Chlorine bleach cleaner - Moderated Discussion Areas

  ContinuousWave
  Whaler
  Moderated Discussion Areas
  ContinuousWave: Whaler Repairs/Mods
  Chlorine bleach cleaner

search | FAQ | profile | register | author help

Author Topic:   Chlorine bleach cleaner

kshoaps posted 08-18-2003 10:56 AM ET (US)
Some people have used Sof-Scrub with Bleach on the non skid.
I tested a very small patch and very quickly rinsed it off.
The stuff is really amazing--cleaner than new with very little scrubbing.
BUT there is a faint odor of chlorine.
The BW FAQ warns against chlorine and ammonia. What happens if they are used in diluted form and very quickly rinsed off?
Jarhead posted 08-18-2003 12:25 PM ET (US)
Why do something you know is bad for your boat?
Try Bar Keepers Friend. Works better than Sof-Scrub and no bleech.
My 2 cents...
Bigshot posted 08-18-2003 01:48 PM ET (US)
Chlorine won't hurt gel-coat, it will eat the threads on the cushions, etc. I use Comet powder on mine and it cleans the snot out of it.
jameso posted 08-18-2003 01:58 PM ET (US)
I have used Sof Scrub and Barkeepers. Both are good. The Barkeep is best for rust ect. I doubt that the small amount of bleach in the Sof Scrub, properly rinsed would do any harm. I have a fiberglass (gel coat) shower in my cabin, the mfg recommends Sof Scrub, go figure.
My 02, Jim Armstrong
Jarhead posted 08-19-2003 09:22 AM ET (US)
What you use on your boat is of course up to you.
I've heard people say they use oven cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner, bleach ect with no ill effects.
Maybe I'm just being a little, dare I say it, "anal" but none of these products will ever be used on my Whaler.
I'm not tring to start any wars just my 2 cents...
Bigshot posted 08-19-2003 10:29 AM ET (US)
It depends on how you use your boat. If I had a trailer queen that was gaaged and I could make it sparkle with baby wipes....I'm with you. When you have a 20 year old hull that is more pourous than a sponge and dirt just sticks to it like glue, ya gotta do what ya gotta do. Oven cleaner is a great way to remove painted-on names and if it is safe to use around food and in an oven, can't see paint remover being safer. Gel-coat is some tough stuff and trust me that anything you can buy at Wal-Mart won't hurt it. Gasoline, oil, blood, etc tough stuff.
telecaster posted 08-19-2003 08:17 PM ET (US)
I’m 25, and I’ve been cleaning a whaler deck that is several years my senior with soft scrub for as long as I can remember. The boat is fine and the deck tells no tails of conquered fish or greasy mishaps.
ETF
acseatsri posted 08-19-2003 09:19 PM ET (US)
Sofscrub has my vote too. Been using it for years on the non-skid with no ill effects. I wouldn't use the Comet though- almost the equivalent of sandpaper. It's probably why stains are so tenacious if you've been using it for awhile- the scratches give dirt a good surface to adhere to.
Mister S posted 08-20-2003 12:50 PM ET (US)
Had to register quick and reply; You don't mix bleach and ammonia because of what it'll do to YOU not your boat. Combination can give off lethal gases.
I use Barkeepers Friend.
Bigshot posted 08-20-2003 01:20 PM ET (US)
DUH!!!! Why did'nt anyone else pick that up? Reason for warning is this:
The problem with Chloramine is that when Amonia and Chlorine are combined, they create a very lethal gas which releases ammonia, hydrochloric acid, and oxygen free radicals in the lungs. Small amounts of Chloramine may cause mild irritation, but it can corrode the tissues of the lung and damage the cells. The result: inflammation of the lung tissues and build-up of fluids that can obstruct the airways. (The New England Journal of Medicine 1999)
Believe it or not they add Chloramine to drinking water to make it sweet.....go figure!
triblet posted 08-20-2003 07:43 PM ET (US)
I don't think Boston Whaler would say "don't mix Clorox and
Ammonia". They might say "don't use either one".
BUT: what my owners manual says is "Never use abrasive
powders, gritty cloths, steel wool, or strong alkaline
cleaners".

Chuck
telecaster posted 08-20-2003 10:14 PM ET (US)
How do some of you guys handle beach sand on your boat deck, a four part therapy session? Sorry I just couldn’t help it. I wouldn’t advocate usuing soft scrub on fixtures, wood, or any other surface that is supposed to have a showroom shine. As for the deck…………soft scrub is cheep and does a great job.
kshoaps posted 08-22-2003 07:26 AM ET (US)
Here is the BW statement from their FAQ website:
Fiberglass/Gel Coat Stains and Scratches
"Gel Coat and painted surfaces are very resistant to deep stains. Common surface stains can be removed with diluted household detergents, providing these detergents do not contain ammonia or chlorine. Porcelain-cleaning powders are too abrasive and often contain chlorine and ammonia, either of which would permanently discolor the Gel Coat and paint. Alcohol or kerosene can be used for difficult stains but should be washed away promptly with a mild detergent and water. Never use acetone or ketone solvents. Minor scratches and deeper stains which do not penetrate the Gel Coat may be removed by light sanding and buffing."
It is concerning the use of Chlorine and ammonia. It's not clear whether they are discussing chlorine AND/OR ammonia but I suspect it's referring to chlorine OR ammonia as I don't believe any commercially available product would have both (as per the chloramine discussion above).
bugsyjr posted 08-22-2003 10:50 AM ET (US)
DO NOT MIX ammonia and bleach. It basically makes mustard gas. It can KILL you.
Bigshot posted 08-22-2003 11:17 AM ET (US)
not mustard gas....read my post above.
Tom2697 posted 08-22-2003 11:42 AM ET (US)
I've been told that repeated use of Soft Scrub will dull the shime of a new fiberglass boat. I have two problems with this statement: (1) Soft Scrub is recommended for fiberglass showers; and (2) my boat is 14 years old. I don't think it will do any harm to my non-skid. And at $2 per bottle, it is MUCH cheaper than non-skid cleaner. This is why I've been using it for a good deal of my boating life...
If you are concerned about the bleach, why not buy the Soft Scrub without the bleach?
Chesapeake posted 08-22-2003 04:10 PM ET (US)
What about a cleaner (you make your choice - I like soft scrub) and a powerwasher to remove?
Nick: With the old blue hull non-skid, the nooks and crannies are both deep and sharp. No amount of previous scrubbing gets them back to clean. Additionally, they are also too deep to compound or polish. Thinking that a power washer may be the only thing left to get the non-skid looking as good as the smooth gelcoat.
You agree?
Bob
kingfish posted 08-25-2003 09:19 AM ET (US)
I have always understood that mixing chlorine bleach and ammonia creates something that is commonly known as "chlorine gas" (and maybe other by-products too)- similar to what is developed when arc-welding galvanized material, which does all the things mentioned above.
We have mixed that concoction, soaked a rag in it, and shoved the rag under old cottages in our camp up north (after evacuating the humans) to run porcupines and raccoons out. It works real well; you don't want to be between the gassed animal and fresh air or they'll run right over the top of you. They do seem to develop a bad cough, though...
Bigshot posted 08-25-2003 01:55 PM ET (US)
Bleach should cleen the scratches out. Powerwashing too but you might PUSh more water down into the cracks with the powerwasher and hence cause more mildew.
Again, if I had a new boat or like new shiny gel, I would not use a harsh abrassive but on an older hull like mine, I use what cleans it. If gas does not harm the gel, how in the world can bleach? Not saying that prolonged gas spills won't have some effect but Pate makes their tank from fiberglass and gel coats them and they hold up fine. Use your head and don't believe the hype some manufacturers claim.
kglinz posted 08-25-2003 02:03 PM ET (US)
I've been using "Star Brite Deck cleaner with Teflon" it seems to work well.
gnr posted 08-25-2003 02:51 PM ET (US)
Simple Green straight up and a stiff nylon bristle brush on a long handle. Works great and you don't have to get down on your knees.
Fishcop posted 08-25-2003 10:04 PM ET (US)
Greetings to all.
Not to throw a damper on your cleaning party, but please make sure you know where your waste water "cocktail" is going.
Just a friendly reminder.

Andy
acseatsri posted 08-25-2003 10:35 PM ET (US)
"Not to throw a damper on your cleaning party, but please make sure you know where your waste water "cocktail" is going."
Simple Green would in this respect be the best choice. although I found it to be just mildly effective even when used straight up. Sofscrub still has my vote for cleaning non-skid, Formula 409 or Fantastic is the best non-abrasive cleaner, but it also removes wax. A good commercial foaming car or boat wash with a terrycloth towel will remove dirt without stripping wax.
Bigshot posted 08-25-2003 10:57 PM ET (US)
True but not many wax their non-skid....kinda defeats the purpose:)
Fishy....simple green is bio-degradable, so are ALL marine cleaners like boatzoap, etc.
Fishcop posted 08-26-2003 02:08 AM ET (US)
Big,
I do not want to taint your standing on this forum because I feel you have much to offer,
check the lable on the simple green.
Additionally, the cleansers mentioned in these posts are not friendly to the critters we enjoy watching, catching or eating.
In my observations (and experience), the majority of our boat cleaning ends up in our water systems (streams, rivers, lakes, oceans, ect.)
Not preaching, but simply trying to preserve what little is left.
Sorry if it offends.
Andy
Bigshot posted 08-26-2003 12:27 PM ET (US)
Not tainted at all, I appreciate people who keep our furry and slimy friends in better health. I saved a turtle from traffic yesterday, damn near lost the car door though.
I know simple green says biodegradeable but that does not mean I would drink it but better than using bleach. The boatzoap and other marine cleaners do state it is safe to wash overboard.

Hop to:

Contact Us | RETURN to ContinuousWave Top Page

Powered by: Ultimate Bulletin Board, Freeware Version 2000
Purchase our Licensed Version- which adds many more features!
© Infopop Corporation (formerly Madrona Park, Inc.), 1998 - 2000.

Author	Topic: Chlorine bleach cleaner
kshoaps	posted 08-18-2003 10:56 AM ET (US) Some people have used Sof-Scrub with Bleach on the non skid. I tested a very small patch and very quickly rinsed it off. The stuff is really amazing--cleaner than new with very little scrubbing. BUT there is a faint odor of chlorine. The BW FAQ warns against chlorine and ammonia. What happens if they are used in diluted form and very quickly rinsed off?
Jarhead	posted 08-18-2003 12:25 PM ET (US) Why do something you know is bad for your boat? Try Bar Keepers Friend. Works better than Sof-Scrub and no bleech. My 2 cents...
Bigshot	posted 08-18-2003 01:48 PM ET (US) Chlorine won't hurt gel-coat, it will eat the threads on the cushions, etc. I use Comet powder on mine and it cleans the snot out of it.
jameso	posted 08-18-2003 01:58 PM ET (US) I have used Sof Scrub and Barkeepers. Both are good. The Barkeep is best for rust ect. I doubt that the small amount of bleach in the Sof Scrub, properly rinsed would do any harm. I have a fiberglass (gel coat) shower in my cabin, the mfg recommends Sof Scrub, go figure. My 02, Jim Armstrong
Jarhead	posted 08-19-2003 09:22 AM ET (US) What you use on your boat is of course up to you. I've heard people say they use oven cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner, bleach ect with no ill effects. Maybe I'm just being a little, dare I say it, "anal" but none of these products will ever be used on my Whaler. I'm not tring to start any wars just my 2 cents...
Bigshot	posted 08-19-2003 10:29 AM ET (US) It depends on how you use your boat. If I had a trailer queen that was gaaged and I could make it sparkle with baby wipes....I'm with you. When you have a 20 year old hull that is more pourous than a sponge and dirt just sticks to it like glue, ya gotta do what ya gotta do. Oven cleaner is a great way to remove painted-on names and if it is safe to use around food and in an oven, can't see paint remover being safer. Gel-coat is some tough stuff and trust me that anything you can buy at Wal-Mart won't hurt it. Gasoline, oil, blood, etc tough stuff.
telecaster	posted 08-19-2003 08:17 PM ET (US) I’m 25, and I’ve been cleaning a whaler deck that is several years my senior with soft scrub for as long as I can remember. The boat is fine and the deck tells no tails of conquered fish or greasy mishaps. ETF
acseatsri	posted 08-19-2003 09:19 PM ET (US) Sofscrub has my vote too. Been using it for years on the non-skid with no ill effects. I wouldn't use the Comet though- almost the equivalent of sandpaper. It's probably why stains are so tenacious if you've been using it for awhile- the scratches give dirt a good surface to adhere to.
Mister S	posted 08-20-2003 12:50 PM ET (US) Had to register quick and reply; You don't mix bleach and ammonia because of what it'll do to YOU not your boat. Combination can give off lethal gases. I use Barkeepers Friend.
Bigshot	posted 08-20-2003 01:20 PM ET (US) DUH!!!! Why did'nt anyone else pick that up? Reason for warning is this: The problem with Chloramine is that when Amonia and Chlorine are combined, they create a very lethal gas which releases ammonia, hydrochloric acid, and oxygen free radicals in the lungs. Small amounts of Chloramine may cause mild irritation, but it can corrode the tissues of the lung and damage the cells. The result: inflammation of the lung tissues and build-up of fluids that can obstruct the airways. (The New England Journal of Medicine 1999) Believe it or not they add Chloramine to drinking water to make it sweet.....go figure!
triblet	posted 08-20-2003 07:43 PM ET (US) I don't think Boston Whaler would say "don't mix Clorox and Ammonia". They might say "don't use either one". BUT: what my owners manual says is "Never use abrasive powders, gritty cloths, steel wool, or strong alkaline cleaners". Chuck
telecaster	posted 08-20-2003 10:14 PM ET (US) How do some of you guys handle beach sand on your boat deck, a four part therapy session? Sorry I just couldn’t help it. I wouldn’t advocate usuing soft scrub on fixtures, wood, or any other surface that is supposed to have a showroom shine. As for the deck…………soft scrub is cheep and does a great job.
kshoaps	posted 08-22-2003 07:26 AM ET (US) Here is the BW statement from their FAQ website: Fiberglass/Gel Coat Stains and Scratches "Gel Coat and painted surfaces are very resistant to deep stains. Common surface stains can be removed with diluted household detergents, providing these detergents do not contain ammonia or chlorine. Porcelain-cleaning powders are too abrasive and often contain chlorine and ammonia, either of which would permanently discolor the Gel Coat and paint. Alcohol or kerosene can be used for difficult stains but should be washed away promptly with a mild detergent and water. Never use acetone or ketone solvents. Minor scratches and deeper stains which do not penetrate the Gel Coat may be removed by light sanding and buffing." It is concerning the use of Chlorine and ammonia. It's not clear whether they are discussing chlorine AND/OR ammonia but I suspect it's referring to chlorine OR ammonia as I don't believe any commercially available product would have both (as per the chloramine discussion above).
bugsyjr	posted 08-22-2003 10:50 AM ET (US) DO NOT MIX ammonia and bleach. It basically makes mustard gas. It can KILL you.
Bigshot	posted 08-22-2003 11:17 AM ET (US) not mustard gas....read my post above.
Tom2697	posted 08-22-2003 11:42 AM ET (US) I've been told that repeated use of Soft Scrub will dull the shime of a new fiberglass boat. I have two problems with this statement: (1) Soft Scrub is recommended for fiberglass showers; and (2) my boat is 14 years old. I don't think it will do any harm to my non-skid. And at $2 per bottle, it is MUCH cheaper than non-skid cleaner. This is why I've been using it for a good deal of my boating life... If you are concerned about the bleach, why not buy the Soft Scrub without the bleach?
Chesapeake	posted 08-22-2003 04:10 PM ET (US) What about a cleaner (you make your choice - I like soft scrub) and a powerwasher to remove? Nick: With the old blue hull non-skid, the nooks and crannies are both deep and sharp. No amount of previous scrubbing gets them back to clean. Additionally, they are also too deep to compound or polish. Thinking that a power washer may be the only thing left to get the non-skid looking as good as the smooth gelcoat. You agree? Bob
kingfish	posted 08-25-2003 09:19 AM ET (US) I have always understood that mixing chlorine bleach and ammonia creates something that is commonly known as "chlorine gas" (and maybe other by-products too)- similar to what is developed when arc-welding galvanized material, which does all the things mentioned above. We have mixed that concoction, soaked a rag in it, and shoved the rag under old cottages in our camp up north (after evacuating the humans) to run porcupines and raccoons out. It works real well; you don't want to be between the gassed animal and fresh air or they'll run right over the top of you. They do seem to develop a bad cough, though...
Bigshot	posted 08-25-2003 01:55 PM ET (US) Bleach should cleen the scratches out. Powerwashing too but you might PUSh more water down into the cracks with the powerwasher and hence cause more mildew. Again, if I had a new boat or like new shiny gel, I would not use a harsh abrassive but on an older hull like mine, I use what cleans it. If gas does not harm the gel, how in the world can bleach? Not saying that prolonged gas spills won't have some effect but Pate makes their tank from fiberglass and gel coats them and they hold up fine. Use your head and don't believe the hype some manufacturers claim.
kglinz	posted 08-25-2003 02:03 PM ET (US) I've been using "Star Brite Deck cleaner with Teflon" it seems to work well.
gnr	posted 08-25-2003 02:51 PM ET (US) Simple Green straight up and a stiff nylon bristle brush on a long handle. Works great and you don't have to get down on your knees.
Fishcop	posted 08-25-2003 10:04 PM ET (US) Greetings to all. Not to throw a damper on your cleaning party, but please make sure you know where your waste water "cocktail" is going. Just a friendly reminder. Andy
acseatsri	posted 08-25-2003 10:35 PM ET (US) "Not to throw a damper on your cleaning party, but please make sure you know where your waste water "cocktail" is going." Simple Green would in this respect be the best choice. although I found it to be just mildly effective even when used straight up. Sofscrub still has my vote for cleaning non-skid, Formula 409 or Fantastic is the best non-abrasive cleaner, but it also removes wax. A good commercial foaming car or boat wash with a terrycloth towel will remove dirt without stripping wax.
Bigshot	posted 08-25-2003 10:57 PM ET (US) True but not many wax their non-skid....kinda defeats the purpose:) Fishy....simple green is bio-degradable, so are ALL marine cleaners like boatzoap, etc.
Fishcop	posted 08-26-2003 02:08 AM ET (US) Big, I do not want to taint your standing on this forum because I feel you have much to offer, check the lable on the simple green. Additionally, the cleansers mentioned in these posts are not friendly to the critters we enjoy watching, catching or eating. In my observations (and experience), the majority of our boat cleaning ends up in our water systems (streams, rivers, lakes, oceans, ect.) Not preaching, but simply trying to preserve what little is left. Sorry if it offends. Andy
Bigshot	posted 08-26-2003 12:27 PM ET (US) Not tainted at all, I appreciate people who keep our furry and slimy friends in better health. I saved a turtle from traffic yesterday, damn near lost the car door though. I know simple green says biodegradeable but that does not mean I would drink it but better than using bleach. The boatzoap and other marine cleaners do state it is safe to wash overboard.