Fiberglass cleaning question?

[Spotteddog]

I figured one of you boat or body shop people could help me out on this? I installed French doors from the house out onto the deck last year. They're white (natural) in color. From the 10,000 let the dog out passes through it it's getting pretty nasty looking at the grab hardware and "kick" areas. What's the safest, most effective cleaner to use, TSP, Fantastyk, other?
THANKS!

 

[Spotteddog]

I figured one of you boat or body shop people could help me out on this? I installed French doors from the house out onto the deck last year. They're white (natural) in color. From the 10,000 let the dog out passes through it it's getting pretty nasty looking at the grab hardware and "kick" areas. What's the safest, most effective cleaner to use, TSP, Fantastyk, other?
THANKS!

 

[haggis]

Most of the resins used in fiberglass composites are epoxy based thermosets (don't melt after setup). As such, they are pretty impervious to most household cleaners. I would avoid anything with particles in it that might scratch the surface (Ajax, etc.). Personally, I use Mr. Clean Magic Sponges. They don't damage painted surfaces and should be fine on composite trim. They also seem to clean almost anything off anything. If you have to resort to solvent-based cleaners like Goo-Be-Gone, test it on an inconspicuous place first.

Buck

 

[Spotteddog]

I thank the gentleman!
All makes sense!

 

[tdan]

You don't mention if those doors have a painted finish or if the color is in the finish/gelcoat of the door. I use Simple Green to get stains off of my boat. I second the opinion of not using an abrasive cleanser. This only scratches up the top coat and makes it easier for dirt and grime to imbed at a later date. Since you mention that the doors are a natural white.........how about trying a 20% bleach solution? This will kill any mildew, mold, algae that has latched on to your doors.

 

[Spotteddog]

Thanks to you TDan as well! Not knowing the correct terminology in this case means yes, the pigmentation IS in the material. And the tip on not creating anymore toe holds for the creepy, crawly growing stuff is a sound idea. As in a Puget Sound of an idea! Thanks!

 

[Smitty500Mag]

Whatever you use do it in a small isolated area first. That way you won't ruin the whole thing if you pick the wrong cleaner.

But with the color being in the material I'd say there's not many cleaners that'll damage it as long as it's not abrasive.

Smitty

 

[Spotteddog]

In this case Smitty, the safest place is going to be on the door hinge edge. The whole rest of the damned thing is out for dress inspection. But sound advice as well. Door's edge it is!
Thanks!

 

[shovelwrench]

spray-9

It'll work like a charm. Works great on dingy white cars too. And I am a body guy.