Hi, We bought a used TT recently, only 3 yrs old, but the previous owner left it sit in his driveway for a long time where the lawn sprinklers regularly hit the bottom couple of feet of the smooth fiberglass finish. We have successfully removed some of the water mineral stains, but the last bit where it got sprinkled the worst is stubborn.Can anyone suggest some cleaning materials to use to remove the mineral water stains without damaging the smooth fiberglass finish? Obviously anything abrasive is not an option.

Some mineral stains are harder than others. I would try vinegar and rubbing, after washing to get all other dirt off. Don't want to grind it in.Be sure to rinse it good and not let it stand on aluminum or other metal or the paint, if that is what is on the fiberglass or gelcoat.I had a dickens ,of a time, getting it, off the side, of our MH when, the plug on the water heater decide to leak.Might ask Mfg first off.I hope someone here has a product, in mind that works better and easier. Keeping our rigs clean is a chore.

I would try a small inconspicuous spot with Bar Keeper's Friend. It is pretty amazing stuff. My guess is it will be safe for the fiberglass but get rid of the stains.

Jasco brand pre-paint cleaner and conditioner, TSP, vinegar, or anything with an acid base, preferably phosphoric acid. Water softener liquid conditioner really eats away mineral and rust but you're working with a strong acid. If used, obey all safety precautions.

Thanks for all the suggestions, everyone! Appreciate it! Please keep 'em coming!I have never used Barkeeper's Friend -- I thought it was a mild abrasive. No?

Try using CLR;http://www.jelmar.com/CLRbasic.htm

Mineral Water Stains on Smooth Fiberglass Exterior

13 Replies

tsetsaf
Explorer III
Apr 08, 2014
Meguiars has a water deposit removal product too. May be worth a shot. Just be careful not to over buff and dull the finish.
crcr
Explorer
Apr 08, 2014
Thanks to all. Really appreciate all the great suggestions of various products to try for this cleaning job.
fcooper
Explorer
Apr 08, 2014
crcr wrote:
Thanks for all the suggestions, everyone! Appreciate it! Please keep 'em coming!

I have never used Barkeeper's Friend -- I thought it was a mild abrasive. No?

It will remove the shine off the gelcoat. I used it on a scratch/stain on my gelcoat and you can see the dull area. Polishing may restore the shine after you've removed the stain.

Fred
CKNSLS
Explorer
Apr 08, 2014
The detailers use white vinegar and distilled water. There is no since in using water with minerals in it to get off spots that are mineral based.

Then I would try the Meguiars Cleaner/Wax suggested above.
6_7_tow_rig
Explorer
Apr 08, 2014
I do some semi professional vehicle detailing on the side and have used a lot of different products. I would try a cleaner wax like Meguiars applied with a microfiber cloth. If that doesnt work I would use a dual action polisher with a mild foam cutting pad. I guarantee that will take it off and add some major shine.
g1g
Explorer
Apr 07, 2014
use sulfamic acid it is almost resistant to everything except calcium/lime build up. don't get confused with sulfuric acid that will eat a lot of stuff. Last time I saw it was at Sears for use as humidifier cleaner.
Another option is to get Lime delete from a restaurant where they use it on their dishwashers.
those 2 products worked best for me.
Clay_L
Explorer
Apr 07, 2014
beemerphile1 wrote:
Try using CLR;
http://www.jelmar.com/CLRbasic.htm

That is what I use. I apply it with a nylon mesh covered foam pad.
TucsonJim
Explorer II
Apr 07, 2014
Barkeeper's Friend is actually a mild acid powder.
beemerphile1
Explorer
Apr 07, 2014
Try using CLR;
http://www.jelmar.com/CLRbasic.htm
crcr
Explorer
Apr 07, 2014
Thanks for all the suggestions, everyone! Appreciate it! Please keep 'em coming!

I have never used Barkeeper's Friend -- I thought it was a mild abrasive. No?