Effective Non-Acid Hull Cleaner

[Seattle-Wind]

Our boat (2019 AR190) sits in the water all season (5 months) and gets lake grime on it. Taking it out every 2-3 weeks to clean it isn't an option. In the past I used acid cleaners to get the lake grime off our old boat, such as MaryKate Hull On/Off Cleaner. However, it is very strong and definitely has acid in it (burned my hands and face it over sprayed).

Does anyone know of a hull cleaner that doesn't have acid in it that actually removes lake grime? How about Star Brite Instant Hull Cleaner, is it safe to use?

 

[jEt_jAk]

I use Hot Sauce boat Bling but not sure if it’s acid based.

 

[Julian]

All the good ones are acid based. Invest in a good long extension brush and use it from a distance. I don't do it by hand ever since my first attempt....wide bucket....long handled brush....presto....easy.

 

[biffdotorg]

as good as the acid-based Starbrite EZ On/Off worked, I may try an application sprayer, and just rinse off with pressure washer this year. I put it on with a brush, but it always foamed up and the stuff rinsed right off. I'm not sure i need to scrub.

But as Julian said, I did buy a long handled brush this year. The stuff just works too well to move to something else. I may consider a respirator though. That stuff sucks in the lungs.

 

[zipper]

I use Starbrite Instant Hull Cleaner (oxalic acid) , "lake safe", at the end of the season, along with an extendable soft bristle car brush. I dip the brush in the solution and apply with the brush and let set for a minute or two. Then I use the brush, connected to a hose to rinse the hull. I don't need to get under the boat at all. I can reach it all, except under the bunks. Be careful of their GEL product in spray bottles, I tried them first, they leaked all over my hand and the ground. I ended up pouring this bottle into a bucket and applying with a car brush.



As soon as it is applied, it starts working. The brush works really well on the hard to get spots.



Timely, I just cleaned the bottom of our Zodiac Aluminum RIB hypalon dinghy in the yard this morning. It had been in the Lake since July and was very scummy. I still need to finish up with a hypalon cleaner.



I have tried other products Amazon.com : Star Brite 089732PW Star Brite Sea Safe Boat Wash : Boating Cleaners : Sports & Outdoors but I see better results with the Instant hull cleaner.

Edit: soak the carpet on the bunks with water before you apply the cleaner near them.

 

[Canuckjetboater]

as good as the acid-based Starbrite EZ On/Off worked, I may try an application sprayer, and just rinse off with pressure washer this year. I put it on with a brush, but it always foamed up and the stuff rinsed right off. I'm not sure i need to scrub.

But as Julian said, I did buy a long handled brush this year. The stuff just works too well to move to something else. I may consider a respirator though. That stuff sucks in the lungs.

@biffdotorg ...YES - you can get effective particulate preventing masks at most hardware stores cheap. None of us should EVER be brushing on or spraying acid based cleaners without a proper mask........ TERRIBLE for the lungs!!!!!!!

 

[KC-AR240]

I have little small hard spots what I would say are little Calcium spots. I used the Starbrite Hull Cleaner and it took everything else off except these spots. I can scratch them off with my fingernail but there are toooo many of them to do that. Any suggestions ?

 

[Canuckjetboater]

I have little small hard spots what I would say are little Calcium spots. I used the Starbrite Hull Cleaner and it took everything else off except these spots. I can scratch them off with my fingernail but there are toooo many of them to do that. Any suggestions ?

@KC-AR240 ..... this is likely lime hard water deposits. There are several ways to remove: CLR (calcium/lime/rust remover) 5% or higher "pickling vinegar" ....let whatever you choose stand for awhile to dissolve the deposits before washing off. BTW wash thoroughly after using with soap and water dry thoroughly (I usually wait 24 hours) then wax and buff with your favorite ingredients.

 

[osins74]

I have little small hard spots what I would say are little Calcium spots. I used the Starbrite Hull Cleaner and it took everything else off except these spots. I can scratch them off with my fingernail but there are toooo many of them to do that. Any suggestions ?

@KC-AR240 I used the Starbrite Instant Hull cleaner, which removed most of the grime on the hull but had a line around the waterline that had to be really worked at to be removed. I tried the Starbrite Bottom Boat cleaner in a spray bottle, spayed it on a microfibre cloth and it wiped off instantly! Might be worth a try.

 

[Tyguy]

Utah lakes leave hard water deposits even after just a day. After a week on Flaming gorge my black gel coat looks light grey with all the spots that normal washing can't remove. There are a bunch of spot removers out there, but I've settled on Mequiar's Extreme Marine Water Spot Detailer. I spray a section of the hull in the shade and let it sit about a minute, and then wipe it away with a microfiber towel. Super easy, but as others have said, the acid is not good for your lungs, so apply it outside and consider wearing a respirator.

 

[Jane305]

You could use the Star Brite Sea Safe Hull Cleaner. This is the most biodegradable and environment-friendly cleaner. It is a cleaner that has a completely biodegradable formula and doesn’t contain any type of acids, chemicals, solvents, or phosphates.

 

[Jilly Ruby Jane]

Star brite instant hull cleaner worked great and as described. I poured it into a spray bottle and as spraying it on stained area of boat hull and as the cleaner hit the hull the stain just disappeared. Hosed hull down and looks fantastic. Highly recommend!

 

[NewBoater]

Star brite instant hull cleaner worked great and as described. I poured it into a spray bottle and as spraying it on stained area of boat hull and as the cleaner hit the hull the stain just disappeared. Hosed hull down and looks fantastic. Highly recommend!

Don’t forget to re-wax the hull after as your stripping all wax. If you wax it will not have to be hull cleaned like this as often.