all when wet while wearing boat shoes. Not the greatest in barefeet, however.
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Paul Akers
Woody's
My slip mate recently told me about Woody's non-skid wax. It sounds atypical, but they showed me and it actually works. It makes subsequent cleaning easier. The scary thing that they had was that it goes on as a rust color, but then changes to clear as it dries. I haven't tried it yet, myself. It is available at Boater's World and comes in a blue aluminum cylinder with a pump handle.
My slip mate recently told me about Woody's non-skid wax. It sounds atypical, but they showed me and it actually works. It makes subsequent cleaning easier. The scary thing that they had was that it goes on as a rust color, but then changes to clear as it dries. I haven't tried it yet, myself. It is available at Boater's World and comes in a blue aluminum cylinder with a pump handle.
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Steve Z.
Power Washer
My wife gave me a Karcher pressure washer for Christmas thinking I would use it to clean the exterior of the house. HA!! This is the best thing ever to come along for washing the boat. Only question it left behind was what to put on it after the pressure washer took absolutely every little spot and blemish off. Used PoliGlo for the bottom, and Island Girl for the top. Very satisfied with the results! Took 10 years of age off of the boat. A clean boat is a happy boat.
My wife gave me a Karcher pressure washer for Christmas thinking I would use it to clean the exterior of the house. HA!! This is the best thing ever to come along for washing the boat. Only question it left behind was what to put on it after the pressure washer took absolutely every little spot and blemish off. Used PoliGlo for the bottom, and Island Girl for the top. Very satisfied with the results! Took 10 years of age off of the boat. A clean boat is a happy boat.
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Paul Akers
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Tim V.
Soft scrub with bleach
Soft Scrub with Bleach It's the only think that I found that works well. Also works well on the smooth surfaces, but of course takes all of the wax off. Wear old clothes. If you are really having trouble getting rid of some spots, you might try some fiberglass rust remover from West Marine. It got some wood stain out of my gel coat after someone decided to re-stain the docks without letting me know first.
Soft Scrub with Bleach It's the only think that I found that works well. Also works well on the smooth surfaces, but of course takes all of the wax off. Wear old clothes. If you are really having trouble getting rid of some spots, you might try some fiberglass rust remover from West Marine. It got some wood stain out of my gel coat after someone decided to re-stain the docks without letting me know first.
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Vic "Seven"
Paul 1200 works well on all the green mold in FL.
But you do open the spray pattern a bit so it doesn't pit the surface.
But you do open the spray pattern a bit so it doesn't pit the surface.
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Eric
what about waxing non-skid?
OK, the non-skid is clean, but has absolutely no wax, and is difficult to keep clean. What do you do to wax and seal these areas, without making them slippery?
OK, the non-skid is clean, but has absolutely no wax, and is difficult to keep clean. What do you do to wax and seal these areas, without making them slippery?
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Chris Burti
The real problem with wax is...
...not that it is slippery. It really isn't (unless you go on deck in socks...then lookout!). As a test, next time you wax your car, wet it and then rub your finger across it and feel the 'traction'. The real reason you don't want to wax non-skid is that it is pure-T-hell buffing it out of the grooves.
...not that it is slippery. It really isn't (unless you go on deck in socks...then lookout!). As a test, next time you wax your car, wet it and then rub your finger across it and feel the 'traction'. The real reason you don't want to wax non-skid is that it is pure-T-hell buffing it out of the grooves.
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