Hull Cleaning .. What works ?

[exfinnsailor]

What really works .. We are berthed in a building site at Ipswich so the boat has got very dirty over the winter .. Lots of black stains running down the sides .. So whats going to work .. Beneteau was new August 2007 so does not need abrasive cleaners .. What sort of polish to use ..

 

[savageseadog]

Lidl bathroom cleaner

 

[starboard]

I give the hull a quick clean with bath cleaner cream "CIFF" then was down and re-polish with a good quality marine wax polish, I use one called "Great White" that seems far superior to anything I have used in the past!!

Paul.

 

[bazobeleza]

After trying a great variety products with varying levels of success I always seem to resort to that old tried and tested product - Elbow Grease, often works wonders on stubborn stains! /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

 

[ToMo]

Can you give more details on 'Great White' hull polish, who maks/markets it ?
Thanks

 

[MoodySabre]

For persistent stains and scuff marks I find Magic Eraser by JML sold in Woolies or Robert Dyas or one of the other melamine sponges sold by some supermarkets very good. Not abrasive, no chemicals just cold water. Takes off any polish so that needs redoing. For a general clean of good gel coat I find Starbrite hull cleaner good but use it before you antifoul.

 

[BoyBlue49]

Yes it has been quite bad in Ipswich this winter. I use biological soap powder and Mer car polish. The first realy cleans. Wet surface, sprinkle powder, agitate , leave for 5 mins, wash off thoroughly. I'm sure you know how to apply car polish. Have used this for 4 years now, Mer seems to last all year.

 

[ex-Gladys]

Watch Cif as it is slightlty abrasive... We've had great succes with Mr Muscle kitchen cleaner

 

[Jonny_H]

We use 'Silky' caravan cleaner - works very well and brings up a good shine - not abrasive and really gets a good shine too:

"A non - irritating non - abrasive, no scratch cleaning cream which leaves surfaces smooth and gleaming. Absorbs and lifts away soiling."

Usually about £2 from a caravan shop

Jonny

 

[minquiers]

i second silky,brilliant stuff, and no hard rubbing to do either /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[alt]

That Silky stuff... Is it a cream like CIF? Does it go sudsy? What does it remove? What's the best way to apply it? I used to use fairy washing up liquid and a scouring pad (you know the green ones, tough enough to clean but not so tough that it would scratch)

 

[Lakesailor]

"Astonish" it's an oven cleaner, I think, but is a non-abrasive cream and works very well. Great for rust stains on grp.
It was tested on GRP by manufacturers and was pronounced to be safe on gel-coats.
Comes in small blue tubs from places like Wilkos and hardware shops.

 

[rwoofer]

On a new boat like yours I would stay well away from anything like CIF. Apart from the other non-abrasives mentioned I have found success with Star-brite Hull cleaner and for really stubborn black marks they do a Black Mark and Streak Remover.

 

[Jonny_H]

[ QUOTE ]
That Silky stuff... Is it a cream like CIF? Does it go sudsy? What does it remove? What's the best way to apply it?

[/ QUOTE ]

It is a cream like substance, but more solid than CIF. Put some on a damp cloth and work into the area you want to clean, then leave for 5 mins and hose the area off and wipe over with a clean cloth.

It removes most marks (fender marks little scuffs etc). If you have bad marks I use cutting compount (car body repair stuff) - it is like a very fine sand paper in liquid form, and then use Silky to bring the shine back to the area.

Silky is good as it cleans, but leaves a deep glossy look. Be warned though, once you get one bit looking perfect you get addicted and can spend the whole day polishing the rest to match /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Jonny