TOP SECRET magical multi-purpose cleaner

[midnightsailor]

PLease forgive any errors in posting procedure, protocol or etiquette as this is my first post of a new thread. In a previous reply to a thread regarding removing engine soot from a transom I offered a suggestion regarding a multi-purpose cleaning product. I realized that this tip might be useful to other Sailnet members too, as anything that can do more than one job and replace having to carry many different products saves space and weight , things that are usually a concern aboard boats. I also noticed many posts involve cleaning or removing various things from various places so I hope that this tip is as useful to others as it has been for me. The original thread was from "casey jones" regarding cleaning 30 year old gunk from his boat. Here is what I suggested. (I don't know how to link back to another thread yet so I will repeat it here.
Here is a solvent that might do the trick. It is great for many things. for instance. it will clean up uncured polyester resin from hands ,tools etc. and will not burn small cuts on the hands like acetone always does.. removes creosote from hulls, fenders etc. cleans up epoxy resin as well. It will clean lifelines, fenders, cowl vents and winch holders like new, removes engine exhaust stains, cleans hands when working with silicone and polysulfide, great for all kinds of grease and oil such as engine cleaning, parts etc. removes waterline scum(just don't use it on painted waterlines ie:boot top) removes pencil and crayon from anything, revitalizes old formica, removes smudges from stainless steel and chrome. and countless other things. One caveat DO NOT USE ON: ABS PLASTICS SUCH AS PORTHOLE RIMS AND SUCH, OR ON LEXAN(burnt oak on plexiglass) and keep away from varnish or paint, except as a prefinished wipe down which it is also excellent for. What is it? BRUSH CLEANER !. Not to be confused with paint thinnersmineral spirits or turpentine. Brush cleaner is soluble in fresh or salt water, so if on the can it instructs you to rinse your brushes afterward in fresh water , you know you got the right stuff...and, oh yea, it is also great for revitalizing old, stiff, dried out paint brushes. It is combustible so use plenty of ventilation and keep away from sources of ignition.
Rick, SV ARTEMIS
A major beauty of this cleaner is that it is commonly available, many of us aleady have some of this stuff. I got this tip from Bruce Bingham, boat builder and designer, who among other things, designed the what is now the Pacific Seacraft FLICKA.
Perhaps a thread regarding various different tips for cleaning all the many items involved in sailing might be useful...or maybe one about things that can do the job of many.
Fair winds, Rick SV ARTEMIS

[sailaway21]

Thanks for the tip, Midnight.