Cleaning the handles

[rwbiz]

Has anyone found a cleaner that works well for removing the dark color dirt/scum from the rubber (tan color) handles found in the bow of a bowrider. I've tried just about everything like 409, tile cleaner, fantastic, windex, orange cleaner, and even gasoline. None of these remove the dirt/scum. Any thoughts?

Thanks.

 

[rumrunner]

Mister Clean Magic Rub Eraser. Then apply Formula 303 UV protectant

 

[rwbiz]

Thanks. I'll try it tonight.

 

[Groucho]

Elbow grease...keep in mind the stronger solvents will strip wax and/or mark the fiberglass.
Be carefull.

 

[rumrunner]

Use the Mister Clean Magic Rub with a little water and Fantastic. Should do the Trick.

Forgot to mention that.

 

[Gunn]

When I purchased my boat, those handles were basically black with mold, mildew, dirt, grime, etc. The only color I could find new were white; mine were a beige type color.

So I took them off and soaked them in 50/50 bleach/water. Brand new now! They were hard to get off, even harder to put back on, but it was well worth the look.

Before:

Reinstall:

After:

Tom

 

[rwbiz]

Gunn, That's exactly what mine look like! I'll try the 50/50 solution tonight as well.
Thanks for the tip!!

 

[Lazy Daze]

A small, scrub brush (like the ones used to clean vegetables) will help quite a lot. It'll get into the grain much better than a rag. As you wipe it off with a rag, make sure you keep turning the rag to a clean portion. Otherwise you'll just be transferring the dirt from one spot to another.

 

[RT 240SD]

mine have never gotten that bad... but "serious marine cleaner" is my go to.

 

[sr330daguy]

Spray 9

 

[Hampton]

Just my .02, 50/50 will work, but may be a little too aggressive for the first try. See if you can get away with a weaker solution first. Bleach will damage the material to some degree.

 

[Dave S]

Spray 9

Let's say that a little louder.


SPRAY NINE
SPRAY NINE
SPRAY NINE

I'VE TRIED ALL THOSE OTHER THINGS MENTIONED ABOVE AND THEY PALE IN COMPARISON TO SPRAY NINE. PLUS SPRAY NINE IS SAFE FOR VINYL SEATS AND GEL COAT TOO. IT MAKES AN EXCELLENT CLEANER FOR THE MOLDED IN NON-SKID AS WELL. BUY SOME AND GET RID OF ALL THAT OTHER STUFF.

Ok ...............I'll stop shouting now.:wow:

Dave

 

[Bob M]

I have a handle on the inside of my radar arch on the starboard side. It has spots on it that I originally thought was mold, but then I thought it may be the outer color white was wearing off revealing a darker color underneath. Then I spotted this thread.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the handles are made of a solid color, hard rubber material that doesn't need to be replaced but rather just cleaned? I was going to see if I could find a replacement handle. Now it appears I may just be able to clean the handle?

 

[rwbiz]

I hear ya. I'll get some Spray 9 and let you know.

 

[Lazy Daze]

With the Spray 9 (or Spray Away, same thing different manufacturer) just be sure to not let it dry on the surface. Also, make sure you have a wet cloth to wipe off the residue. Over time, it can degrade the vinyl if not rinsed off.

But, it does as advertised.

 

[sr330daguy]

With the Spray 9 (or Spray Away, same thing different manufacturer) just be sure to not let it dry on the surface. Also, make sure you have a wet cloth to wipe off the residue. Over time, it can degrade the vinyl if not rinsed off.

But, it does as advertised.

What he said...BTW you can get it at the Depot $11.99 a gallon.Good Luck

 

[rwbiz]

THE SOLUTION -

Ok gang, I found many ways that didn't remove the black stains and one way that did.

First, a list of the cleaners that didn't help what so ever: :smt009
- Spray nine (although good on other parts of the boat)
- Windex
- Fantastic
- 409
- Simple Green
- Orange based cleaners
- Tilex (bathroom cleaner)
- Mr. Clean liquid bathroom cleaner
- Paint thinner
- Gasoline
- Oxyclean
- Regular Soap and water
- Antibacterial soaps
You get the idea.

There were two products that removed about 50% of the stain, but could not remove all of it: :wow:
- Bar keepers friend
- Mr. Clean magic eraser
(The eraser product fell apart as I used it on the handles, but worked great on other parts of the boat.)

Now, for what worked and worked very well:
- BLEACH :smt038

(As some have already stated above in this thread.)

It removed all the stains and didn't damage the rubber at all.

Instead of going through the pain of removing the handles, I took some thin rags and soaked them in a solution of 50% bleach and 50% water (strong I know). Then I tightly rapped the rags around the handles and let them sit for 1 hour. I also used some rags to protect the area around the handles so the bleach would not touch anything else.

After the 1 hour the black stains were gone and the handles looked brand new. I then finished the job by cleaning off any remaining bleach with soap and water. I'll also apply a UV protectant today now that the handles are dry.

My hope is this helps other people with the same issue. Thanks everyone for your help / input.
Now, back to having clean fun on the water! :thumbsup: