How to Clean Hydraulic Steering Fluid from Fiberglass

[hinmo]

Of course while taking out the steering RAM I am replacing, I spilled fluid all over the engine well. Any advice for cleaning? My local mechanic says a strong commercial cleaner...simple green type....will do the job, but then again, his boat is a mess!

 

[DennisG01]

What have you tried? Did Simple Green not work? There's no special remedy here - and you really can't hurt gelcoat as long as you don't use an abrasive. SG, Dawn, acetone... whatever works.

 

[hinmo]

haven't tried anything yet, just didnt want to make more of a mess....if thats possible!

 

[DennisG01]

Nah, you'll be fine. BrakeClean is another thing that'll work.

 

[Doc Stressor]

Simple Green worked for me.

 

[wrxhoon]

Acetone will work 100% but all the above will to some degree as well

 

[oliver305]

I think Simple Green is good, or you can use cleaner for fiberglass such as Star Brite Ez-On Ez-Off, MaryKate MK2032 On Off,...

 

[seasick]

haven't tried anything yet, just didnt want to make more of a mess....if thats possible!

The longer you wait the harder it will be to remove the stain/ Try the mildest solution first and if that doesn't work, move on to something stronger. I would try WD40 first. Rub it around after sitting a bit. Rinse with soap and water and dry and if there are still stains, try Barkeepers Friend , the one that says it's OK for non stick pans.
If that doesn't work, you can try the On-Off options for hull cleaning. Whatever you do, after removing the stain, wax the area.

 

[Lsquared]

Dawn works too

 

[seasick]

Dawn works too

I don't know what they put in Dawn but it does work miracles on grease and oil

 

[drbatts]

simple green