Shorepower Cable Cleaning That Works!

[spartonboat1]

So I have owned my '72 43' DCFB, since 1997. Still have the original shore power cables, which have not let me down. However, the PO must have docked where there was creosote, etc., since these cables are tarred looking, dirty and black streaks.

I have tried various means to clean them with minimal success- usually Scotchpad/sponge and Cable Cleaner of choice. Not much joy over the years.

Well the Mr Clean people came out with this pad of white spongy stuff they call "Thin Eraser" for the home and kitchen "That Cleans Everything".

Wow, last summer I tried that Mr Clean pad on my fenders and used some cable cleaner- actually worked! So that is good.

I getting ready to splash this year (2020) and out comes the shore power cable for my annual "attempted" cleaning.

Here comes "303": I start cleaning, but this time two new products. Note: I am a sucker for a sales pitch.
The Mr. Clean pads, plus
A new hot-setup vinyl-rubber-plastic "protectant" called "303" by Gold Eagle. From Aerospace use, don't you know!

Well, I start spraying on the 303 liquid and rubbing with the Mr. Clean pad: Wow! These cables have never come this clean! I revert to past techniques and barely works.

So I am now "sold" on using the Mr. Clean Pad in concert with the 303 Protectant. P.s., Youtube gives 303 high marks, but not necessarily as a cleaner. But I give it very good marks as a cleaner!!

Thanks. Wanted to pass along a good technique.

 

[madhatter1]

Good to know. I have a new one I travel with but the one that stays on the dock is showing age but it kills me because it doesn't match the rest of the boat.

 

[spartonboat1]

Update: We all know "Dawn Detergent" is magic stuff. Makes installing impellers easier and my dentist uses it to make crowns "slipperier" to install (true!). So the Mr. Cleaner pads above also come now with "sturdier" pads, plus sturdier pads with Dawn Detergent. Got to try that next!

 

[SEVEN]

I’ve always used acetone then 303 to protect the rubber. This cuts one one step. Thanks for the heads up.