Fiberglass is a synthetic fiber consisting of a plastic resin mixed with glass fiber. There are a variety of fiberglass objects in homes and offices, including sinks, shower boxes, soaking tubs, lamps, and motorboats. However, there are specific steps to take to keep fiberglass items clean at home and keep them from getting stained. In addition, cleaning must be done carefully because fiberglass can be harmful to the skin and lungs.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Choosing the Right Cleaning Mix
Step 1. Start with a mild cleaning product, such as dish soap
Dish soap can remove most grease and oil stains. However, do not use automatic dishwashing detergent (dishwasher) because the texture is too abrasive for fiber glass.
- Make sure the detergent or cleaner does not contain bleach. Since it can damage fiberglass, make sure that bleach is not the active ingredient in the mild cleaning product you are going to use.
- You can also easily make your own mild cleaner using a mixture of vinegar and regular dish soap. This mixture is suitable for cleaning the shower box in the bathroom.
Step 2. Use baking soda to remove any stubborn dirt
Mix the baking soda with water to form a paste that you can use to remove dirt from surfaces such as the shower door or sink. Apply the paste on the dirty part and let it sit for at least 12 hours. Continue by cleaning the part using soapy water.
- The color of the paste will turn brown after being applied and left on the dirty fiberglass part.
- You can use vinegar to activate the baking soda after it has left on the fiberglass surface for a deeper cleaning. The baking soda will foam when you add the vinegar. After that, you can wipe it down to remove any remaining baking soda and stains.
Step 3. Remove paint stains using acetone or paint thinner
Both materials can be dangerous so be careful when using them. Acetone and paint thinner should only be used to remove stains such as oil or paint stains.
- Since both of these materials can damage fiberglass, use acetone or thinner to remove stubborn stains only. Just rub the acetone or thinner on the dirty areas so you don't damage other clean (or less dirty) parts.
- Wear thick gloves when cleaning fiberglass with acetone or thinner. It's also a good idea to wear protective glasses so that the material doesn't get into your eyes.
Step 4. Use phosphoric acid (rust remover) to remove hard water stains
Phosphoric acid can be dangerous so you need to be careful when using it. Mix the rust remover with water so that the concentration is not too strong and damage the glass fiber.
- Dilute the rust remover with 10% water to make the mixture less hazardous to use. Mix the two carefully before applying to the fiberglass surface.
- Since rust remover is a dangerous cleaning product, make sure you wear rubber gloves. Rinse the fiberglass surface with water after cleaning with a rust remover. Do not leave the rust remover on the glass surface for too long.
- As a safer alternative, clean hard water stains with a paste of vinegar and baking soda. Let the paste sit on the stain for an hour before you scrub the surface of the glass and rinse it off with water. Add a drop of dish soap or hydrogen peroxide for even more cleaning power.
Step 5. Use wax, silicone, or detergent to clean the fiberglass surface on the boat (keep in mind that silicone can complicate the process of further hull repair)
If you have a boat with a fiberglass surface, of course you want it to look shiny when docked in a marina or sailing on water. You can buy these cleaning products at the marina store. Usually, the shop clerk will suggest the type of product that is most suitable for your boat.
- A good quality boat wax polish can create a protective layer on the surface of the gel-coated fiberglass so that the boat is protected from water, dust or heat. This product helps prevent body damage from water and keeps the boat looking beautiful and smooth.
- Boats with fiberglass surfaces that have been used for a long time may be better suited to cleaning with silicone polishes as these products are better absorbed into the glass surface. If you have an old or used (or used) boat, it's a good idea to clean the surface of the boat more regularly.
- If you remove the boat from the water after using it, clean the surface thoroughly with a mild detergent and rinse after each sailing. This is important to remember, especially if you are sailing in salty waters. Salt water can damage the fiberglass surface on boats.
- If there is mildew on the surface of the boat, add 250 ml of bleach for every 4 liters of cleaning mixture to get rid of it.
Part 2 of 3: Using Proper Cleaning Techniques
Step 1. Do not use a scouring brush or wire brush when cleaning fiberglass regularly
Both cleaning media can scratch and damage the gel layer on the glass. Even if the stain is deep enough, a rough brush is not the best medium for removing stains.
Do not use steel wool, scrapers, or scouring pads. They are also too hard for fiberglass surfaces
Step 2. Apply the cleaning product using a soft nylon rag or brush
Make sure the brush is elastic enough to rub against the fiberglass surface. Fiberglass scratches easily so you need to clean it carefully, even when trying to remove stubborn stains.
- Use circular motions when scrubbing the glass surface. That way, you don't damage the glass fibers beneath the surface.
- For stubborn stains, use a thicker washcloth. However, make sure the surface remains smooth to prevent damage to the glass surface.
Step 3. Use a sponge to remove stubborn stains
A sponge can be a great cleaning tool after you have allowed the cleaning mixture to sit on the glass surface. Use a soft sponge without an abrasive surface.
- It's a good idea to use a sponge when using baking soda paste. When cleaning fiberglass surfaces with baking soda paste, you need to let the paste sit before mixing it with the vinegar.
- The sponge can absorb the cleaning mixture from the glass surface. In addition, the sponge can also lift stains from the glass surface.
Step 4. Apply white polish to the surface of the boat with a soft cloth
Use a soft washcloth and carefully apply or smooth the polish. Ideally, the polish will make the glass surface look clean and white.
- Only use white polish with a soft cloth after you have cleaned the glass surface. Polishing is the last step in the cleaning procedure.
- Use a white polish several times a year to keep the glass surface shiny. Polishes need to be used when the vessel has been used several times or has been left for a long time.
Part 3 of 3: Keeping Safe When Cleaning Fiber Glass
Step 1. Wear a mask when cleaning fiberglass
Inhaling fiberglass dust or powder (when the glass surface is broken, cut, broken, or sanded) is very dangerous. Although irritation from dust or fiberglass is temporary, the reaction is excruciating.
- Exposure to fiberglass and fiberglass dust can cause skin, eye, or respiratory irritation. While it usually doesn't cause long-term health problems, the irritation it causes can be painful.
- The effects of exposure can be more serious, depending on the frequency/duration of exposure and the size of the fibers affected by the body. Fiberglass dust/powder can cause damage to internal organs, although this is a very rare condition if you only clean fiberglass.
Step 2. Wear protective clothing when cleaning fiberglass
This glass can also cause skin irritation. In fact, fiberglass can trigger skin rashes if exposed to the skin for a long period of time. Wear long-sleeved clothing whenever you need to clean fiberglass, and change into clean clothes afterward. Long sleeves protect your skin from exposure to fiberglass. In addition, by changing clothes, there will be no residual glass fiber dust/dust adhering to the body.
- Reduce the amount of exposed skin that can be exposed to fiberglass. Gloves, long sleeves, and long pants are must-wear when you work with fiberglass intensively.
- Wash clothes worn when cleaning fiberglass separately from other clothes. Fiberglass dust or powder can transfer to other clothes if you're not careful.
Step 3. Wear protective eyewear when working with fiberglass
Eye irritation and damage are also serious health problems that can be caused by fiber glass. In addition, eye irritation is usually more serious than irritation from inhaling fiberglass dust because it can cause permanent damage to the eye.
- Fiberglass particles can enter the eye and cause irritation. By wearing protective eyewear, you can reduce body contact with fiberglass and keep your eyes safe.
- Sharp pieces of fiberglass can also damage your eyes if you don't protect your eyesight. The splinters can tear the eye and cause long-term damage or impairment to your vision.
