Cleaning the Wall and Ceiling Carpet

[browncrew]

I have a 1987 Hunter 23 sloop that has the carpet lining for the walls and ceiling. Was thinking of vacuuming it, but there should be a better way. Anyone had success in cleaning the carpet-like material used on the Hunter 23 sailboats walls and ceiling? Thinking about using a water based carpet shampoo and rinsing it down.Thanks in advance for any replies.Keith

 

[Wright Ellis]

Don't do it!

I wouldn't introduce water into the cabin. Use a spot treatment (ask a carpet cleaner or your dry cleaner) on stains, then go to Woolite and the vacuum. These carpeted interiors (as is on my 26.5) absorb enough moisture as it is, and they tend to mildew between the cabin walls and carpet backing. Avoid using water.

 

[Jake19851]

Cleaning the walls

I've too have been debating how to clean this carpet. One option I'm considering is to borrow a carpet cleaner with an upholstry attachment. However, all these upholstry cleaners I've seen do not have any agitator action and simply wet and vacuum the fabric. I'm not sure if this will be enough. I'm also considering using some sort of cleaning solution and manually scrub it with a stiff plastic brush. Then vacuum it throuroughly with a shop vac. Depending on the outcome, I may rinse it slightly with a very wet rag and vacuum again.I don't know how you would clean it without getting it wet but I certainly don't plan to have water running down the walls. Mine has substantial mildew and stains in the carpet but I aim to get rid of it anyway possible. I do intend to put a fan in the forward hatch to facilitate quick drying afterwards though. I've got about two weeks before I tackle my carpet.Keep me posted on what you decide and how it goes!Jakehttp://www.teamseacats.com/hunter/jake_@teamseacats.com (take the "_" out of my email address)

 

[browncrew]

Going to Use Rug Shampoo

Jake,Planning to use Rug Shampoo and a wet scrub brush. Will put a fan on it for a day or so make sure it dries out well. Looks like it the material is basically waterproof like polyester or plastic woven material. If it were cotton, I would be concerned about using water or harsh chems. Keith

 

[Steve677]

Resolve

I used Resolve carpet cleaner/spot remover. It comes in an aerosol can or a pump bottle. Some pretty rough stains just disappeared when I pumped it on them.