carpet stains

[sebagoman007]

Well, after almost 2 full (short!) seasons of ownership, I've almost got the old girl looking like I want her to. This weekend I'll be doing the "Spray Nine and Magic Eraser Two-Step" on the stubborn spots of the interior vinyl. The last major ugliness I have to tackle is the cabin carpet. The areas that are covered by the snap-in covers look pristine, but the edges show some pretty significant staining. Do any of you have any recommendations? There are all kinds of products at the hardware store and the supermarket, :smt017 but before I buy blindly I'd like to hear what your experiences are.

Thanks!

Bill

 

[waterlogged]

Bill, we've always had good luck with ZEP products, Zep Spot Carpet Cleaner and Zep Carpet Shampoo (also ZEP X-Out). Our marina carries them, but I think Home Depot does as well.

 

[keokie]

Most manufacturers (I work for a prominent one) only recommend hot water extraction, primarily because it is so difficult to get cleaning agents out of carpet This is hard to do with amateur equipment. I use Spot Shot or Capture for tough spots, and lots of water and a shop vac afterwards to remove the cleaning agents.

For cockpit carpet I use an entry level electric pressure washer. No manufacturer would recommend this due to the high possibility of operator error. But if you are careful, it is very effective.

 

[sebagoman007]

Thanks for the input. She's in the water, so I was looking for something to use by hand. I'll certainly look into the Zep products. I've had terrific luck with their patio furniture cleaner.

I have an even easier solution for the cockpit carpets - I took them out and had them professionally done at a carpet store over the winter. No more sunscreen and soda stains!! :thumbsup:

Bill

 

[Nehalennia II]

......................This weekend I'll be doing the "Spray Nine and Magic Eraser Two-Step" on the stubborn spots of the interior vinyl. Thanks! Bill

Be very careful with the Magic Eraser. I used it once and may not again. Yeah it got the stain but I noticed an exageration of some of the pitting or pattern in the vinyl.....not sure it didn't etch the vinyl so be careful or try the Zep first. Magic eraser last resort :thumbsup:
Good luck!

 

[AndersonAcres]

From our experience with magic erasers in our house, I'd never let one be on our boat. It created havoc on the cedar door trim in the living room -- luckily a small spot. Can't imagine what it'd do on a boat. Works well on painted sheetrock walls, though. Great stuff there.

 

[RobF300]

im sure there is a carpet shampoo service that comes to your marina, they usually only get $75-$90 to do the job, and its worth every penny.

 

[sebagoman007]

Thanks for the warnings as they pertain to the Magic Eraser. I've done some internet research and for use on vinyl the consensus appears to be "proceed, but with caution". I'm really only planning to use it as a last resort.

As for the cleaning service, Rob, that's an excellent suggestion, but I kinda doubt it. My marina is in south-central Maine, and is pretty primitive. Dirt road, dirt lot, no gates, very casual. Most folks in the area probably do their own rugs, or rent a machine from the local hardware store. The cabin of a 260DA is pretty snug for that. Now, an auto detailer with his rig might be the way to go. Not many of them in the area either. :huh: Looks like a hands and knees scrub brush session for this weekend.........

Back to the vinyl for a moment. On the board's recommendation I picked up some Spray Nine last night. I've never used it before, is it really that much different from Fantastik, 409, Simple Green and all that? I though about trying some Wesley's Bleche White, but the bottle says not to use on anything except rubber.

I'm all in favor of declaring chemical warfare on my dirt, but I don't want to kill the boat in the process.............

Bill

 

[RobF300]

I use a biodegradable degeraser from Auto Magic that does not harm anything, cutting it with some water. I get it from a detail supply place.
Check with a car wash to see if you can buy some of what they use, or maybe they will send someone to the boat.

Scrub it with a brush, then wet vac it up, put a little fresh water on it, then wet vac that up too.

A small fan blowing across the carpet will dry it out in no time.