Help needed - stained decks

[alwill747]

Hi,

I have a 2 year old Beneteau with White diamond patten gelcoat decks. I have stains on the decks and in the cockpit that nothing seems to shift. Mostly the stains just seem to be ingrained dirt in the high foot traffic areas. However, in the cockpit there is some spilled teak oil! I have tried some very expensive deck cleaners but no amount of scrubbing and high pressure washing seems to make an improvement.

Do any of you boating guru's have any suggestions as to how I can clean the stains off?

Many thanks,

Alistair.

 

[jfkal]

Always depends on what it is, But try the following order:

1. Acetone

2. Oxalic Acid (Dissolve in water, wear rubber gloves, soak tissue paper or cotton wool, place on the stain, wait, shift it a little, wait, shift some more, remove, pray and flush with lots of fresh water)

3. Magic Sponge (Japanese white foam thingies from the household section of your friendly neighbourhood mart). Moisten with water, rub (Gentle, as it is mildly abrasive)

Or else buy a new boat )))

 

[fastjedi]

Agree with advice above, although I have been through all three without success

Haven't tried it myself ...... Sprinkle Bio washing power on deck during a dry period and walk away for a week. The condensation in the morning should activate it. Let me know how you get on. If it turns your boat to dust I won't try it on mine!

 

[richardbrennan]

I have successfully removed teak oil/varnish with Dilunet and that is well worth a try. I also have a textured deck although not the Benny diamond pattern. After some time in the yard both this year and last it had become ingrained with grime which I suspect was largely antifouling dust that had come from the yard pressure washing other boats nearby. I found that neither a high pressure washer or any of the marine deck cleaners made much impact on this, but "Cillit Bang" the household cleaner certainly does. I spray it on, lightly scrub, leave for about 10 minutes, lightly scrub again, and hose off with lots of water. I am not sure what is in it, but it certainly worked for me.

 

[alwill747]

Thanks for advice

Thanks for the tips - I don't think I'll try bio washing powder, I've seen what it's done to some of my wife's unmentionables (well, she said it was the washing powder) and the new boat is a non starter! Cillet Bang seems worth a go. I'll let you know how I get on.

Alistair

 

[[2574]]

I had exactly this issue and was recommended the Starbrite deck cleaner, it is specifically for the non slip deck areas. I have had very good results with it though I've no idea what the ingredients are - it could well be the same washing powder that you are speaking of.

rob