Cleaning Power Cables

[smoothmove]

Does anyone have any useful tips for cleaning up dirty power cables? I cleaned one up with Simple Green and a 3M scrub pad and it may have been a little too aggressive. It's clean but the shine has been knocked off. Also any ideas on how to bring back a little bit of the finish? I'm thinking maybe car wax. I realize this seems a little retentive, but it's getting late in the Winter and I'm running out of boat projects. Fellow Northern boaters may relate a little more to this. I have probably hauled half the boat into the basement over the winter for some sort of reconditioning work.

60 days to splash!
Eric

 

[Capt Ratty]

Try Mister Clean Majic Eraser, found in food stores or the Dollar Store. Works great on fiberglass. If that doesn't work, try to match the color in a spray paint,

 

[Brian Degulis]

60 Days!!! Man I couldn't take that you need to come south. I use spray on silicone gets some shine back maybe helps keep them soft?

Brian

 

[REBrueckner]

Inflatable boat cleaner (or the more expensive fender cleaner) cleans and restores a shiny smooth surface. For really bad stains, I use acetone which dulls the cable or fender and leaves a rough surface; completing the cleaning with inflatable boat cleaner restores the smooth shiny finish....

 

[bobk]

I just did the 50A cord with a 3M pad and Chlorox clean up spray. It came out resonably clean, but is now dull, I guess because of the abrasion of the pad. I tried McGuires 303, but it didn't shine it. I suspect it will crud up faster now, but the admmiral was happier.

Bob

 

[BUSTER]

I put on a pair of nitrite gloves,get a couple of shop rags and some MEK,you can use acetone but it evaporates too quickly.Wet the rags liberally and often while wiping the grime off your cord.I don't care how bad it is,it will look brand new when you are done,including the shine.

BTW/Only do this outside and not around anyone smoking!

 

[yachtsmanbill]

Try Mister Clean Majic Eraser, found in food stores or the Dollar Store. Works great on fiberglass. If that doesn't work, try to match the color in a spray paint,

These are the cat's ass! Everything from plastic lawn chairs to, ahem, chalky awlgrip. Drag a hose around the corner... gone! Dirty fenders... like new. Cushions, black weathering marks, you name it ! The only thing is they get used up kinda quick. Theyre cheap, so buy a bunch! ws

 

[chris piazza]

I also used the Magic Eraser with water. On the really tough spots a bit of Bar Keepers Friend will get it out. To bring the shine back I soaked a rag with Armor All. Makes it a little slick but looks good and lasts the season

Chris
Superior Nights 53C

 

[SKYCHENEY]

I spent the big bucks on the StarBrite power cord cleaner. It works great, but I like the MEK idea better.

 

[smoothmove]

Re: Starbrite Power Cord Cleaner

I spent the big bucks on the StarBrite power cord cleaner. It works great, but I like the MEK idea better.

Is this a great country or what? I had no idea that you could buy "Power Cord Cleaner" right off the shelf. I'm with you though Sky, I'll try the MEK first. Then move on to some of the other suggestions if necessary. Thanks to everyone for the comments.
Eric

 

[Traveler 45C]

I've cleaned mine with soft scrub and a nylon brush. All but the really deep stains came out.

To protect the cord and any vinyl around the boat, I use 303 Aerospace Protectant http://www.303products.com/tech/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=428 This stuff protected the cord, fenders, and hoses for an entire year....really. Great stuff!

 

[Paul45c]

Dittos on the Aerospace 303 -- it softens and conditions nicely, as well as protects and keeps clean. Supposedly it also applies an SPF 40 UV protectant. And you don't get that plasticky shine with 303 that you get with ArmorAll. Just a nice rich satin. Looks great on tires, too.

 

[Nonchalant1]

Acetone is absolutely amazing for cleaning these. Simply soak a rag in Acetone and wipe the cord. It comes completely clean with NO SCRUBBING! It melts a little bit of the surface, so it also helps resurface them if they've been scuffed too much. Then apply silicone to keep them clean. This works on fender balls too!

Doug Shuman

 

[Jaxfishgyd]

Oh you cheap people.. Just buy new ones every 6 months...

Or do as i do:

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...=true&storeNum=5002&subdeptNum=9&classNum=574

I got mine on Ebay.... $22 each...