Magic Eraser Question

[HS]

Just wanted to understand why people say not to use this on vinyl. Is it because the eraser works with abrasion and will strip the protective layer from the vinyl fabric?

[lucky7t]

I used this on my 2003 all the time. I was just gentle with it. It was a great cleaning tool but yes it is abrasive. It worked wonders on my interior. The guy that bought my 03 said it was one of the cleanest he had ever seen.

I did notice though if you put elbow grease into it and too much pressure it will actually damage the material on a very small stain i had on the front bow cushion so be careful.

I also used them on the outside very lightly when i would have a scuff or something caused by a board or flip flop. Then waxed over and it looked new.

[Beach-TJ]

I used one on a stubborn spot on the vinyl of my last boat. The resulting 'clean' spot was much worse than the stain. It removed the color from the vinyl, leaving a spot that was lighter than the material around it. Note that the interior of that boat was spotless, always cleaned, no buildup on the vinyl. I am very meticulous in the care of my boats. It actually removed the coloring from the vinyl.

I have always heard that they will also remove the protective layer, but I have no data to back that up, just hearsay.



That was the one, and only time, I used one on vinyl. I reserve them for the kitchen and bathroom now.

[xlair]

Magic erasers are an abrasive, pretty similar to taking sandpaper to your vinyl. Yeah you can use them but in the long run they are actually removing a portion of the vinyl.

[east tx skier]

Just wanted to understand why people say not to use this on vinyl. Is it because the eraser works with abrasion and will strip the protective layer from the vinyl fabric?

Yes, that's the jist of it. I have always seen it as a last resort. I used it once on a really stubborn stain on my old MC. Haven't needed it on the CC.

[Kmayotte]

Not trying to thread hi-jack but as an alternative to a magic eraser check out Totally Awesome Cleaner. I heard about it on wakeworld and picked some up ($1.67 for a bottle at Walmart). It does wonders for cleaning grime out of dirty vinyl. No negative side effects from tons of reviews on wakeworld.

[shawnb7]

I can completely agree with the other comments regarding Magic Eraser: works great, but is abrasive and removes protective film, removes the vinyl, and can leave an area 'sanded' smooth(actually rubbing out the grain of the vinyl). Will also second Kmayotte's recommendation of Totally Awesome. Bought a bottle at Dollar Tree store for...$1.00, and it has made the vinyl on my 2002 SANTE look like new. It was previously dull and dirty, with small gray/black mold/milldew spots. Nothing would touch it. Couldn't get the deeply ingrained dirt out until using the Totally Awesome. I'm going back to buy a case. Followed up with Meguiar's #57 Vinyl protectant, although 303 is good too. Although I have found with 303 I have to re-apply it often.

[Grant_West]

I agree with Kmayott; The TA works great, BUT you need to neutralize the cleaner after you spray it on your Vinyl. Example you spray your vinyl with TA and then use a soft brush and the stains will come right out. When your finished with a area take a wet rag with water and clean off the aera you just cleaned. Then use 303 over everything. The water will neutralize the chemicals. If you don't neutralize the cleaners it can create a Chemical burn of the vinyl .

[ers906]

It is hard to argue with a $1.00 vinyl cleaner with no adverse effects and actually works, however, I am a big fan of BoatBling Vinyl Cleaner. But it is a bit more costly than a dollar unfortunately. I may need to try TA for at lease the pre and post season cleaning. Going over the vinyl three times after each session may be a bit labor intensive. It can be hard enough to get the friends I take out to board to help with the after cleaning as it is

[Cam003]

MALCO= amazing results. I also agree with Grant you def need to nuetralize after and then protect