Best Boat Cleaning Product

[ScooterMcgavin]

I've read a lot about the magic eraser as well, what stands out to me is that I remember reading that it removes the uv coating or uv protection from the vinyl. Therefore actually damaging it. Yes you can reapply conditioner but apparently it's not as good and will result in premature wear and damage to the vinyl.
I've never used them on my boats,so just going off of what I read.

[JoeA]

Sandpaper? Was that a sarcastic term meaning it's harsh to vinyl? Because it's not a sandpaper. It does have tiny micro scrubbers which may be what you're referring to. I've only used it on very troublesome spots on a white vinyl. Got out a lot of grime/mildew that nothing else would get out. Then, like I said, immediately cleaned the seat with Babes seat soap then used vinyl conditioner to make sure to get any chemicalse the eraser left behind off. Granted...I don't ever plan on using them on the new G...but I also won't ever let the seats get that bad to begin with! Now I would NEVER recommend them for daily use to clean....only once in a blue moon when you NEED to get something out. I've seen and read MANY cases where people have used them with no problems. I've never had problems with them either.

My point is that magic eraser is not god for vinyl as it does damage. It may not be sandpaper however it does remove part of the vinyl and once that happens things start breaking down. It is effective but long term not the right product on vinyl.

[Beg4wake]

My point is that magic eraser is not god for vinyl as it does damage. It may not be sandpaper however it does remove part of the vinyl and once that happens things start breaking down. It is effective but long term not the right product on vinyl.

Well I can see that. It won't necessarily break down the vinyl...but it may strip off the UV protective layer that boat vinyl has which can cause future damage...IF it isn't taken care of. But it's either that or live with a dirty interior. Because I haven't come across a product yet that can do what they do. Like I said...I hope to never have to use one again...but if there's something on the seats that any regular marine grade cleaner/conditioner won't take off...I wouldn't hesitate to use an eraser the re-treat that spot with vinyl conditioner/protectant.

[beach]

Well I can see that. It won't necessarily break down the vinyl...but it may strip off the UV protective layer that boat vinyl has which can cause future damage...IF it isn't taken care of. But it's either that or live with a dirty interior. Because I haven't come across a product yet that can do what they do. Like I said...I hope to never have to use one again...but if there's something on the seats that any regular marine grade cleaner/conditioner won't take off...I wouldn't hesitate to use an eraser the re-treat that spot with vinyl conditioner/protectant.

Try using totally awesome and a scrub brush next time. If there's any remaining spots then leave it out in the sun for a day or two. That combo has worked for me every time. I always follow it up with 303 afterwards.

[swatguy]

I equate the Magic Erasers on the vinyl to wet sanding the exterior. The magic eraser does take off a micro layer in essence. Much like wetsanding the gel coat. When used sparingly and properly it will not destroy anything. It actually can be a great tool. However your vinyl also has a thicknes like your gelcoat(obviously much less thick than the gelcoat). You don't want to keep using the Magic Eraser in a daily basis as it will ultimately shave off life, but it will take a lot of use for the effects to ruin a piece of vinyl.

All in all try the lightest solution possible and keep going up in harshness of the stain persists. If you have a couple tough spots break out the Magic Eraser and the totally awesome. Citrus Base cleaner is also an option with the Eraser for tough tough spots. Like mentioned above use of good conditioner and Protectant afterwards and you'll be good to go. I find the key to keeping from having those deep cleans needed so much is using a nice soft bristle brush with any of the above mentioned wipe down vinyl products. A little extra work on the front end with the brush more frequently will save you harder work on the back end.

[Beg4wake]

I never said to use it daily! Swatguy is right. Always work your way up starting with the least abrasive. Honestly, I've only RARELY used a magic eraser on my own boat! I usually don't ever let my boat get that far outta hand! But I've seen other boats that looked horrible and a Magic eraser was all that would clean it. It was either that, or get new vinyl! Totally awesome works great too, but not as good as a magic eraser on getting a deep clean. Again, like I said, I don't ever plan on letting my next boat get anywhere near needing a deep clean! Cleaning your boat daily with a mild soap is the best bet.