hull cleaning question

[mariob]

how do you guys remove the algae and scum buildup on the hull?

I tried using a power washer but the stuff wasn't coming off.
can anyone recommend some sort of cleaner that helps to remove the crap stuck to the hull?

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: hull cleaning question

Any hull cleaner with oxylic acid and a soft bristled brush will clean it quite easily.

 

[mariob]

Re: hull cleaning question

cool, thanks.

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: hull cleaning question

might want gloves if your hands are sensitive to things like bleach/chemicals, etc. I don't but with the brush I've accidentally splashed an eye and it burns (it is a mild acid) so take necessary precautions.

 

[Isaacm1986]

Re: hull cleaning question

I like the 30 second cleaner bought at home depot. Just spray it on, wait a couple min and rinse it off. has always worked good for me.

 

[Brewman61]

Re: hull cleaning question

I use muriatic acid. This is cheap and available at most big box home stores in the paint department. It's primary use is etching concrete.
Mix this 50/50 with water. Add the acid to the water carefully- and don't breathe in the fumes. Then I carefully pour into a 1 qt. spray bottle.
Wet the area to be cleaned first, then spray on the acid/water mix.
let set for a minute or two- the algae goes away like magic.
Then rinse with tons of fresh water. Clean smaller areas at a time, and always rinse very thoroughly.

I keep my boat on the water all summer- no lift, just floats. Looks like the creature from the black lagoon when I pull out for the season. This stuff works way better than any commercial hull cleaner I"ve ever tried.
And it's extremely cheap. Just be careful.

Google search "Muriatic Acid Boat Cleaner" or similar to read up on this.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: hull cleaning question

toilet bowl cleaner.
be sure to rinse off the trailer, too; these products can react with the metal.

 

[gstanton]

Re: hull cleaning question

The toilet bowl cleaner refered to is (probably) "The Works" as it contains Oxalic acid. You can get oxalic acid at West Marine for a lot less than the Slimey Grimey container. Haven't tried the muratic acid yet...but will give it a try this fall!

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: hull cleaning question

I like the 30 second cleaner bought at home depot. Just spray it on, wait a couple min and rinse it off. has always worked good for me.

what is the product name... Always looking for a simplier solution

 

[Isaacm1986]

Re: hull cleaning question

The product name is "30 second cleaner" It works great! here are some pics of a car i used it on.

Before

After

Sprayed it on. Waited about 5 min, and rinsed it off. That simple.

 

[Isaacm1986]

Re: hull cleaning question

I did use a pressure washer when i rinsed it off. Just remembered that.

 

[Rscardina]

Re: hull cleaning question

muriatic acid?..man i would never had figured it would work for that.. I have used it to clean bricks after i lay some treads to clean up overspilled mortar but for a boat??..

Is that stuff safe for the fiberglass in or out??.. I have some mold from the pine trees around me and that is a B*&*TCh to clean..

 

[SangerTom]

Re: hull cleaning question

You need to neutralize the acid. Washing it doesn't do the trick as some if can continue to react (on the metal) even after washing. Add some baking soda to water and use a sponge to rinse everything down. Then wash with water. Make sure the concrete underneath the area you are washing is soaking wet so it doesn't start etching too.

You need to wear eye protection and gloves (if you get it into a cut - you will know why). I'd go with something else personally. Did decorative concrete for years and got away from it because its so tricky to use.

 

[JoLin]

Re: hull cleaning question

Last time I checked, Home Depot wasn't selling Muriatic acid on Long Island. That was a couple years ago. If it's available in other regions, I'd guess it's a state or local EPA ban here.

Oxalic acid works well and is the primary active ingredient in all sorts of cleaning products. Just look at the label. I used a rust remover I bought at HD and it worked fine. Gloves and eye protection are recommended, along with flushing with a LOT of water.

 

[wellsc1]

Re: hull cleaning question

Muratic acid is available at pool supply stores. It's a normal chemical used to balance pool water ph.

 

[scully222]

Re: hull cleaning question

It's been awhile since I've been on. Not sure if this is in the right spot. I'm trying to clean the algae and stains off my fibreglass boat bottom. I bought the slimey grimey put on, pressure washed off most of thick algae, but there is still the water line stain and some other crud. I've read to try muriatic acid, (half and half),toilet bowl cleaner, and pool cleaner. Also bought this Clorox stuff last night tried it , but it didn't do much. Any thoughts?

 

[JoLin]

Re: hull cleaning question

It's been awhile since I've been on. Not sure if this is in the right spot. I'm trying to clean the algae and stains off my fibreglass boat bottom. I bought the slimey grimey put on, pressure washed off most of thick algae, but there is still the water line stain and some other crud. I've read to try muriatic acid, (half and half),toilet bowl cleaner, and pool cleaner. Also bought this Clorox stuff last night tried it , but it didn't do much. Any thoughts?

I think you aren't reading closely enough. The key is in the acid- muriatic acid, oxalic acid... or cleaning products that have one or the other as the primary acidic ingredient. Read the labels, or buy one of the acids 'straight.'

Use hand and eye protection, and lots of fresh water to flush it away.

 

[Brewman61]

Re: hull cleaning question

muriatic acid?..man i would never had figured it would work for that.. I have used it to clean bricks after i lay some treads to clean up overspilled mortar but for a boat??..

Is that stuff safe for the fiberglass in or out??.. I have some mold from the pine trees around me and that is a B*&*TCh to clean..

Do a google search on Muriatic acid boat cleaning, or similar, and you'll find tons of information. I use the stuff and have great success at removing the grunge that collects on my boat after being in fresh water for 6 straight months. Never used in for anything else but adjusting my hot tub's Ph.

 

[oops!]

Re: hull cleaning question

muriatic acid.....while fantastic for lots of stuff is very harsh on boats, and will not remove hard water stains...

the pros use industrial strength toilet bowl cleaner

the toilet bowl cleaner is a watered down muriatiac acid with other chemicals in it that will remove the hard water stains.

the results are instant

as with all chemicals....wear safety equipment

any galvi trailer parts must be covered with poly.

 

[mariob]

Re: hull cleaning question

muriatic acid.....while fantastic for lots of stuff is very harsh on boats, and will not remove hard water stains...

the pros use industrial strength toilet bowl cleaner

the toilet bowl cleaner is a watered down muriatiac acid with other chemicals in it that will remove the hard water stains.

the results are instant

as with all chemicals....wear safety equipment

any galvi trailer parts must be covered with poly.

where do you get that stuff? home depot?