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tsampsel · 22-03-2010, 15:28

Hey gang,

I want to do some spring cleaning and wonder what is the best cleaner for the interior wood of my Catalina 320?

I was thinking of some kind of oil but the first mate wasn't sure that would be proper. I assume the wood is varnished so maybe oil wouldn't absorb. I want to get some moisture back into it. The heater's been running off and on this winter to keep things dry.

Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

**Pblais** · 22-03-2010, 15:37

Lemon oil won't kill any finish on the wood and it smells good as well as being a natural cleaner. Orange oil is similar too. Don't use ammonia or chlorine based cleaners on any wood surface. Your wood has a factory finish applied. A very light cleaner will do fine.

I would concentrate with the good cleaner in the darker places like lockers where mold loves to grow. Mold and mildew are the things that a good cleaning should be seeking. After that a little lemon oil will add a nice touch to the wood trim. Keeping good ventilation helps prevent mildew. Once it gets into the upholstry / foam it's toast.

**boatman61** · 22-03-2010, 16:22

If its natural wood go with the oils...unless waxed/polished>>>> if its veneered wipe down well with white vinegar, shifts the dirt, old polish and kills of the mold a treat... then re wax/polish it.. Allways do a test on an out of normal vision spot..
Old wood restorers trick...

Gracias · 22-03-2010, 16:33

The owners' manual for my IP27 says they used Scott's Liquid Gold on the interior teak except for the sole. So that's what I'm about to use.

tsampsel · 22-03-2010, 16:42

Thanks for the replies. I'm guessing it's veneer, being a production boat and all... The saloon table is the only thing that has any high gloss.

marc2012 · 22-03-2010, 23:54

Second lemon oil.Vinegar is good for mold however boat smells like salad,not appealing to me.marc

lancelot9898 · 23-03-2010, 05:44

I've used Old English on my interior varnished teak for the past 25 years and it still looks as good as the day I bought the boat new in '85.

BubbleHeadMd · 23-03-2010, 05:50

Is it a faux wood laminate (A wood pattern photographed onto an adhesive sheet) or is it an actual wood veneer attached by tacks or glue?

**Hud3** · 23-03-2010, 13:19

We got great results on matte finish teak using Daly's Teak oil. Just wipe it on with a cotton rag.

Curmudgeon · 25-03-2010, 16:27

I was advised by some "pros" to use Murphy's Oils Soap on my interior wood. My interior is varnished Teak and Sapele.

The Murphy's is fine to clean the wood, but what about enhancing the appearance? I'm going to try some teak oil, like the Daly's.

But my interior teak as a satin finish, not matte. Any recommendations?

Ocean Girl · 25-03-2010, 16:50

Muphy's oil soap is the best for interior and exterior. I use it on everything - fiberglass, gelcoat, bare wood, teak decks, varnished wood, even lexan/plastics.
It doesn't strip the wax off your fiberglass, and leaves no residue to interfere with future varnish coats. It will not dry out the wood. Also, It is bilge pump/head pump friendly.

To spruce up the varnish (without putting a coat of varnish on) I love to use tung oil. Tung oil can be applied with a lint free rag and you can varnished right over it (most traditional varnishes have tung oil in them). You can buy the tung oil at the hardware store cheap.

Erika

PS I do not own Muphy's oil soap stock

hellosailor · 25-03-2010, 19:54

Why guess what the interior is? If Catalina can't tell you www.catalinayachts.com/ then chase down some owners online, or find someone locally who knows wood. The odds of success are much better once you KNOW what the interior is, so you can use the right product for it.

**Pblais** · 25-03-2010, 20:04

Quote:

I was advised by some "pros" to use Murphy's Oils Soap on my interior wood.

It's because the stuff is so VERY gentle. If it has a finish - it just needs a little cleaning.

Out on deck with the gelcoat you may need something stronger. Here we have a coal power plant and an oil refinery near by and the two make a cocktail that is not so easy to get off.