Cushions, deisel, and cleaning the interior

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Mark F. Arena

Me again- I recently hauled for the duration, and literally stripped the interior of anything that wasn't permanently attached. When I stored the cushions in the house, it soon became apparent that my cushions have absorbed some deisel (fumes, not liquid). My thoughts now turn to cleaning the INTERIOR of the boat('84H34). Has anyone done this successfully? Should I just pressure wash the whole inside? What chemicals, if any, would be appropriate? I know I must concentrate on the engine compartment, and have read the archives regarding the deisel. One thought I have had would be to "fill" the bilge with a soapy cleanser, let it sit, and drain. Any suggestions based on real experience would be greatly appreciated. Only 5 more months 'till retirement-need to convert the boat to a liveaboard. TIA. Marcus
 

Rick D

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Jun 14, 2008
7,187
Hunter Legend 40.5 Shoreline Marina Long Beach CA
I Did As You Suggest On An O'Day 27

I took hot water with a high detergent and a hose. Sprayed the detergent solution with a sprayer and followed up with HOT water. Let it sit. Rocked the boat. Took a hose with fresh water and rinsed behind the liner. Cleaned out a lot of stuff. I did not hose off the interior, tho. Had the cushions cleaned and just used a cleaning wax on all the wood and a fabric cleaner on the cabin sides. Odors gone. Rick D.
 

Rick D

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Jun 14, 2008
7,187
Hunter Legend 40.5 Shoreline Marina Long Beach CA
Nothing Too Special

... it was an off-the-shelf thing. It was a heavy beeswax type of furniture polish that I have found at Ace Hardware and one of the big-box stores. I think Restoration Hardware also carries it. Can't remember now since it has been 13 years and I wound up varnishing it and subsequent boats' interiors. Truth is, any good furniture polish should do and Murphy's oil soap is good for removing things like tobacco residue, etc. I would still use a good polish afterward tho. Rick D.
 
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