Catalina 34

General Activities => Main Message Board => Topic started by: Mike Denest on August 21, 2006, 04:22:59 PM

Title: Cleaning up the bilge
Post by: Mike Denest on August 21, 2006, 04:22:59 PM
Ok guys, while I was wrestling with the exhaust riser/hump hose change, I looked at the areas of the boat not normally seen, like under the floorboards.  I'd like to clean up the dirt and grime that has built up over the years and wanted to ask this forum what you used to clean the bilge areas and how you did it.  I'd like to do a good washdown of these areas and I'm basically looking for a good cleaner/degreaser that is bio-degradable.
Title: Re: Cleaning up the bilge
Post by: Ron Hill on August 21, 2006, 05:42:07 PM
Mike : I had a similar incident when I didn't get the oil dip stick completely engaged!! 
What I used was a liquid dishwasher (low sudsing) detergent.  It cleaned up the oil and I let the bilge pump take it out the back.  Gave the bilge pump a good check out!!   :idea:
Title: Re: Cleaning up the bilge
Post by: Norris Johnson on August 21, 2006, 07:36:37 PM
As a degreaser, I've had real good luck with DAWN dishwashing soap. I know it sounds cheap and simple, but it works. Mix it with water, put it down, and let it sit for about 15 mins. For heavy crud, it may take another treatment, and some scrubbing. Good luck!
Title: Re: Cleaning up the bilge
Post by: Mike Denest on August 22, 2006, 05:02:52 AM
Quote from: Ron Hill on August 21, 2006, 05:42:07 PM
Mike : I had a similar incident when I didn't get the oil dip stick completely engaged!!

Yup, guilty as charged!  I didn't push the dipstick all the way down.  I'll mop up some of the mess first with paper towels then go to the washdown.
Title: Re: Cleaning up the bilge
Post by: Mike and Joanne Stimmler on August 22, 2006, 08:19:26 AM
Simple Green also works pretty good and is bio-degradable.    :D