solution for cleaning shore power cables?

[vpbarkley]

I have an older, 50', Hubbell, shore power cable whose appearance I would like to spruce up. The cable simply looks dirty.

I started by scrubbing it with Scotch-Brite pads using Simple Green undiluted. This yielded a very slight improvement.

Then I experimented by scrubbing spots using acetone, mineral spirits, lacquer thinner and denatured alcohol, all to no effect of any kind.

Finally I soaked it overnight in a tub filled with 2.5 gallons of undiluted Simple Green. Then I scrubbed it again with Scotch-Brite pads before hosing it off.

The extended soak in Simple Green had dissolved nothing. There was no residue in the tub when I emptied it.

This effort has been spectacularly unsuccessful! I can categorically state that Simple Green, while an excellent product, is not useful for cleaning cables.

If you have had success cleaning shore power cables please share your methods. Thank you

[W32PAMELA]

https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...le-254216.html

[tkeithlu]

Bleach, in a suitable solution. It's fungus, and bleach attacks the lipids that make up all cell walls. Nothing can survive it.

[GordMay]

Most shore power cords will be type STOW portable cord, with a vinyl thermoplastic jacket [T] that is oil [O], water, and weather-resistant [W].

Make certain your cleaner is compatible with vinyl thermoplastics.

Thermoplastics can be cleaned by using soap and water. Isopropyl, or an ethanol based solution can be used, when applied with a soft cloth.

Many solvents, corrosive cleaning agents, or abrasive detergents shouldn’t be used on thermoplastics. Bleach is considered to be abrasive, and corrosive, even if diluted.

[sail sfbay]

Acetone is the only chemical I found to clean power cords. Once cleaned or if new I cover them with a black Split Wire Loom Tubing Polyethylene Corrugated Flexible Conduit......3/4" for a 30 amp cord and 1-1/4" diamter for a 50 amp cord to keep them clean and mitigate uv damage.

[KadeyKrogen38]

I use MEK (Methyl Ethol Ketone) wet rag with plenty of throw away white rags. It will clean up and last a couple of years. The MEK fumes are a cause of cancer. Use in well ventilated areas and use chemical resistant gloves.

[Davidhoy]

Marine Strip (https://themarinestrip.com/) followed by Mop and Glo. Works great to clean and then protect your shore cords.

[sailortype]

do not use acetone or MEK, you will ruin your cable. I think there is a link above to the thread we just had on this a week ago or so

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by sailortype

do not use acetone or MEK, you will ruin your cable. I think there is a link above to the thread we just had on this a week ago or so

I use both. Used sparingly they do not damage plastics. Mek is much more aggressive so I find acetone does a fine job. I always have a pint onboard, very handy to clean fenders.

[sailortype]

well to each their own but I don't think you will find many people agreeing with you. Yes they whiten fenders. Yes they attack the surface. yes the best idea is to keep them clean vs letting them get so dirty you need aggressive action

[Sailingveterinarian]

Marine strip

[mickand]

I've been using neat acetone with paper towel to clean the same power cords and fenders for years with no ill effects.

[Sailnav]

Goof Off. Sold in hardware and paint stores.

[tstano]

Originally Posted by sail sfbay

Acetone is the only chemical I found to clean power cords. Once cleaned or if new I cover them with a black Split Wire Loom Tubing Polyethylene Corrugated Flexible Conduit......3/4" for a 30 amp cord and 1-1/4" diamter for a 50 amp cord to keep them clean and mitigate uv damage.

Why clean before you cover???

[glcalahan]

I have used acetone for 30 yrs. Easy, cheap and no damage that I have experienced.