Does anyone know of any cleansers that are toxic to fiberglass, a solution that may weaken the glass. I just bought a 1976 Hunter in need of a good cleaning inside and out and I want to bleach the entire vessel to start afresh and make this boat mine.
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Bleach and Hot water work.
Mark: Bleach and hot water are good products to clean the boat. The big advantage of bleach is it will help prevent mold from coming back.
Mark: Bleach and hot water are good products to clean the boat. The big advantage of bleach is it will help prevent mold from coming back.
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Dale Wile
Acetone
I have used acetone, carefully, to remove the residue from letters, numerals, graphics, and tough spots. But, I allow it to do its works for only a few seconds before nutralizing it with water. I know of several boat dealers who use Softscrub to clean boats. Personally, I have used it for at least 15 years, and have had good results. I've also used paint thinner for difficult stains, with reasonably satisfactory success. But, again, don't let it sit on the fiberglass surface for any length of time before cutting it with soap and water. A product called "Colorback," made by Turtlewax, has worked for me for restoring dull, faded painted surfaces.
I have used acetone, carefully, to remove the residue from letters, numerals, graphics, and tough spots. But, I allow it to do its works for only a few seconds before nutralizing it with water. I know of several boat dealers who use Softscrub to clean boats. Personally, I have used it for at least 15 years, and have had good results. I've also used paint thinner for difficult stains, with reasonably satisfactory success. But, again, don't let it sit on the fiberglass surface for any length of time before cutting it with soap and water. A product called "Colorback," made by Turtlewax, has worked for me for restoring dull, faded painted surfaces.
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Eric C Lindstrom
Collinite yes, Soft Scrub no
I have heard Soft Scrub damages gel coat (although it appears to do a nice job). Soft Scrub is great for cockpit cushions and life lines (power cords, the plastic parts of the bimini etc). Bleach and soaps and a nice brush rinsed with water always works. For a REAL sparkly clean ... Collinite Fiberglass Cleaner is a miracle worker. On the transom where the diesel exhaust has darkened the fiberglass ... a little Collinite makes it look BRAND NEW. Of course, after motoring for another hour it all comes back. Good luck!
I have heard Soft Scrub damages gel coat (although it appears to do a nice job). Soft Scrub is great for cockpit cushions and life lines (power cords, the plastic parts of the bimini etc). Bleach and soaps and a nice brush rinsed with water always works. For a REAL sparkly clean ... Collinite Fiberglass Cleaner is a miracle worker. On the transom where the diesel exhaust has darkened the fiberglass ... a little Collinite makes it look BRAND NEW. Of course, after motoring for another hour it all comes back. Good luck!
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Ross Terry
citrus cleaner
I have used citrus oil based cleaners to remove decal adhesive that wouldn't come off with acetone on a snowmobile hood. worked great. ross
I have used citrus oil based cleaners to remove decal adhesive that wouldn't come off with acetone on a snowmobile hood. worked great. ross
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Mark Crociati
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Steve O.
abrasives
Regular soft scrub and other abrasive cleaners like Comet are very hard on the gel coat. Rubbing compound contains abrasive, but you don't use it every day or even every week. I use the method that Steve D. uses, once or twice a season--bleach and water. The bleach removes the little black mold spots and keeps them from growing back soon.
Regular soft scrub and other abrasive cleaners like Comet are very hard on the gel coat. Rubbing compound contains abrasive, but you don't use it every day or even every week. I use the method that Steve D. uses, once or twice a season--bleach and water. The bleach removes the little black mold spots and keeps them from growing back soon.
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Charlie
"Tilex" with bleach
Tilex....Spray it on let it set, hose it off, brush stubborn stains. Don't get it on your clothes, white spots appear.
Tilex....Spray it on let it set, hose it off, brush stubborn stains. Don't get it on your clothes, white spots appear.
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