I have been asked many time what is the best vinyl cleaner and conditioner on the market. The interesting thing is that boat manufacturers pass on answering what they recommend and approve as they buy the vinyl from an outside source.
After speaking with one of the largest producers of marine grade vinyl in the US, I learned that any product that contains a UV protectant would not be approved as it may discolor the vinyl. This ofcourse is based on a lab test where a vinyl cleaner or conditioner is sprayed on to a test piece and baked at 160F.
As a result a common recommendation from vinyl maunfacturers is to use a soap & water solution.
In the real world however I have seen everything from harsh chemicals like bleach and 409 being used as well as products that got carried over from the automotive industries.
There are a few good vinyl cleaners out there, however for my money and time I personally like a one step vinyl cleaner and conditioner. This to me is a great maintenance product that offers a decent clean and a great conditioning/UV protection.
I therefore created a product called Wipe Out Vinyl Cleaner & Conditioner that is a one step spray on wipe off product.
It offers a good cleaning function and can remove food and grime, most sun tan lotions, etc. It will not do much on its own to remove mildew that has penetrated into the vinyl. Mildew actually grows roots and works its way into the vinyl material as a result most cleaners will knock off what you see from the top but does not kill the root then the stuff grows back. Some of the detailers I work with use Wipe Out with a eraser sponge to "deep clean" a vinyl surface.
Wipe Out will condition the vinyl surface leaving it soft and supple without leaving the surface greasy or oily... let's face it no one wants to slip and slide with wet feet. Finally it offers a good UV protectant to maintain the integrity of the surface.
Here ia a photos I got from a customer.
https://www.hulaboatcare.com/images/...h%20sponge.JPG
After speaking with one of the largest producers of marine grade vinyl in the US, I learned that any product that contains a UV protectant would not be approved as it may discolor the vinyl. This ofcourse is based on a lab test where a vinyl cleaner or conditioner is sprayed on to a test piece and baked at 160F.
As a result a common recommendation from vinyl maunfacturers is to use a soap & water solution.
In the real world however I have seen everything from harsh chemicals like bleach and 409 being used as well as products that got carried over from the automotive industries.
There are a few good vinyl cleaners out there, however for my money and time I personally like a one step vinyl cleaner and conditioner. This to me is a great maintenance product that offers a decent clean and a great conditioning/UV protection.
I therefore created a product called Wipe Out Vinyl Cleaner & Conditioner that is a one step spray on wipe off product.
It offers a good cleaning function and can remove food and grime, most sun tan lotions, etc. It will not do much on its own to remove mildew that has penetrated into the vinyl. Mildew actually grows roots and works its way into the vinyl material as a result most cleaners will knock off what you see from the top but does not kill the root then the stuff grows back. Some of the detailers I work with use Wipe Out with a eraser sponge to "deep clean" a vinyl surface.
Wipe Out will condition the vinyl surface leaving it soft and supple without leaving the surface greasy or oily... let's face it no one wants to slip and slide with wet feet. Finally it offers a good UV protectant to maintain the integrity of the surface.
Here ia a photos I got from a customer.
https://www.hulaboatcare.com/images/...h%20sponge.JPG
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