Z-Cleaner vinyl cleaner ... anybody tried it?

LaRea

Last time I visited West Marine, they gave me a free sample of Z-Cleaner vinyl cleaner.  My white vinyl transom seats were getting some mildew stains that weren't coming off with 303 vinyl cleaner, so I tried the Z-Cleaner.  The result was amazing ... so good, in fact, that I have to wonder if I should worry about long-term effects.  Wipe on, rinse off, and I could literally see a distinct line wherever I missed a spot. 

It says there's no bleach, chlorine or acid, but of course they don't disclose the active ingredients.  

Anybody else have experience with this product?

Handymans342

If only you could show us the before and after pics. I have the same issue. 

Black_Diamond

Good stuff. 

LaRea

You can see next to the crease where I didn't rub it in all the way.  I mean, this was literally wipe on and rinse off with a hose.  No scrubbing.  I love 303 Aerospace products, but their vinyl cleaner wasn't working on this combination of stains.
 

Black_Diamond

I've used that on my dinghy. Nice stuff. Plus you can dilute as needed. 

aero3113

I just bought the concentrate on Amazon for $22.00. I've been struggling with some spots, hopefully it will work!!

Handymans342

Report back

reneechris14

Engine Degreaser and a brush works pretty good. Sounds weird but works seen it on utube 

J3ff

seems like a new product? only 6 reviews on amazon, all five stars... https://www.amazon.com/Z-Cleaner-Industral-Strength-Cleaner-Bottle/dp/B00JM2FRKU

Black_Diamond

Z-Cleaner has been around quite awhile. At least in my neck of the woods. Maybe just new to the Amazon world. 

J3ff

so is there any negatives to it? as in wearing away the material faster?

LaRea

The free sample came as a little white pad soaked in the cleaner.  The pad appears to be melamine foam (i.e., Magic Eraser), which is a fine-grit abrasive, so I'd be careful working it too hard with soft surfaces such as vinyl.  West Marine sells the scrub pad as a separate product.  

Handymans342

I tried this today. Did not do anything to remove the blackening stains all over my seats. 

aero3113

Handymans342 said:

I tried this today. Did not do anything to remove the blackening stains all over my seats. 

I forgot to post my review! Same here, no change. I mixed 3 to 1, I'm going to try again with a stronger ratio next time.

Cableguy Greg

I looked for it at the local West Marine, and they didn't have it. I was wanting to try it. I really need to open a marina with a real ships store that has decent prices. I just need to find an investor or bank willing to help with some cash. 

rasbury

I swear the best stuff I've used is by attwood- smells like it has some bleach to it and the sun seems to naturally kill it some as well I don't think there is a silver bullet for this one guys although we keep looking!

aero3113

Attwood had a great hull cleaner but it's discontinued. I still have some left, will have to find something else to take its place when I finish it.

jmichels

You guys ought to try the Star Brite Mildew cleaner. Yellow bottle. Removes any scuff marks and mildew on seats . Amazing stuff. Just don't go too crazy with it. Strong stuff. Has some bleach but long as you dont let it sit long it won't do harm. I usually follow my vinyl with a sealer polish after this. Try it out. Sold at West Marine etc.........even better Wally World sells it to for only $6.  Report back. I use it. 

jmichels

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Star-Brite-Mildew-Stain-Remover-16-oz/51201200?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&adid=22222222227038934455&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=80424992449&wl4=aud-310687321802:pla-177657711169&wl5=9003344&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=online&wl12=51201200&wl13=&veh=sem

jmichels

Cableguy Greg

I have used it with great success. It made my seats look brand new. I treat the seats with 303 afterwards.

Handymans342

jmichels said:

Now this worked where everything else failed but I needed a brush.

jmichels

well geez handy you want to have your cake and eat it too! lol.  that stuff is the bomb. Just dont let it sit real long as it can stain in extreme circumstances. and use a good sealer afterwards.

jmichels

Here is another tip for all you detailers like myself out there that are OCD like me lol. If you want to clean any pure metal ( aluminum, chrome , etc) use Brasso or Noxon. Will cut through rust and everthing else like nothing.  2cnd best would be Collinite metal wax. Enjoy ! More tips next week haha!

jmichels

home depot sells it.

Dream_Inn

Is it better than flitz? I'm sure it's cheaper.

aero3113

Flitz works great! The cleaners use it on the leading edges of the aircraft I look after.