116
R outine M a intena nc e
The following are typical stains and cleaning
tips for marine vinyl:
• For normal cleaning – In general most common
stains can be cleaned using warm, soapy water
and clear water rinses. Moderate scrubbing
with a medium bristle nylon brush will help to
loosen soiling material from the depressions
of embossed surfaces. For stubborn stains,
use commercially available mild detergents in
accordance with manufacturers instructions.
• Full strength rubbing alcohol or mineral spirits
may be tried cautiously as a last resort on very
stubborn stains, if the above suggestions do
not work. Indiscriminate use of any solvent
or solvent containing cleaner can severely
damage or discolor vinyl.
Certain stains may become permanently set
unless they are removed immediately. The
procedure for the removal of more severe
staining agents are outlined below:
• Ballpoint Ink, Permanent Marker – Ink spots
will stain vinyl permanently. Immediate wiping
with rubbing alcohol in a well-ventilated area
will remove much of the stain.
• Oil based paint – The use of turpentine in a
well ventilated area will remove any fresh
paint. Dried paint must be moistened carefully
with a semisolid gel-type stripper so that the
softened paint can be gently scraped away.
Rinse with soap and water.
DIRECT CONTACT WITH PAINT STRIPPERS WILL REMOVE
THE PRINT PATTERN FROM VINYL. PAINT STRIPPERS ARE
VERY CORROSIVE. TAKE CARE TO AVOID SKIN CONTACT
BY WEARING PROTECTION.
• Latex paint – Fresh paint can be wiped o with
a damp cloth. Hot soapy water will normally
remove dried latex.
• Tar, Asphalt – Remove immediately as pro-
longed contact will result in a permanent stain.
Use a cloth lightly dampened with mineral
spirits and rub the stain gently, working from
the outer edge of the stain towards the center
in order to prevent spreading. Rinse with soap
and water.
• Crayon, mustard, ketchup – Sponge with mild
soap and water. For stubborn stains that may
have set, use a cloth soaked in diluted mild
detergent with gentle rubbing. Any remaining
stain should be washed with diluted bleach.
Rinse repeatedly with clean water.
• Chewing gum – Scrape o as much as possible
with a dull knife. Rubbing with an ice cube
will assist and make it easier to remove when
scraping. The remaining gum should then
be removed in a well ventilated area using a
cloth saturated with mineral spirits. Use light
rubbing. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
• Lipstick, grease, oil, eye shadow, shoe polish
– Apply a small quantity of mineral spirits by
means of a cloth with gentle rubbing. Take
care not to spread the stain by smearing it
beyond its original source. No time should be
lost in removing shoe polish as it contains a
dye that will cause permanent staining. Rinse
thoroughly with water.
• Candy, ice cream, coee, tea, fruit stains,
liquor, wine, suntan lotion, soft drinks. - Use
clear lukewarm water and a sponge repeatedly.
Any loose material should be gently scraped
with a dull knife. Any soiled area remaining
after drying should be gently rubbed with a
cloth spotted with a mild detergent solution.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
• Blood, leaf residue - Sponge the area with a
clean cloth soaked in cool water. If stubborn
stains remain, use household ammonia and
rinse repeatedly with a clean, wet cloth. Do
not use hot water or soapsuds, as this will set
the stain.
• Bird excreta, nausea stains - Sponge the area
with soapy water containing diluted bleach
until the stain is removed. Rinse thoroughly
with water.
• Urine Stains – Sponge with soapy water con-
taining a small amount of household ammonia.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
• Surface mildew – Wash with diluted bleach
using a soft nylon brush for stubborn growth.
Rinse repeatedly with clean cold water.
To Next Page
Loading...
