Routine Cleaning Of A Fiberglass Bathtub And Shower
Here is an easy cleaning technique that works wonders for that regular cleaning routine. This technique also works well as a DIY RV cleaner. While it may not be ideal for removing tough stains and overly dirty tubs, it is perfect for adding to the weekly checklist of household chores.
- Sponge
Fill the bucket with the hot water and dishwashing liquid. Soak the sponge with the soapy water and scrub all areas of the shower and bathtub. Make sure to get into all of the corners and crevices to remove gunk build up.
Youll probably have to apply a little elbow grease for those extra dirty areas. Rinse the bathtub and shower with clean water. For shower cleaning, you can turn on the showerhead to rinse away leftover messy residue.
Whats Its Raison Dtre
Raison dêtre is a common french saying that translates to reason for being. That being is said, what is the reason for your boats existence? Is it used for water sports, fishing, or cruising the lake with your family? The purpose of the boat can impact how its cleaned. For example, your fishing boat may require a different cleaning solution than a boat used for water sports. Keep this in mind when selecting the appropriate boat cleaning product.
BKF fan, Shannon shared with us how much BKF More Spray + Foam helped with their boat cleaning endeavors.
Benefits And Drawbacks Of Using A Cleaner For Fiberglass Boat
While fiberglass cleaners mostly offer advantages, it also comes with some disadvantages. Here are the benefits and drawbacks of using a fiberglass cleaner:
Pros
- It is easier to remove different stains on your boat.
The powerful formula is scientifically made to remove stains from the most stubborn oxidation to the oldest waterline stains. It does the job efficiently and guarantees an excellent result.
- It will save you more time.
Unlike using homemade cleaners, which will require more effort, time, and patience, fiberglass cleaners offer an easy and breezy cleaning time for you. Its ingredients are made to save you time and sweat from scrubbing and rubbing dirty surfaces. Instead, it penetrates itself into the stains, dissolving it, thus cleaning it faster.
- It does more than the cleaning job and keeps your boat shiny.
Apart from saving your boat from the nasty stains, it keeps it shiny, tooespecially those formulated with wax that creates a clean slate. On top of this, your boats original color will be restored, and its luster will be improved.
- It adds protection.
It protects the surface from the harmful rays of the sun, and some products even leave a protective coat that shields it from future stains.
- It allows you more time to enjoy your boat.
Cons
- Some chemicals and toxic materials are dangerous
- It may leave scratches or damages on your boats surfaces.
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How To Clean A Boat
The best way to clean a boat depends on the hull material that your boat is made of. Only clean fibreglass and aluminium boats with specialised products and the correct cleaning technique. Dont be tempted to use any household cleaning products – they could etch the surface and strip wax because they are highly alkaline. Proper marine cleaning products have a neutral pH of 7 so they wont cause any damage.
How To Clean A Boat Exterior
Okaythe insides all set. Now, lets take a look at how to clean the boats exterior. Items to address include:
- Hull and gel-coat surfaces
- Teak
Hull and Gel-Coat Surfaces
Hullsides and other smooth gel-coated surfaces need serious protection and maintenance to stay shiny and avoid oxidation. This starts with a base coat of two layers of paste wax, each and every spring. Monthly, give the boat some extra shine by applying a liquid carnauba wax. Then, after each and every use wash the boat down with a boat soap that contains some liquid wax .
Hull Bottom
If your boat is kept on a trailer or a lift, treat the hull bottom exactly as you treat other gel-coated areas. If the boat sits in a wet slip, however, you probably have had the bottom painted with an antifouling paint.
Canvas and Clear Canvas
Engines
Boat engines need regular cleaning inside and out, no matter whether you have an inboard or an outboard powering your boat. In the case of outboard engines, this starts by waxing the cowl and exterior, then washing them down with soap and water after every use. These surfaces are very similar to automotive finishes, so treat them just as you treat your car. Use microfiber cloths or wash mitts, and never hit an outboard cowl with an abrasive bristle brush.
Teak
Remember people, a clean boat is a happy boat. And now that you know how to clean a boat, your pride and joy should be grinning from gunwale to gunwale.
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Is It Ok To Pressure Wash A Fiberglass Boat
Pressure washing your boat is not the best way to clean the hull of a fiberglass boat. Most pressure washers emit water at a temperature significantly hotter than temperature of the water that the hull is submerged in. This causes the gelcoat to expand and contract as it alternately heats and cools. Over time, this can cause cracks and delamination with the gelcoat and/or the fiberglass below.
The right way to clean a boat is to use a pail, soap, scrub brush and rinse the entire hull with a hose equipped with a single nozzle at the appropriate psi.
Let It Sit For Two To Three Minutes
Dont rush in and brush the soap off. Let it sit for about two to three minutes, but no longer than that because dried soap can be difficult to work with. In this step, the cleaner will soften the grime, dirt, and even absorb light stains. Take a break, drink some water as we will need some strength in the next step.
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How To Clean Boat Fiberglass: Avoid These Mistakes
When it comes to your boat looking its best, theres nothing more important than the quality of your boats fiberglass. If youre wondering how to clean boat fiberglass, be sure you avoid the following mistakes. This simple guide will help you enjoy a boat hull that looks like new for years to come.
Dont make the mistake of assuming your boats fiberglass is pre-rinsed because of its time in the water. Use clean, fresh water to apply the rinse and then get to work.
Rinsing off your boat fiberglass before cleaning will get rid of dust, grime, and debris. No, it wont do the entire job of cleaning, but it will make your fiberglass boat cleaning efforts much easier when you do apply the Fiberglass Powder Cleaner.
Davis Instruments Fsr Fiberglass Stain Remover
Transom, rust, oil, exhaust, and waterline stains on the fiberglass hull are a considerable challenge. Thankfully, the Davis Instruments FSR Fiberglass Stain Remover provides a solution to these problems. It only takes brushing it onto the stained surface, letting it sit for a few minutes for its powerful chemicals to do its job.
Apart from its quick-acting solution, the product is also easy to use since it does not leave any streaks upon application. This remover truly lives up to its user-friendly feature, making fiberglass boat restoring less of a task.
The best part about this marine fiberglass cleaner is the non-abrasive gel formula that prevents it from ruining other painted surfaces and gel coat. Constant precautions are never an issue here. Thanks to the gentle formula, it cleans thoroughly without any need for rubbing or scrubbing.
The next best thing about it? It not only works wonders on dull and stained fiberglass boat surfaces, but it also restores railings, stainless steel surfaces, and even trailer boats.
- Works not only on fiberglass surfaces but also stainless-steel surfaces
- More application is required to remove stubborn stains
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Star Brite 98932 Stain Remover
I have one boat that was left idle for several years outside my vacation house. When I decided to use it, rust and heavy stains welcomed me. I looked for immediate solutions and opted to use DIY cleaners. Several homemade fiberglass boat cleaners later, my boat still looked crappy. So, I went to our local store the following day and asked for recommendations, and this STAR BRITE 98932 Stain Remover, which is specifically engineered for fiberglass use, was on top of their list.
I bought it and went home immediately to try it on my boat, and I was not disappointed. It is easy to use and apply. All you need to do is spray it onto the affected area, let it sit until you see that the stain disappears, and then rinse it off with water. Since it comes in clingy gel form, it sticks onto the surface entirely and penetrates the pigment.
When you apply it, you will see that it dissolves heavy marine and yellow stains. You can also follow it up with light scrubbing to ensure cleanliness. What stood out for me the most is that it has milder acid components than other commercial cleaners. Thus, you can be assured that this product cannot cause significant harm to your health.
- Easy to use and apply
- Dissolves heavy marine and yellow stains
- Has milder acid components than other commercial cleaners
- Specifically engineered for fiberglass use
- Comes in clingy gel form
- Multiple applications required for dark and stubborn stains
How To Clean A Fiberglass Boat Deck
It takes time and effort to ensure your decks cleanliness, but when you have the right cleaner for boat deck and complete equipment, you can minimize your overall cleaning time. Let me show you how.
- Using a cloth or rag, wipe away dirt or debris on your deck before washing it with water.
- After washing your deck with water, let it dry naturally before starting the actual process.
- Once the deck is dry, apply the cleaner on your deck. Make sure to spray or put it on all areas evenly.
- Let the cleaner sit for at least three minutes.
- Start scrubbing your deck with a brush gently to avoid damages.
- After rubbing, rinse your deck with clean water to remove the remaining debris.
- If there are areas that still have some stains, repeat steps 4-7 until your entire deck becomes clean.
- Once cleaned, coat your deck with a polisher to provide protection and shine to your boat. This step is optional, but it will give you the best results.
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Starbrite 098932 Fiberglass Stain Remover
This next fiberglass boat restoring product takes pride in having a gel formula that is slightly different from other fiberglass cleaners. I like the gel formulation as it has the ability to hold and attach to the dirt to effectively remove it from the surface.
Furthermore, when it clings and remains in the stains for a longer period, the more it penetrates to the source and eradicates the dirt completely.
This stain remover also has the ability to provide convenience to the boat cleaner. I am quite impressed by how this product was formulated to have an easy-usage feature. It is so easy that all you have to do is spray to the targeted area and watch the stains go away. After that, gently wipe the surface and rinse it to achieve the best result.
The versatility of this marine fiberglass cleaner also impresses me. Aside from being effective in cleaning and removing stains on fiberglass, it can also be used on other surfaces such as rubber, vinyl, carpet, and painted surfaces. This also means that aside from the boat, this product can also be applied in other areas such as in our home and for recreational vehicles.
In addition, I was also impressed by how this product removes the watermarks and the staining found in the boat hulls.
The only issue I have with this one its price when compared to its competition. There are other products that are much cheaper compared to this boat cleaner.
- High price
Better Boat Instant Hull Cleaner
My grandfather gave me his ten-year-old boat because hes migrating to another country next month. The boat is working excellently, but its appearance looks older than my grandfather. I was excited to use it immediately, so I asked my brother to buy me an effective cleaner. He got me this Better Boat Instant Hull Cleaner because he knew that I use other Better Boat products.
This product is created with an instant action formula that helps remove marine stains and build-up quickly. I saw immediate changes upon applying it on my boat. However, I noticed that additional effort and applications are needed for heavy stains. Yes, it works on contact, but you still have to agitate stubborn stains or heavy build-up with a brush to ensure its cleanliness.
What I like most about this product is its simple usage and application. All I did was apply the solution using a spray bottle, let it sit for a few minutes, and then rinse with water. You can also use a sponge for the application. Upon seeing the results, I can say that this cleaner restores a boats excellent condition. Even my grandfather approved of its look.
- Removes marine stains and build-up
- Restores boats excellent condition
- Safe to use on different surfaces other than fiberglass
- Additional effort and applications for heavy stains
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Bleach To Clean White Fiberglass Boat
- Puerto Pensaco Mexico, just south of Rock Point
- Posts:
WraypauMy dad is trying to convince me that we should be using a 50:50 mix of Clorox Bleach and Water to clean the fiberglass on the boat. I have been telling him I thought it was a bad idea.I have never used it before, but the last time we cleaned boat, he mixed up some in a sprayer bottle, sprayed it on, and let it sit for about 10 minutes. I have to admit, it cleaned the boat up nicely.So, I basically want to know what your opinions, and hopefully some experiences, would suggest in this matter. Would you continue to use bleach? If so, any recommendations on a mixing ratio, or specific brand?What other cleaners would you recommend it not using bleach?I would love to hear some experience stories, like “Have been using bleach for 20 years, gel coat is still pristine, or Bleach stripped my gel coat in about 2 yrs time, etc”Thanks!
Other Important Factors To Consider
While the aforementioned factors are important, there are other things you need to consider when choosing the right fiberglass cleaner for your boat.
With this part, I will list down other factors you need to know so that you can choose the best cleaner for you and your fiberglass boat.
Moreover, in this section, you will learn more about fiberglass boat cleaners and their importance.
What is a fiberglass boat cleaner?
A fiberglass boat cleaner is a cleaning solution that is specifically formulated to clean fiberglass surfaces such as your boats hull without damaging it and its gelcoat.
This type of cleaner enables you to not only remove stains and scratches from your boats fiberglass surface, but it also enables you to restore its overall appearance without overhauling it.
The reason for a specially formulated type of cleaner for fiberglass boats is because fiberglass is a delicate surface that can easily be damaged when the wrong type of cleaners such as ones with abrasive formulas are used on it.
How does it work?
Fiberglass boat cleaners work by penetrating deep into the stains and dirt, cleaning them thoroughly, leaving your boat looking sparkling clean and brand new.
Since fiberglass is a delicate surface and can easily be damaged, fiberglass boat cleaners use non-abrasive formulas that are tough on stains but easy on your boats surface.
What are the different types of cleaner for fiberglass boat?
Why do you need a fiberglass boat cleaner?
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The Best Cleaners For Fiberglass Boat
Fiberglass boats are expensive. It is said that a typical fiberglass motorboat costs about $2.50 to 3.00 per lb to build. As it is made of glass, it is essential to clean and maintain it regularly. That is why having the best cleaner is an excellent choice for boat owners.
There are many cleaners available in the market, and in my experience, this wide array of cleaners make it more challenging to choose which one to buy. Thus, here is my review on the best cleaner for fiberglass boats that you can take into account when selecting the most suitable cleaner.
Collinite 920 Fiberglass Boat Cleaner
When looking for the best fiberglass cleaner, you need to choose a product that was made and formulated to protect the fiberglass hulls and bottoms from the effect of the constant exposure to the marine environment. A product that will not only clean and but also make your boat look brand new.
This is where this fiberglass boat cleaner from Collinite can do as it cleans and protects your boat after the application.
Honestly, I am amazed at how this product was formulated to clean, shines, and protect surfaces, especially in the fiberglass hulls of the boat. There are not too many boat cleaners who can claim to do the triple-effect results after the cleaning process.
During the testing of this product, I was not really expecting other things to happen except to see all the dirt removed. However, I was surprised of how this fiberglass boat cleaning product also makes the fiberglass surface look so natural after the application. I was seeing a brand new and fresh fiberglass as it makes it look brand new.
In addition, I also like this boat cleaners ability to protect any surface it cleaned after the application process. This includes protection from cracking, fading, or even drying which are the harmful effects of the UV rays. After all, this was design to be used to protect surface which has constant exposure to the difficult marine condition.
- May irritate the eyes and skin if in contact
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