Steam cleaning deck and topsides

[doris]

A mate has offered to lend me his steam cleaning kit to sort out my deck and topsides. The plan is to brush on a load of detergent, leave it for half an hour and then steam clean the lot. Apparently it will come up like new. Are there any downsides to this procedure???


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[TheBoatman]

The biggest downside is that you might remove some of the gelcoat, it brings it up a bit like a sandpaper finish. It will be very clean but just be careful. I suggest you test a small area first.

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[robp]

Yes, this was demonstrated beautifully with some plastic garden furniture that was greyed and rust stained. It was clean it or throw it, so my wife jet washed it close up and it came up lovely but with a new textured surface. It had removed the surface. It's really hard not to be brutal, so watch your gelcoat!

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[tcm]

Re: bad idea Steam cleaning deck and topsides

Even i think that this is a rubbish idea, and i'm a total lunatic when it comes to cleaning things as adventurously as possible. For example, i discovered that cleaning certain types of plastic awnings with petrol is brilliant if you're quick. I also discovered that cleaning PVC seats with neat bleach means that you need to replace the seats inclusing the foam, and buy new trousers and shorts for everyone who has ever been on the boat.

If you got a boiling kettle and placed it on the gelcoat - would it not leave a mark? I bet it would. The steam will be that hot. It would be ok to steam clean an engine, thou it would remove any loose paint (and it would also remove some of the not-so-loose paint)

I would (and do) use a commercial cleaning product at low concentrations to clean the gelcoat once every month or so maximum. Send a pm to a poster hereabouts "hlb" asking him to sell you some. dilute at least 1:20 parts with water, lightly brush it on, then rinse it off, then totally clean boat and no steam. If you don't dilute and use it on a fender, the fender goes yellow. If you do dilute, the fender looks brand new without any scrubbing.

 

[orion21]

Hi all, If you want a great job with out to much hard work and look after your gelcoat try"wipeout". Its a powder that comes it a lrt bottle, you wet the surface sprinkle the powder over and brush it about a bit, leave it about 15 mins then just hose it off. I was well pleased with the result it was like new again. You can do the hull as well, i did and can't believe how good it looks.
Hope this is a help to you, Cheers Geordie

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[david_e]

Re: bad idea Steam cleaning deck and topsides

I thought it OK to powerwash plastic decks ( a la Bennytoe variety ) but obviously not the topsides as others mention, strips the gelcoat off.

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[tcm]

Re: bad idea Steam cleaning deck and topsides

powerwashing is a waste of time relative to the magical powers of hlb's chemicals. I think powerwashing is a bit mechanical too, hammers away at the plastic. Ideal for rinsing the neighbours though.

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[doris]

OK then. If steam is a bad idea can anyone tell me which are the best chemicals to use. The deck is well grubby and it's boring the way peolple talk about theirs ....looking like new.

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[complete marine]

ok here it is!

OK then. If steam is a bad idea can anyone tell me which are the best chemicals to use. The deck is well grubby and it's boring the way peolple talk about theirs ....looking like new.

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Ok here it is . Pressure washers can be work well. It all depends on how powerful they are. If they are too much, lift the lance slightly. to reduce the pressure.

If you prefer a chemical approach. I can supply a easy to use boat wash solution that lifts dirt easily. This product with a simple pot of Milton fluid, yes that's right the baby bottle sanitizer work amazingly on non-slip deck!! and only £2 in the supermarket.

 

[jac]

Lazarus strikes again.

 

[sailorman]

Ok here it is . Pressure washers can be work well. It all depends on how powerful they are. If they are too much, lift the lance slightly. to reduce the pressure.

If you prefer a chemical approach. I can supply a easy to use boat wash solution that lifts dirt easily. This product with a simple pot of Milton fluid, yes that's right the baby bottle sanitizer work amazingly on non-slip deck!! and only £2 in the supermarket.

power washers are a great invention.
For finding all gelcoat voids you didnt know you had

 

[jwilson]

power washers are a great invention.
For finding all gelcoat voids you didnt know you had

As well as gelcoat voids, they can find new window and hatch leaks too - really effective.

 

[Pete7]

OK then. If steam is a bad idea can anyone tell me which are the best chemicals to use. The deck is well grubby and it's boring the way peolple talk about theirs ....looking like new. <hr width=100% size=1>

Dhoby Dust (that's Daz washing powder for civies) lightly sprinkled on the deck before you go home and wait for the rain. Result nice clean decks next time you visit

 

[tommydortez]

I just power wash the top of my deck, doesnt strip the gelcoat and is quick and easy

 

[Heckler]

OK then. If steam is a bad idea can anyone tell me which are the best chemicals to use. The deck is well grubby and it's boring the way peolple talk about theirs ....looking like new.

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Oxalix acid powder off ebay, follow the instructions, brings fi glass and wood up like new. Its the main ingredient in the expensive £14 a bottle chandlery stuff!
Stu

 

[Spyro]

Oxalix acid powder off ebay, follow the instructions, brings fi glass and wood up like new. Its the main ingredient in the expensive £14 a bottle chandlery stuff!
Stu

+1 amazing stuff, you won't believe how dirtdirty it was.

 

[Mistroma]

I just power wash the top of my deck, doesnt strip the gelcoat and is quick and easy

Very useful information on a thread started more than 10 years ago.

 

[Rigger Mortice]

Very useful information on a thread started more than 10 years ago.

Revived by somebody trying to sell some magic potion!

 

[tommydortez]

im sorry, i'm new to these forums and i was just trying to help someone?

 

[tommydortez]

Ok here it is . Pressure washers can be work well. It all depends on how powerful they are. If they are too much, lift the lance slightly. to reduce the pressure.

If you prefer a chemical approach. I can supply a easy to use boat wash solution that lifts dirt easily. This product with a simple pot of Milton fluid, yes that's right the baby bottle sanitizer work amazingly on non-slip deck!! and only £2 in the supermarket.

i just washed my decks with a powerwasher. bought a cheap petrol one and you can adjust the pressure with a nozel on the pump. saves messing about with chemicals and baby bottle sanitizer