Pontoon Boat & Deck Boat Forum

I've seen lots of post praising the Totally Awesome product. Thought, what the heck, can't make it any worse...right?
Well I'm the second owner of this 3 year old toon. Previous owner just traded every 3 years....and did little , if any maintance. Boat was 'clean' when I got it, just not real clean. Had acid wash and a pretty good going over before I got it. Just a few little things that needed some repair, but the vinyl did have some stains and a few "pokes" in the vinyl. I've "washed" it, but not really dug in hard. Picked up a bottle of LA's Totally Awesome, a few Magic Erasers and hauled the helm seat down where I could get to it easily. DAMN !! Even the stains, what appeared to be worn places just disappeared ! I now have a case of Totally Awesome and a case of Magic Erasers. Can't wait for the sun to come up tomorrow to go over all the vinyl !! 3 quarts of 303 Protectant standing by to use after everything dry. This sure is much easier and surprising to find a solution without have to kill myself with elbow grease. Now I plan on going over the carpet with my trusty pressure washer. Just unsure if I should use the Totally Awesome on the carpet? If so, how much to dilute or full strength? Use washer tank to dispense? Looking for all the experience from all on this great forum! I sincerely appreciate the help and knowledge. Hope I can give back as much.
All opinion and suggestion appreciated!!
Thanks,
Sami

If I was cleaning carpet, I'd start out with quality carpet cleaner and a carpet shampooer that uses brushes. The cleaning sections of Home Depot and Lowes carry some good stuff, but Zep brands of cleaning products simply cannot be beat.

I used Awesome cleaner on my aluminum sided travel trailer as it's the only thing that would get black streaks off. After a number of cleanings, I noticed the paint was getting thin. Come to find out, Awesome and Mr. Clean Magic Erasers both have "microabrasives" that can damage surfaces (including vinyl) if used too many times. I continue to use both products, but am just careful.

Bamaman wrote:Come to find out, Awesome and Mr. Clean Magic Erasers both have "microabrasives" that can damage surfaces (including vinyl) if used too many times. I continue to use both products, but am just careful.

I was going to comment this to SamiGuy about the Magic Erasers as they can remove the top coat from the vinyl and create flat dull spots.... Always keep in mind that you want to start with the mildest cleaner you can and move up progressively from there to protect you finish as well as your vinyl seats... Start with water and a terry cloth towel, try a med/soft bristle brush etc... I was not impressed with Awesome but I've come to realize that there are some products sold at the dollar store with names so close they can fool you; least it fooled me and did little to nothing.... Myself I'm plum sold on Amazing Cleaner from Bio-Kleen and 303 Aerospace Protectant that I look/want for nothing else... And was downright livid when I realized someone lifted the bottle I kept under the dash (but in view) from my boat down in the HOA marina!

we just use Fantasic but it gets whip down if not every time every other time we are picky like things to be clean

LA's Awesome, Windex and 303 are always in the boat. Reminds me... I need more 303! Thanks...

TCro hit it on the money. Start mild and work your way up in strength.

My go to cleaner presently is Zep citrus cleaner/degreaser. It's mild on your hands but is strong enough to clean your car engine. I use it to get paint off my hands. And I often use it with Magic Erasers.

Want to know what you can do with Magic Erasers? See:

http://everydayhelpsforeverydaypeople.b ... asers.html

Just did my tub with magic eraser, Looks brand new. I'm afraid to use it on the boat vinyl. Like tecrow, I'm sold on Amazing from bio clean, Love it.

The Bosslady was looking for a better cleaner for general outside work and upon my recommendation, bought a spray bottle of LA's Awesome cleaner. Looking over the instructions and contents, I was concerned as the spray was shown as "concentrate" and there was a long list of dilution recommendations on the back. Not too many application for straight out of the bottle uses.

So who in the wild world of sports, sells a concentrate in a feakin' spray bottle???? (answer is self obvious)

UPDATE...Worked better than I had hoped !! Took it easy on the elbow grease, and went over all the vinyl. Lightened up several shades and took out stains that I was sure going to be there forever. Also used in pressure washer on the carpet and great results! Boat was "detailed" before I got it, but it sure did clean up great. Followed up with a good shot of 303 Protect and the vinyl now shines and much softer.
Now that I have it clean, will be much easier to keep it that way.
Thanks for all the info and help!!
Sami