Inflatable watercraft inevitably contaminates it. Algae, fuel oil from piers, fish mucus or rust from the anchor chain, all of which not only spoil the aesthetic appearance, but can damage the structure of the material. Many owners make the mistake of rubbing the boards with abrasive sponges or aggressive chemicals, which leads to irreversible damage. polyvinyl chloride.
Proper care requires an understanding of the tissue’s chemical composition. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is inert, but its protective layer and the glue that connects the cylinders are sensitive to certain aggressive environments. Before using any solvents, you need to determine the nature of the contamination, since there is no universal remedy for everything in nature, and the risk of damage to the tightness of the seams is too great.
In this article, we will look at proven cleaning methods, from simple home remedies to specialized chemistry. You will learn how to safely remove complex stains than to treat the surface after washing and what actions are strictly prohibited during maintenance. flyboat.
Nature of pollution and choice of cleaning strategy
The first step is always to diagnose, and it is a mistake to think that one tool can handle tinosaurs stuck to the bottom and oily slurps from an outboard motor. Organic contaminants like algae, tin and fish slime are protein-based and easily removed with alkaline solutions or conventional soap. Unlike these, technical fluids (oil, gasoline, fuel oil) require organic solvents that can be dangerous to the material itself.
Particular care should be taken when removing traces of rust and metal oxides. Often owners try to wipe rust with metal brushes, which is categorically unacceptable. Microscopic metal particles can penetrate into the fabric, creating foci of corrosion in the future, and rigid bristles will damage. layer PVC, making the material matte and rough.
⚠️ Warning: Never use chlorine-containing bleach ("White" and analogues) to clean colored boats. Chlorine breaks down the molecular bonds in PVC, making the fabric brittle and causing microcracks within a few seasons.
It's also important to consider water temperature and the environment. Hot water speeds up chemical reactions, but can be dangerous to adhesive sutures, especially if the boat was in the sun. 20 to 30 degrees CelsiusWhen the material is elastic, but not overheated.
Basic cleaning of organic matter: tin, silt and algae
The most common type of pollution after going out is a plaque of algae and silt. If the boat has been standing on the water for several days, the biological film can dry out quite firmly. squirrel-stuff.
The washing process should start with rinsing with water under pressure to soften the main layer of dirt, then apply a soapy solution and treat the surface with a soft sponge or microfiber cloth. You should not use the hard side of kitchen sponges, as it leaves micro scratches that will be clogged with dirt in the future, forming a persistent plaque.
For hard-to-reach places, such as the grooves around the valves and transoms, it is convenient to use a soft toothbrush, which allows you to carefully clean the dirt without touching the sharp edges of the fittings. After soaping, the boat should be thoroughly rinsed with plenty of water to prevent the formation of soapy divorces after drying.
☑️ Basic boat wash
If you have traces of greens left after drying, you can use a weak solution of acetic acid, which will help dissolve the mineral deposits that often accompany organic plaque, the main thing is not to leave the acid on the surface for longer than 5-10 minutes.
Removal of technical fluids: oil, gasoline and fuel oil
The situation of getting fuels on board the boat requires a more serious approach. Gasoline and diesel can dissolve plasticizers in PVC, making the material sticky. Fuel oil, in turn, penetrates deeply into the pores of the fabric. Solvents are used to combat these contaminants, but their choice is limited.
The safest and most effective means to remove fresh oil and gasoline stains is conventional. White Spirit It's a great hydrocarbon handler, and it evaporates quickly without leaving any traces. R-4But you have to be careful and work quickly.
- 🧼 Degreasing: Before removing the stain, it is recommended to sprinkle it with talc or chalk to soak up excess oil.
- 💧 Apply: Wet the rag with a solvent and gently soaking movements treat the contamination.
- 🚿 Wash: Immediately after removing the stain, wash the place with warm water and soap.
- 🛡️ Protection: After drying, the treated area is desirable to cover with a protective composition.
There is a common misconception that acetone or ethyl acetate will help you faster, and it's a dangerous notion that acetone aggressively affects the structure of PVC, can eat the dye and make the material whitish, and the use of acetone is only permissible in extreme cases to remove the frozen paint, and then with subsequent polishing.
⚠️ Warning: Do not RUB the oil stain in circular motions with strong pressure. You risk spreading the contamination over a larger area and damaging the top protective layer of the tissue, after which it will become matte.
What to do if the oil is on the seam?
If you're exposed to a glue seam, you have to be very careful, and the solvent can break the adhesion of the adhesive, and you'd better use a special PVC degreaser that doesn't have any aggressive ingredients, or a soap concentrate that's left on the adhesive for 15 to 20 minutes.
Fighting rust and complex spots
Rust from anchor chains or winches is a scourge of many water engines. Iron oxides are eaten into tissue and require acid cleaners. However, conventional acids (sulphuric, salt) will kill the material. rust-removers based on oxalic or orthophosphoric acid in safe concentrations.
Well-established plumbing products containing acids, but only in the form of a gel, so that they do not spread. The gel is applied locally to a rust spot and aged strictly according to the instructions (usually 5-10 minutes), after which the stain should disappear or turn significantly pale.
To remove paint marks (for example, if you hit the side when mooring at a painted pier), you can try a mechanical method using an ink eraser or a special stain pencil. If the paint is fresh, sometimes vegetable oil helps, which softens the enamel, after which it can be neatly scraped with a plastic spatula.
| Type of pollution | Recommended remedy | Time of exposure | Risk for PVC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tina, algae. | Warm water, car shampoo | 5-10 minutes | Minimum |
| Oil, gasoline. | White Spirit, Nephras | 1-2 minutes | Low (when flushed) |
| Rust | Special rust remover | 5-10 minutes | Medium (need flushing) |
| Glue, tar. | Acetone (locally), heating | Instantly. | Highly |
Simple rinsing with water may not be enough, so it is recommended to wipe the treated areas with a weak solution of soda (if acid was used) or simply a large volume of pure water.
After removing rust or complex spots, be sure to apply a UV filtered protective spray to this area, as chemical cleaning could thin the protective layer.
What is absolutely impossible to wash the PVC boat
The list of banned substances is as important as the list of allowed substances. Using inappropriate chemicals can lead to the boat having to be thrown away at the end of the season. Polyvinyl chloride is a persistent material, but it has an "Achilles heel" - plasticizers that give it flexibility.
First of all, avoid chlorine-containing substances. Chlorine makes PVC brittle. Concentrated acids and alkalis that are not intended for plastics are also dangerous. Kalosha gasoline and pure acetone should be used with extreme caution, only point-by-point and with immediate flushing.
- 🚫 Chlorine-containing bleachers destroy the structure of the polymer.
- 🚫 Metal brushes and scrapers leave irremovable scratches.
- 🚫 Kerosene leaves a greasy film that is difficult to wash off and can damage the glue.
- 🚫 Solvents 646, 647 – too aggressive for PVC tissue.
The abrasive powders (Pemoxol and the analogs) stand out, and they are guaranteed to turn the glossy side into a matte and rough one that will stain ten times faster. If you accidentally use aggressive chemistry and feel the fabric has become sticky, stop processing immediately and rinse the area with plenty of water with soap.
⚠️ Warning: Do not dry the boat near an open fire, on a stove or under the scorching sun immediately after washing. Heating wet PVC can lead to tissue stratification and deformation of the seams.
Protection and conservation after washing
Boat washing is stressful to the material, even if sparing means were used. After cleaning and drying completely (which is especially important, since moisture inside the folds will lead to mold), it is recommended to carry out treatment with protective compounds, which will prolong the life of the product and facilitate washing in the future.
For protection, special polishes and sprays for PVC containing UV filtersUltraviolet is the main enemy of inflatable boats when stored, it causes fading and aging of the material. The protective layer creates a barrier, repels water and dirt, preventing the sludge from sticking next season.
Keep the boat straightened or loosely folded (not in a tight roll) in a dark, cool place. Before packing, make sure the fabric is completely dry. Any remaining moisture will trigger oxidation and unpleasant odor, which will then be difficult to get rid of.
Regularly treating the boat with protective compounds with UV filters after each wash increases the life of PVC fabric by 30-40%.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I wash a PVC boat with a kercher (high pressure wash)?
High pressure washers can be used, but with great care: Keep the nozzle at least 30-40 cm from the surface and do not use "turbo" or zero spraying angle mode. A powerful jet can damage the adhesive seams or drive water under the outer layer of tissue if there are microcracks.
How to remove the smell of fish and sludge from the inside of the boat?
The smell of organics is well eliminated by treatment with a solution of baking soda or special enzymatic cleaners (enzyme cleaners), which break down protein compounds, and also helps airing outdoors in the shade for several days.
How to clean the tracks from rubber boots or blob?
The black rubber stripes are perfectly removed by a regular school eraser or a melamine sponge (magic sponge). Melamine works as a micro-abrasive, removing the thinnest layer of contamination, but not damaging the PVC itself when used carefully.
Do I need to clean the valves after washing?
Yes, after each wash and drying, it is recommended to check the air valves, if necessary, they should be cleaned of sand and lubricated with silicone lubrication to ensure leakproofness and ease of opening / closing.