Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: Cleaning Soft Plastic Windows

Posted by thetis on 06/09/10 - 9:14 AM
#1

How do you clean soft plastic windows in side curtain?

The windows are in good shape, no embedded stains, just accumulation of dirt and grime.
Thanks

Patrick

Posted by John Fyke on 06/09/10 - 9:22 AM
#2

I use 210 Plus on my Grady White.

Posted by CES on 06/09/10 - 9:27 AM
#3

For soft plastic windscreens you can use Pledge furniture polish and a soft towel. It works great for your application.

Posted by John Fyke on 06/09/10 - 10:06 AM
#4

If you use pledge you would need to use the multi-purpose formula. It only cleans light residue. Use a microfibre cloth which you can get at your local Walmart.

Posted by jollyrog305 on 06/09/10 - 12:20 PM
#5

http://www.plexusplasticcleaner.com/plexus.html or Meguiar's Plastx Plastic Cleaner & Polish

Posted by DWinter on 06/09/10 - 3:34 PM
#6

Rinse with fresh water first to get off the grit, salt etc. Then a soft sponge with lotsa soap, boat soap or wash and wax, then polish with 210 of serious shine spray. You have to be carefull using products not made for this application, while it may look good for a while, it can degrade the plastic. Rain-x, windex and anything with ammonia is a huge no-no. I've not seen any long term reports of pledge type products but the products I've recommended are products both Whaler and Sea-Ray recommend on the glass and the 5 year old isinglass on our Sea Ray bridge still looks great.

Posted by jollyrog305 on 06/09/10 - 4:03 PM
#7

Duane,

Any reommendation on "removing" stains/dulling. I have a streak (from bird urine I believe) running down the large aft curtain on the 305. The Plastx helped but even after several applications you can still see it. Thanks

Posted by John Fyke on 06/09/10 - 4:24 PM
#8

DWinter wrote:
Rinse with fresh water first to get off the grit, salt etc. Then a soft sponge with lotsa soap, boat soap or wash and wax, then polish with 210 of serious shine spray. You have to be carefull using products not made for this application, while it may look good for a while, it can degrade the plastic. Rain-x, windex and anything with ammonia is a huge no-no. I've not seen any long term reports of pledge type products but the products I've recommended are products both Whaler and Sea-Ray recommend on the glass and the 5 year old isinglass on our Sea Ray bridge still looks great.


More advice to think about with this good advice is USE NOTHING SOLVENT BASED.

Posted by CES on 06/09/10 - 8:15 PM
#9

Furniture polish has been used on aircraft windscreens for years with no issues at all as a result. A standard polish like Pledge will work wonderfully on a windshield for a boat.

Posted by DWinter on 06/10/10 - 7:29 AM
#10

CES wrote:
Furniture polish has been used on aircraft windscreens for years with no issues at all as a result. A standard polish like Pledge will work wonderfully on a windshield for a boat.


Agreed, but an aircraft windscreen is much more durable than isinglass.

And 210 liquid polish (not the spray) can be used to get rid of stains or some haze.

Posted by CES on 06/10/10 - 7:43 AM
#11

Duane,

I agree that the aircraft windscreen is very durable but I will add that it scratches VERY easily. (I've been flying these bug smashers for 20+ years) No arguements from me about 210....just trying to provide an alternative as well.

By all means if 210 is what you recommend, I'd use it.....boating is your profession and only my hobby.

Posted by mattgeiger on 06/10/10 - 7:58 AM
#12

Google "cleaning Jeep plastic windows". A number of forum links should appear. You'll find Pledge and Plexus recommended. Key with plastic windows is proper cleaning and care from day #1. Bringing back damaged stuff is tough.

Posted by MW on 06/10/10 - 9:00 AM
#13

I always "start" cleaning with a mild soap and warm water, it causes no damage, and you'd be surprised at what it can clean up. It seems that U.V. from the Sun destroys all things marine, that corrosion doesn't get.

Posted by thetis on 06/16/10 - 9:32 PM
#14

Thank you all for your advise.
I used pledge and it exceeded all expectations

Cheers

Patrick

Posted by CES on 06/17/10 - 5:22 AM
#15

Thetis,

I'm glad Pledge worked out well for ya. I know I was skeptical at first when I was told about it and like you, when I used Pledge on my plexiglass ...the product "exceeded all expectations" I had.

Take care.


Posted by kclonn on 06/17/10 - 12:04 PM
#16

Just to add my 2 cents. I have used 303 Aerospace Protectant on my isenglass with very good results. If anyone has heard bad things about this, let me know.

Keith Lonnecker