Cleaning aluminium spars.

[fredrussell]

My mast and boom, whilst doing their job perfectly well, are a bit grubby/stained after 33 years in the elements. To be honest, it’s a minor concern but I’m wondering if spars can be ‘prettied up’ at all, or are they best left alone?

 

[Snowgoose-1]

Blakes used to do a mast oil product which tarted up masts . I think it was just a very light oil. Unfortunately, it didn't last for too long. I wonder if a wax and polish would last longer.

 

[Bodach na mara]

I used to do something similar to Snowgoose. I washed the spars using Turtle Wax car shampoo, let them dry then buffed them with a soft cloth.

 

[thalassa]

"Polytrol" By Owatrol. A light drying oil.

 

[vyv_cox]

Years ago I read that aluminium car wheel cleaner would renovate spars. I bought some and tried it. Made absolutely no impact.

 

[chris-s]

Hempel Alu-Protect, no idea if it is any good but it’s on my shopping list for cleaning and protecting my mast and spars.

 

[Aja]

OP I think is looking for a product to safely remove grime, dirt and dried on green stuff. I'm not sure aggressive cleaners would be good for the anodising.
Though once you get it clean, rubbing with any sort of oil doesn't sound conducive to keeping a mast clean.

Edit: "Apply Hempel's Alu-Protect. It should be used regularly to protect masts and other equipment throughout the season"

I don't think it's designed to last long

 

[westernman]

I would just use one of those spongey things with a green side you get for cleaning the pots and pans. I would just use that with hot water and washing up liquid.
I would not use any chemicals or anything more agressive.

 

[BabaYaga]

Seldén recommends mild detergent (dishwashing liquid) for cleaning. For protection, paraffin oil (baby oil), yacht polish or wax.
Hints and advice, pages 65 and 66.
https://support.seldenmast.com/files/595-540-E.pdf

 

[Minerva]

For cleaning grime, dried on green stuff and general muck, I’d look towards spraying with something like patio magic. Once that’s done it’s job removing organic stuff, then perhaps some Bilt Hamber Surfex HD to lift any non organic matter.

 

[fredrussell]

OP I think is looking for a product to safely remove grime, dirt and dried on green stuff…

Sorry, should have clarified- it’s more the stains accumulated after 30 years of use I’m trying to remove; the marks that remain after grime and green stuff is removed with detergent and water.

 

[Sandy]

A good brush, hot soapy water and elbow grease.

 

[BabaYaga]

Sorry, should have clarified- it’s more the stains accumulated after 30 years of use I’m trying to remove; the marks that remain after grime and green stuff is removed with detergent and water.

Such 'stains' are likely to be damage to the anodized surface. I don't think they can be removed, only covered. Painting a 30 years old mast is a lot of work with an uncertain long term outcome.

 

[fredrussell]

Indeed, happy to leave it well alone!

 

[LittleSister]

Have you tried dark glasses?

 

[Snowgoose-1]

Have you tried dark glasses?

I now understand why dance halls in the 1960's were dimly lit.
It was wise for both parties to frequent a more brightly lit bar before suggesting to see them home.