Cleaning hull interior

dotnmarty · Posted: Sat Nov 26, 2011 4:34 pm Post subject: Cleaning hull interior

Here's a picture of the cabin interior of our new (to us) boat. What do you suggest for cleaning the discolored hull? Can I use a cleaner that contains bleach? Any recommendations will be appreciated.

Valkyrie · Posted: Sat Nov 26, 2011 5:06 pm Post subject:

Marty,

On a Lake Erie cruise this summer we noticed the same problem. I took out all of the cushions, covered the helm seat and then doused sections of the hull and overhead with Clorox Cleanup. After wiping with a damp cloth it looked great. We also did the sides of the cockpit. It's amazing how much brighter it looks.

Hope this helps.

Nick
"Valkyrie"

Peter_BDA · Posted: Sat Nov 26, 2011 6:18 pm Post subject:

A little Soft Scrub with bleach works wonders too.

Peter

hardee · Posted: Sun Nov 27, 2011 12:03 am Post subject:

The pink "Boat Soap" works too, but it might take more elbow grease than the soft Scrub or bleach. I have mixed it strong, and put it on with a brush or a sponge. Let it set for a few moments, (300 sec to a minute) and then scrub and rinse. I would let it run onto any of the vinyl.

Marty, BTW, your picture came up for me as a little box with a red arrow in it. Twisted Evil

Probably my lack of computer skill Cry

Harvey
SleepyC Moon

thataway · Posted: Sun Nov 27, 2011 1:58 pm Post subject:

Harvey, lack of photo may be related to "pop up blocker".
We start with a good soap--such as dawn with a small amount of Chlorox added. If that does not work, then some thing like Zud or Bar Keeper's friend. If that does not work, then either one of the hull cleaners--such as "Starbrite". Final assault: "Works" or "Sno Bol" toilet bowl cleaner--with the latter, wear good latex gloves, have eye protection and forced ventilation for the area you are working in--and do a little at a time, then rinse...Both of these have 10 to 20% hydrochloric acid and can be very dangerous!

Generally Bar Keeper's friend will do a good job--it has oxalic acid which gets rid of most stains.

The safety data sheets for all Chlorox products are at:
http://www.clx.com/products/msds/index.html This is a handy reference for clean up products often used in the home. (Includes 409, Chlorox clean up, toilet bowl cleaners, Pine Sol etc)

416rigby · Posted: Sun Nov 27, 2011 2:03 pm Post subject:

10% bleach and water works pretty decent.

dotnmarty · Posted: Sun Nov 27, 2011 2:40 pm Post subject:

Thanks everyone. Once it's clean we'll start with "the list"!

Spike · Posted: Sun Nov 27, 2011 3:04 pm Post subject:

Marty
That Starbrite Hull Cleaner is great stuff. In fact we use it as a shower cleaner in the house.

Matt Gurnsey · Posted: Sun Nov 27, 2011 3:52 pm Post subject:

For rust stains tryt FSR, a blue gel that does a really good job. Keep it off of any aluminum. Also a product called On-Off hull cleaner.