How to Clean Boat Surfaces With Dot
Introduction
Boat cleaning can be a varied project depending on the size of the boat being cleaned, the surfaces that are present on or within the boat, and the level of soiling and other contaminants that are present. Oxidation can help in cleaning and removal. Not only does it improve the cleaning effectiveness of surfaces, it also provides a mechanism to clean residual staining and residues. Dot’s Marine Surface & Outdoor Fabric Cleaner can be used for various surfaces to effectively remove soiling, grime and staining. We’ll go over a few of the ways you can use this product, depending on your type of surface.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED FOR THE JOB
Scissors
Preferred Spraying Equipment (Ex: pump sprayer)
PPE
Soft Bristle Brush
Rags and Microfiber Towels
Trash bag(s)
Mix Dot Cleaner
Dot® pouches are split into two sides: Side A contains an Oxidizer, and Side B contains our patented Activator. When these components are properly mixed, Dot's patented Dilute Oxidation Technology® is engaged, resulting in powerful cleaning with dramatically less chemical.
Mix Side A with the hottest water possible into your liquid container. The hotter the cleaning solution is at the time of cleaning, the more efficiently it can work at removing soils and stains and the less effort will be involved in cleaning. Shake, stir, or agitate solution until all the A side powder is dissolved. (For 1 gallon or more, we recommend the use of a bucket for mixing.)
Mix Side B into the solution made with Side A. Side B generally only takes 2-3 stirs with a stick or mixer to dissolve.
If you mixed your solution in a separate container, pour mixed product into spray equipment for application to surfaces.
For covers, vinyl, or water-resistant fabrics
Testing & Preparation:
Test a small area of fabric for color fastness. Apply a small amount of cleaner in an inconspicuous area and allow to dry. Rinse area with water to remove salts or residues that may be present and check for color loss. Most color-fast fabrics (polyester, olefin, etc.) can be cleaned with Dot Cleaner. Canvas, cotton, or other natural fabrics should be cleaned with caution.
Vacuum surfaces or brush loose soil/debris from surface. Blowing surfaces with a leaf blower or other air stream often is quick and sufficient.
APPLY DOT CLEANER:
Spray surfaces (as needed) to thoroughly wet or saturate. Avoid spraying surfaces in direct sunlight when possible. Keep surfaces wet.
Agitate surfaces with a soft bristle brush
Rinse surfaces with hose, clean water, or damp clothes (for vinyl or plastic surfaces especially)
Allow to air dry
For hard surfaceS
Preparation:
Vacuum surfaces or brush loose soil/debris from surface. Blowing surfaces with a leaf blower or other air stream often is quick and sufficient.
Apply Dot Cleaner:
Spray surfaces (as needed) to thoroughly wet or saturate. Avoid spraying surfaces in direct sunlight when possible. Keep surfaces wet.
Agitate surfaces with a soft bristle brush
Rinse surfaces with a hose, clean water or wipe clean with damp cloths or microfiber towels.
Allow to air dry
Apply polish or protectants as desired
For heavily soiled or stained surfaces (salvage cleaning)
Preparation:
Vacuum surfaces or brush loose soil/debris from surface. Blowing surfaces with a leaf blower or other air stream often is quick and sufficient.
Apply Dot Cleaner:
Spray surfaces (as needed) to thoroughly wet or saturate. Avoid spraying surfaces in direct sunlight when possible. Keep surfaces wet.
Agitate surfaces with a soft bristle brush. Continue to rewet surfaces and agitate until soiling loosens and staining begins to disappear. Multiple applications of product may be needed for heavy soiling. Dwell time may reduce effort required.
Rinse surfaces with hose, clean water, or damp cloths or towels.
Allow to air dry.
For heavy staining, reapplication and cleaning may be required.
GET TECHNICAL HELP
Our technical support team provides personal guidance through ongoing phone & email support, as well as training materials including mixing instructions & usage guides. Dickie Herbst is our marine specialist with an extensive background in product development and customer service.
Dickie Herbst | Sales & Customer Support - Marine Specialist
dherbst@dotcleaner.com