Marine vinyl cleaning

bruceb58

Supreme Mariner
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Mar 5, 2006
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30,752
Re: Marine vinyl cleaning

409 is a recommended cleaner by many vinyl manufacturers.
 

jpwilly

Petty Officer 3rd Class
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Re: Marine vinyl cleaning

the Mr Clean magic eraser is actually an abrasive pad. do not use.

dawn dish soap it the way to go

Obviously, they do function like very fine wet sandpaper when wet. IMO They do have their place and you must be aware of their abrasive properties. Certainly don't use them all the time but saying to never use them is just as silly as saying to always use them. This product and many others have their place in cleaning.

When your vinyl is looking bad and the soap, de-greasers etc aren't getting it done this is a viable option but don't get carried away with them.
 
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bruceb58

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Re: Marine vinyl cleaning

Certainly don't use them all the time but saying to never use them is just as silly as saying to always use them.
The vinyl manufacturers say never to use them. If your vinyl is old and it will absolutely not clean any other way, maybe its fine, but I don't use them at all on my vinyl.
 
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jpwilly

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Re: Marine vinyl cleaning

The vinyl manufacturers say never to use them. If your vinyl is old and it will absolutely not clean any other way, maybe its fine, but I don't use them at all on my vinyl.

No offence to Bruce or others but I wasn't aware this was a thread about vinyl mfg's approved cleaners. What exactly is the point of a forum if we're going to stick to info that is already published by said mfg's?

If someone wants and example of that list here's a link to one:
http://spradlingvinyl.com/asset/docs/research/ApprovedCleanersSIM.pdf
 

bruceb58

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Re: Marine vinyl cleaning

No offence to Bruce or others but I wasn't aware this was a thread about vinyl mfg's approved cleaners. What exactly is the point of a forum if we're going to stick to info that is already published by said mfg's?
The OP asked what he needed to do to clean his brand new vinyl. Following the manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning seems to be the best advice for him wouldn't you agree?
 

oldjeep

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May 17, 2010
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Re: Marine vinyl cleaning

The OP asked what he needed to do to clean his brand new vinyl. Following the manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning seems to be the best advice for him wouldn't you agree?

Yup, the manual with my Malibu specifically says 303 protectant - and for only $15 a bottle that is definitely the only thing I'm going to use on it.
 

Malibu Rudder

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Jul 10, 2012
Messages
115
Re: Marine vinyl cleaning

It is extremely important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Many things will clean your boat and make it look fabulous temporarily but at what cost to the fabric, threads, clear coat etc. I cringe when i see people at the marinas using improper products. I make a note to myself and say, "Do not ever buy a used boat from them". I always appreciate it when people on these forums pipe up and say, "Don't use something or be careful of ...." Nice job folks. I am ridiculously careful of what cleaning products I use and always follow with a recommended protector.
 
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