Over the years I have tried lots of things...soft scrub, roll-off, various Boat US and West Marine cleaners. Currently using Starbrite Non-skid deck cleaner and it works OK. I'm wondering if it's the cleaner, or the brush. I'm using a fairly stiff brush on the non-skid and it still only cleans ok. My non-skid is molded in. Just wondered if anyone out there has found a miracle cure for cleaning non-skid. PS: yes, I have checked the archives with little success...
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Using Startbrite Non-Skid Deck Cleaner
Tim, Our first few uses of the Starbrite Non-Skid Deck Cleaner were not very good. Then, I decided to read the instructions. I wasn't waiting after spreading the cleaner over the non-skid. Here's what I do now: 1. lightly spray water over entire non-skid area 2. squirt Starbrite onto non-skid area 3. use deck brush to *gently* spread cleaner over entire non-skid area - do NOT scrub! 4. wait...wait...wait... approx 5-10 minutes - this is the IMPORTANT step! 5. lightly spray water over entire non-skid area 6. use deck brush to scrub non-skid area 7. rinse...rinse...rinse 8. pat yourself on the back for a job well done! Jack "Friendship" C350, #80
Tim, Our first few uses of the Starbrite Non-Skid Deck Cleaner were not very good. Then, I decided to read the instructions. I wasn't waiting after spreading the cleaner over the non-skid. Here's what I do now: 1. lightly spray water over entire non-skid area 2. squirt Starbrite onto non-skid area 3. use deck brush to *gently* spread cleaner over entire non-skid area - do NOT scrub! 4. wait...wait...wait... approx 5-10 minutes - this is the IMPORTANT step! 5. lightly spray water over entire non-skid area 6. use deck brush to scrub non-skid area 7. rinse...rinse...rinse 8. pat yourself on the back for a job well done! Jack "Friendship" C350, #80
Non Skid
On my boat, which also has molded in non-skid, I use a small spray bottle with about two tablespoons of dishwashing soap, and the same amount of bleach. Bottle is about a one quart size. Spray it on, let it sit for five minutes or so, and use a deck brush to scrub. Works pretty good, and doesn't cost much.
On my boat, which also has molded in non-skid, I use a small spray bottle with about two tablespoons of dishwashing soap, and the same amount of bleach. Bottle is about a one quart size. Spray it on, let it sit for five minutes or so, and use a deck brush to scrub. Works pretty good, and doesn't cost much.
What i like about power spraying the deck ...
is that it seems to take the chaulk off and make the non skid less slippery. Also seems to get those black specks deep in the non skid out without wearing the nonskid down with heavy brushing. Vic "Seven"
is that it seems to take the chaulk off and make the non skid less slippery. Also seems to get those black specks deep in the non skid out without wearing the nonskid down with heavy brushing. Vic "Seven"
Starbrite power spraying
I've finally got a way to clean non-skid that doesn't stress my back or knees! Use the Starbrite nonskid cleaner as directed by the instructions, then use a power sprayer to rinse. My power sprayer is only 1350 psi. Got it on sale for $100. What a difference! My deck has never been so clean. Only took me 3 years to figure out.
I've finally got a way to clean non-skid that doesn't stress my back or knees! Use the Starbrite nonskid cleaner as directed by the instructions, then use a power sprayer to rinse. My power sprayer is only 1350 psi. Got it on sale for $100. What a difference! My deck has never been so clean. Only took me 3 years to figure out.
power wash the deck
I have been power washing the deck of my O'Day 25 c/b for ten years at least. I use an electric power washer from a box store (currently a Karcher from BJ's) at the beginning of the season. Even though I don't cover the boat during the winter (should, but don't), it easily removes all of the grime and dirt. Be careful around the portholes and anything originally sealed in with "polymer goo" of some kind. Also be careful around chips in the gelcoat, which can be enlarged by overly close/aggressive use of the power wash spray. Otherwise, the gelcoat and the non-skid hold up just fine. Power washing the bottom will definitely lift off whole chunks of bottom paint that are at all loose, right down to the original gelcoat.
I have been power washing the deck of my O'Day 25 c/b for ten years at least. I use an electric power washer from a box store (currently a Karcher from BJ's) at the beginning of the season. Even though I don't cover the boat during the winter (should, but don't), it easily removes all of the grime and dirt. Be careful around the portholes and anything originally sealed in with "polymer goo" of some kind. Also be careful around chips in the gelcoat, which can be enlarged by overly close/aggressive use of the power wash spray. Otherwise, the gelcoat and the non-skid hold up just fine. Power washing the bottom will definitely lift off whole chunks of bottom paint that are at all loose, right down to the original gelcoat.
Tilex
The "project" boat I have sat for about 10 years before I bought it. The non-skid was almost black. I have scrubbed it twice with Tilex mildew root formula (in the blue bottle). It is almost as white as new now. I had used several other products first, including bleach, with little success. I don't know how the Tilex would effect an "in use" boat, as far as the waxed surfaces go, but it will clean your non-skid.
The "project" boat I have sat for about 10 years before I bought it. The non-skid was almost black. I have scrubbed it twice with Tilex mildew root formula (in the blue bottle). It is almost as white as new now. I had used several other products first, including bleach, with little success. I don't know how the Tilex would effect an "in use" boat, as far as the waxed surfaces go, but it will clean your non-skid.
Comet!
I experimented several weeks ago with several cleaners and found that for very tenacious spots on the non-skid, Comet Cleanser worked hands down. It is no doubt a very abrasive cleaner, more so then soft scrub, but man did it penetrate and clean! I do not recommend it for the entire deck as it does contain bleach, can scratch chrome and metal, but for those spots where you need to hit mold or mildew, varnish spots or tough grime, I thought Comet was great. I also used it for cleaning the bilge and it diod great in cutting oil stains. Bob
I experimented several weeks ago with several cleaners and found that for very tenacious spots on the non-skid, Comet Cleanser worked hands down. It is no doubt a very abrasive cleaner, more so then soft scrub, but man did it penetrate and clean! I do not recommend it for the entire deck as it does contain bleach, can scratch chrome and metal, but for those spots where you need to hit mold or mildew, varnish spots or tough grime, I thought Comet was great. I also used it for cleaning the bilge and it diod great in cutting oil stains. Bob
On- OFF
I have found that Mary Kate on/off works well. Not only does it clean the scum off the side of the boat, it works well on the ground in dirt on the non-skid. Dilute it in a bucket and brush on, let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, brush and flush with a hose. great product.
I have found that Mary Kate on/off works well. Not only does it clean the scum off the side of the boat, it works well on the ground in dirt on the non-skid. Dilute it in a bucket and brush on, let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, brush and flush with a hose. great product.
Once you get it cleaned .......
consider to put down some 'non-skid' wax (Woody Wax) to help keep it clean. The wax seals the pores of the gelocat and doesnt let crud penetrate; but, isnt slippery ..... actually the wet traction seems to be a bit better. Needs to be (caustic) stripped and re-waxed once yearly. I first use a strong caustic such as a sodium silicate based detergent (janatorial stuff) followed by a heavy scrub with Comet.
consider to put down some 'non-skid' wax (Woody Wax) to help keep it clean. The wax seals the pores of the gelocat and doesnt let crud penetrate; but, isnt slippery ..... actually the wet traction seems to be a bit better. Needs to be (caustic) stripped and re-waxed once yearly. I first use a strong caustic such as a sodium silicate based detergent (janatorial stuff) followed by a heavy scrub with Comet.
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