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Why do you use it? Most effective? Environmentally sensitive? All-purpose?
I've been using Tuf-Enuf for cleaning the gelcoat and canvas. It also works incredibly well on teak too, if you spray it on full strength and scrub lightly with a scotch pad.
I hate the bucket and brush approach to cleaning. I just put it in an industrial spray bottle and walk around with the hose and brush. I rinse, spray a bit, brush and rinse off. Easy.
I've slowly been ditching all other products, like dedicated teak cleaners, de-greasers, etc.
It leaves a slightly waxy feel, which I've always wondered about. No idea if that is good or bad. It is not good on Eisenglass, as it leaves a film. This is what the MSDS says is in it. Anyone know what this stuff does?
Alkycylarysulfonates, alcohol, and inorganic acid neutralizing and chelating agents: 2- Butoxyethanol, CAS # 111-76-2- TLV Units 25ppm
There is a downside. If I don't keep the topsides well rinsed, which is nearly impossible to do, it will take the wax/sealer off.
I've been using bleach clean-up. Easy to find but would like something a bit safer to use around running rigging.
We used to use industrial strength Simple Green at an old job I had, that stuff worked great but you can't find the same strength in stores. It's watered down. The concentrated stuff would burn your nose when you smelled it.
For all-around, cheap cleaner we've been using L.A's Totally Awesome successfully for about 3 years now. The stuff works great and is available at the dollar store for...wait for it...$1!
I use Simple Green generally, works great. If I have a tough nasty spot I use 409. I only use 409 sparingly. Spray 409 on the nasty then let sit for 10-15 minutes, then wash off. Both of these strip boat wax so if you are a boat wax fanatic (not me, I'd rather sail) then you need to find something much lower on the PH spectrum. There are a bunch of car wash solutions that are wax friendly.
I am beginning to think that the Simple Green smell helps keep Otters away. Anecdotal evidence at best. SG does have an interesting oder that you must get used to.
Mr Clean orange is absolutely great at getting spider crap , soot, and general dirt off the deck. Nothing else is as effective. It's also a great galley cleaner.
BTW, this seems a bit silly but I really like the below product. I just fill up the dispenser with Simple Green, set the nozzle position (there is only one useful setting) and spray away. It is cheap, not sure how long it will last, I've used it ~10 times. Obviously, it is not a power washer
OK, last hint, I can't help myself I always coil up my sheets after sailing and wrap them on the rail on the bow. I don't do this to provide the image that I am a "ship shape" type person but I find if the sheets are off the deck far less gunk collects on the deck. Sheets on the deck create little dams that trap dirt and crap.
my boat is on the hard so it's easy to collect dirt. I have a couple loose lines on my boat and the one for the main sheet, I had to tie up higher to keep from dirt lines getting on the boat. I still have a lot of scrubbing to do anyway.
I second the Imar (per Mainesails rec). Doesn't remove the wax (+) but also doesn't remove the black streaks (-). Since I wax once a year anyway I might switch to one of the recommendations above for the spring cleaning, then wax and use Imar thereafter.
Kelly, try partially blocking the water inlet hole (e.g., with plastic wrap, or a plastic grocery bag) to reduce the concentration of soap that gets into the water.
OK, LOL, impressive how HSN oversells functionality. It is NOT as great as they say but certainly I am getting my $15 out of it. It is NOT a mini pressure washer. The pressure from the typical marina is HALF of what is shown here. But it does work dandy I must say. The dispenser is the best part of the functionality, it works well.
No one uses Tilex or such bathroom cleaner on their non-skid? I never have, mostly for fear of the chlorine doing bad things to the teak or paint. But, I'm tempted this year to get at those little black spec mold things we all get bits of. Maybe try to contain it and mop it back up with a wet rag, rather than hose off.
Anyway, I'm thinking that none of the products above, including my go-to, does anything for the non-skid black stuff. (someone is going to remind me what its called)
Beware Tilex or other ceramic cleaners. Some (most?) have acids that eventually eat the grout away and cause damage. We usta use "scrubbing bubbles" at a retail shop to clean the textured HPL shelves. Worked well for them; perhaps will work for deck no-skid??
We have so little that you don't notice it in the bright sunshine. I see it when cleaning and always way to start the season in bristol condition. Never do though.
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