Cleaning fenders - that old problem ..

[Refueler]

Previously - Cilit Bang ... T-Cut .... Bog Cleaner ... all did wonders and removed most from the fenders - but seems this time - I'm not getting them back to decent.

I have to admit that they were hung of transom one trip and acquired some diesel exhaust staining. Too lazy to put them in the cockpit locker.

I've cleaned them so the staining doesn't transfer to hull - but I can imagine some other boat is not going to be happy with them.

I'm looking for a household product preferably - as UK Chandler stuff is not available here - that might shift the stains and get them at least half decent.

I have a new set of size 2 fenders absolutely pristine white, never used - but the old ones are 3x the size and good for use further from midships. Standard Anchor brand PVC jobbies.

??

 

[Barbaria]

Acetone and and clean rags.

 

[PilotWolf]

Get the ‘help’ to sort it!

W

 

[PilotWolf]

Acetone and and clean rags.

Acetone makes somethings sticky though?

Fender socks to hide to dirty marks might be a better option?

W

 

[ashtead]

Upvc window cleaner from screw fix type stores ?

 

[adwuk]

UPVC cleaner did a great job of ours. I wouldn't use acetone - it may damage them.

 

[pistonbroker]

Upvc cleaner sounds good, not heard that. I've used wd40, bar keepers friend, and a mix of baking soda with white vinegar to good effect in the past. The latter stinks but works.

 

[duncan99210]

Acetone. Then fender covers made from cheap fleece, turn inside out after one season, discard after 2.

 

[Momac]

I usually use Silky Cream Cleaner .
However this did not clean up some older and very grubby fenders so recently I used some Farecla G3 polish and that worked quite well.

 

[emandvee44]

Our favourite annual task Most of our fenders have the blue area top and bottom which has become sticky. Any contact with the grp leaves a blue mark which is difficult to remove. Next fender purchases will be all white. For cleaning we have used CIF with a scotch pad, and even a mixture of white spirit and CIF. Nothing really works 100%. I will try some of the suggestions above and report on how she gets on?
M.

 

[Refueler]

mmmm food for thought and trials ...

Acetone - I have this for use on my 3D printer .... just need to clean the Acetone off after with cleaner to stop the sticky bit. Will try on a bit that doesn't touch hull.

I have about 5 cleaning agents depending on what filament is going through my Printers .. might just try each of them ...

I did wonder if Oxalic might do the job ....

 

[longjohnsilver]

I cleaned all my fenders a few days ago. I bought 25l of fleet clean traffic film remover with added wax off eBay. Cost about £25. I used a little on a wet pad, took just a few minutes, fenders are now clean and shiny. Also works well on cleaning fibreglass. The added wax really does make difference.
I reckon my 25 litres will last me a lifetime of boat and fender cleaning.

 

[jwilson]

I got some blue antifouling on one fender that someone hung far too low, and the only thing that removed the stain (in seconds) was antifoul thinners. Did not seem to hurt the fender, and it cleaned up other dirt as well.

 

[Stemar]

I suspect that dirt that doesn't want come off is more likely to be UV damage. You may get it off and get a reasonable finish, but turn turn your back on them for five minutes and they'll be grubby again. That's my experience, anyway.

 

[Refueler]

Keep it coming guys ...

Today I will try Oven Cleaner ... its actually my universal cleaner having cleaned GRP to pristine for glassing jobs .. found its the best cleaner for glass doors on home fires ... lifts most crud of hulls etc.

Will hust make sure a plentiful supply of water at hand.

 

[Refueler]

I suspect that dirt that doesn't want come off is more likely to be UV damage. You may get it off and get a reasonable finish, but turn turn your back on them for five minutes and they'll be grubby again. That's my experience, anyway.

Most of my staining is from the diesel exhaust ....

 

[Skylark]

I cleaned all my fenders a few days ago. I bought 25l of fleet clean traffic film remover with added wax off eBay. Cost about £25. I used a little on a wet pad, took just a few minutes, fenders are now clean and shiny. Also works well on cleaning fibreglass. The added wax really does make difference.
I reckon my 25 litres will last me a lifetime of boat and fender cleaning.

I like to keep my boat clean and shiny but it's let down by the fenders. I've tried most snake oil cleaning remedies including Jiff, Oven Cleaner and Screwfix No Nonesense PVC cleaner. Nothing makes an impact.

Fender socks are dirt traps and abrade the topsides in short order. Evil things

Not aware of fleet clean traffic film remover with added way......do you have a link, please?

 

[Refueler]

I'm looking for it as well ... Oven Cleaner lifted some - but still grubby.

 

[longjohnsilver]

I like to keep my boat clean and shiny but it's let down by the fenders. I've tried most snake oil cleaning remedies including Jiff, Oven Cleaner and Screwfix No Nonesense PVC cleaner. Nothing makes an impact.

Fender socks are dirt traps and abrade the topsides in short order. Evil things

Not aware of fleet clean traffic film remover with added way......do you have a link, please?

Sorry, not able to do a link, but here’s a pic of the stuff off EBay. If you do a search there it should appear

 

[psp]

Swarfega or any other hand cleaner.