Cleaning Bilges

[Switch]

I have some dirty water sitting below my engines in the bilges that collects from time to time (not engine leaks). I generally use a cup to spoon out most of the water and then paper towels to soak up what's left. There is usually only half a bucket full at most. I plan to give the engine bay a clean up this week end. Can any one recommend some products to make this job a bit easier.
Thanks!

 

[alt]

I use Jizer (to get rid of the dirt/oil) and then fairy washing up liquid. Suck all the water out with a wet hoover/oil extractor and allow to dry by leaving engine hatch open

 

[P430]

Go to Wilko's and buy some cheap nappies, chuck them in the bilge, leave for an hour or so, remove and throw away. We used to have a slight weap on our stern glands and this was our preffered method

 

[oGaryo]

Bilgex, a bit expensive but bloody good stuff

 

[sailorman]

washing machine powder works well

 

[longjohnsilver]

Bilgex, a bit expensive but bloody good stuff

Not only does it work well but it leaves it smelling fresh. A little goes a long way.

 

[rafiki_]

I had a leaky raw water pump on my Azi, now fixed. However, I use the Pela vacuum pump to clear water/etc out of the bilge and then Mr Muscle cleaner to clean it up afterwards.

 

[EugeneR]

What are the options for getting rid of non-oily bilge water e.g. leaks from stern glands.

Technically, I guess no waste should go into the water but... what do you do?

It's not practical to soak everything away and bin it.

 

[rosssavage]

Pela extractor for the bulk, baby nappies for the remainder.

Used to carry loads of baby nappies wen i wus a enjineer - great for mopping up oil / fuel following filter changes and just general bilge water.

Tainted water doen the bog (into foul sewer) and nappies in the bin...

 

[targa31]

I use this to degrease anything.
Virosol-Citrus-Cleaner.
Great for soaking bike chains etc. leaves them spotless.
Would imagine it would work well on bilge mess.

 

[Seastoke]

we use pigs they are like a long snake and are designed for soaking up oil and water ,they are used for a spill kits in industry

 

[Javelin]

Bilgex is very good and leave some in the bilge and it cleans as you sail, terrific stuff.

 

[Jim@sea]

Go to Wilko's and buy some cheap nappies, chuck them in the bilge, leave for an hour or so, remove and throw away. We used to have a slight weap on our stern glands and this was our preffered method

I left some nappies in my car and my daughter found them and when I got home my wife asked me if I could explain them.
They (wife and daughter) thought that I had become incontinent. I would have been more flattered if I had been accused of having a girlfriend with a baby.