Pressure Wash vs Steam Cleaning

[Mulge]

The anti-slip moulded areas of the deck of my 1986 Gib Sea 92 are ingrained with dirt that won't come out with scrubbing with or without expensive boat cleaning materials. In the past I've had some success with pressure washing but in the marina it seems a bit anti-social with the risk of dislodged specks being sprayed all over adjoining boats. Has anybody used a steam cleaner on the deck and does it do the job, and does spread the dirt less widely?

Thanks

Mark

 

[oldsaltoz]

Pressure cleaners can and will do damage, and small voids under the gelcoat will turn into pin holes, you will also get this in areas with stress cracks.

To avoid this damage you must keep a reasonable distance between tip and deck.

Steam cleaning can be very good, however it all depends on how muck steam the machine will generate, you need an industrial rated machine.

Scatter from an industrial steam cleaner is less than a pressure cleaner but any loose bits will be blown a few yards.

An alternative to magic cleaning products is an acid based cleaner, Oxalic acid is one but I have found commercial grade stainless steel cleaners work very well with the added bonus of bright s/steel when finished, and little if any rubbing or subbing.

Avagoodweekend......