Sweeney
Administrator
I have been using a local coin-op carwash to clean Serenity, but, as a mega-automated carwash moved it across the street, I know its days are numbered - and the other coin-op closed about 18 months ago, leaving no coin-op spray-wand style carwashes anywhere near me. I needed another option.
Plan B was the purchased a small electric pressure washer and foam cannon. It was not bad, but I was still left with the problem of spots. My domestic water supply is from a well, and has a hardness rating of somewhere just shy of granite. The only thing I've found is using deionized water as a final rise which works, but is expensive due to resin costs. I tried some chemicals that are supposed to act as a spot free rinse, but they were ineffective.
I also wanted to strip the layer of carnuba wax off and re-apply it, since at this point I am sure it is thin, if not simply gone from now a couple years of rather heavy camping. Its also 23 degrees outside, so my options were limited.
I picked up a can of "Sprayway" window cleaner being reminded of the smell of "Honda Polish" and I was not left disappointed!
Sprayway is sold as a foaming streak-free window/glass cleaner. I've used it on glass for years, and been happy with it. So, I took my can and a roll of disposable microfiber towels and headed to the garage. Holy cow! I did do a 'small spot' in an inconspicuous place. But jumped into the clean by spraying down smaller sections and just giving a wipe with the microfiber. Quite literally no more than 30 minutes later the sides and galley hatch were done. This is far less than the time it takes to get out the hose, pressure washer, and DI filter. With an order of magnitude better results.
I did a little quick research and found that the active ingredient in the window cleaner is 2-Butoxyethanol. The fun surprise is that this chemical's primary function is as an aluminum cleaner, which probably explains a lot
The aluminum feels smooth, with no residue --- just the surface scratches and marks that come from a lot of 'hard use' which I have certainly put my Serenity through in the past couple years...
If you're insistant on a wax coat, it is probably not the best option, it strips that off quickly and easily. But for summer use or annual stripping -- I have to say...this is the best solution I've found so far.
So....for your spring clean -- let me know what you think.
Plan B was the purchased a small electric pressure washer and foam cannon. It was not bad, but I was still left with the problem of spots. My domestic water supply is from a well, and has a hardness rating of somewhere just shy of granite. The only thing I've found is using deionized water as a final rise which works, but is expensive due to resin costs. I tried some chemicals that are supposed to act as a spot free rinse, but they were ineffective.
I also wanted to strip the layer of carnuba wax off and re-apply it, since at this point I am sure it is thin, if not simply gone from now a couple years of rather heavy camping. Its also 23 degrees outside, so my options were limited.
I picked up a can of "Sprayway" window cleaner being reminded of the smell of "Honda Polish" and I was not left disappointed!
Sprayway is sold as a foaming streak-free window/glass cleaner. I've used it on glass for years, and been happy with it. So, I took my can and a roll of disposable microfiber towels and headed to the garage. Holy cow! I did do a 'small spot' in an inconspicuous place. But jumped into the clean by spraying down smaller sections and just giving a wipe with the microfiber. Quite literally no more than 30 minutes later the sides and galley hatch were done. This is far less than the time it takes to get out the hose, pressure washer, and DI filter. With an order of magnitude better results.
I did a little quick research and found that the active ingredient in the window cleaner is 2-Butoxyethanol. The fun surprise is that this chemical's primary function is as an aluminum cleaner, which probably explains a lot
The aluminum feels smooth, with no residue --- just the surface scratches and marks that come from a lot of 'hard use' which I have certainly put my Serenity through in the past couple years...If you're insistant on a wax coat, it is probably not the best option, it strips that off quickly and easily. But for summer use or annual stripping -- I have to say...this is the best solution I've found so far.
So....for your spring clean -- let me know what you think.
--- the "serenity" vinyl did not come off, and I have still a few scuffs, and rings from suction cups. But, they are as clean and smooth as a fresh shave. I still have a few places to make a "last pass" on, thats my plan for tomorrow. The trouble I have is Serenity is pushed up against an exterior wall and the fat kid can't fit in there -- 5 minutes more buffing and 20 minuets of wrangling the camper 