1989 340SD: washing headliner and/or walls...what have you done with success?

[carboncow]

So first weekend on the new to us boat. I'm usually pretty sensitive to allergens while my 5 year old daughter has not seemed to inherit that from me, yet.

She seems pretty stuffed up and burning eyes this weekend and it may very well be a cold but it got me thinking about a few battles I have on this boat including some old mold in a forward locker (another post).

My wife asked about washing the headliner and my first reaction is to wonder what kind of damage that could do to the adhesive. It's in really great shape and although I thought it was pretty clean to start with I'm now second guessing that the more I look at it...since the boats always been in heated storage there is no opportunity for dust mites to get frozen!

Has anyone run a hand held or professional steam cleaner to there boat with success and not damaging the adhesive? I'm sure I could come up on a dry day, hammer it out and let it dry properly.

Thoughts?

 

[Skybolt]

Yes, I used "Tuff Stuff" found in an auto parts store. I sprayed that on and scrubbed with a stiff brush from HD. Then I used a woolite product with a carpet cleaner. I used the stair attachment to finish it up. Came out looking like new, and smelled great. I put fabreeze in with the cleaning agent.

 

[carboncow]

Awesome...how wet did it get?

I have a nifty portable carpet cleaner although I've never used it upside down!

 

[SCORPIO]

I've used a Bissle Little Green Clean Machine with their shampoo ony 300 DA. It doesn't get very wet and you suck out most of the water with the dirt. I run a fan in the cabin and the AC to speed drying. I also do the carpet and cushions. Boat smells great and is easy to keep clean.

 

[JVM225]

I've used a Bissle Little Green Clean Machine with their shampoo ony 300 DA. It doesn't get very wet and you suck out most of the water with the dirt. I run a fan in the cabin and the AC to speed drying. I also do the carpet and cushions. Boat smells great and is easy to keep clean.

+1 on the Little Green Machine. but just make sure you use either their shampoo, or Folex. I know the machine behaves well with those two. I've had problems with other brands that were a little thicker. they gum up the machine and cause it to leak. Once I cleaned it thoroughly it was as good as new, but I learned the hard way.

 

[Skybolt]

Awesome...how wet did it get?

I have a nifty portable carpet cleaner although I've never used it upside down!

It wasn't too bad, but you don't use the machine end. You use the stair attachment or hose piece, that is why I used the "Tuff Stuff" first and loosened what ever I could with a stiff brush. Mine was 22yrs old when I did it and a previous smoker had the boat. When I was done you could not tell a thing and it looked great! As to how wet, very wet at first but just keep pulling the water out with the hose attachment and you'll be fine. Let the cabin stay open over night with a strong fan pointing upward and you'll be good.

 

[dpmulvey]

If it's an allergy thing, try looking up a franchise called Chem Dry. It may be worth the extra money. In any event, it doesn't hurt to ask.

Disclaimer: I have no affiliation w/ the company.

 

[trflgrl]

To those who have used machines--was it steam setting/was it extremely hot? A local detailing outfit (reputable auto/marine/aircraft) cautioned against high heat due to the possibility of loosening adhesive. If you've been successful with heat, perhaps they're being extra cautious? I haven't pulled the trigger yet on a DIY job or a professional one, but mine definitely needs it so I'm gathering info.