Does anyone know how to get rust stains off from the carpet going around inside of Parker cabin? I’m talking about under windows from rain and sides not the floor
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How I cleaned the carpet / “Monkey Fur” on my 2005 Parker 2520xl.
The carpet, like other 17 year old Parkers had a lot of issues. I decided I would try to restore it instead of removing and painting. I’ve made significant improvements, what some have called “IMPRRSSIVE!!!”,
My Method:
FIRST: DON’T wash it with soap or soap cleaners. I was told by professional carpet cleaners that soap residue from these products would linger in the fabric annd attract more dirt.
Step 1: Loose fiber removal:
Besides the discoloration my carpet had a bad case of dandruff. When the overhead was rubbed you’d see large amounts of fiber and flakes falling.
Start by working a 2 sq ft area at a time. Wear a mask.
• Apply a Firm nylon brush with medium pressure in circular patterns to break out loose fibers while applying shop vac at same time.
WEAR A MASK!
NOTE: Depending on boats age It may take multiple passes with brush & shop vac before loose flakey stuff is gone.
• Brushing did break out short fibers but left long fibers on surface; like the the fuzz & hairballs on an old worn sweater. Not a problem, see Step 2.
Step 2: The Haircut:
To treat the long fibers I gave the whole thing a haircut with a hair trimmer. The type of trimmer a barber would use. No spacer on blades. Push the rear surface of the blade into the carpet as you move the trimmer ahead with cutting edge slightly up. This positioning doesn’t allow trimmer to dig in and hang up. This works very well, it leaves a tight looking carpet weave appearance.
Step 3: STAIN REMOVAL
• There were stains of all types, many were rust from thru bolts (304 SS which needs to b replaced with 316 SS).
•The best stain treatment I found is called “FOLEX carpet spot remover”. Folex can b found on line, at local markets, and hardware stores.
NOTE:
• Some stain removers had very strong caustic odor and I was concerned working with them in close quarters or having them on my skin.
Folex is clear & odorless.
• I was impressed with how SOME stains disappeared quickly, others were more stubborn. But with multiple applications they all disappeared.
• I believe Folex is an enzyme-based product rather than soap-based. The enzymes break up stains so they can b blotted up with dry terry cloth. It was impressive how some stains disappeared almost immediately.
APPLICATION:
• Apply liberally to stain and surrounding area with spray bottle, One sq ft area. Let soak in and set a couple minutes,.
• Spray again before Agitating with white terry towel (TT) by rubbing in a circular motion (in both directions) and crosshatch pattern. Then blot with another dry TT to blot up stain and excess liquid. (You should see stain color on your blotting T-Towel.)
•
LET DRY; repeat process as many times as needed. Folex isn’t expensive, found it at local big name hardware for $20 p/gal.
• CHANGE TOWELS FREQUENTLY. You can wash and dry the towels and reuse them.
• I found cutting a typical washcloth size towel into 4 pieces worked best for me. Once the small cloth was dirty I would switch to a clean one.
• If it didn’t remove all the stain, or if the stain seemed to re-appear I just kept reapplying, rubbing, blotting, and drying.
During ten months of refitting the cabin I applied the stain removal process in between other jobs. Of course you could approach it as a single project
With the exception of Step-1 this process was reasonably easy; especially when compared to; “remove & replace”, or “remove & paint”.
FINISHING TOUCH:
1. When all appeared clean I applied the shop vac’d to raise any long hairs followed by another “Hair Cut” process as needed.
People laugh about the “haircut” but it’s this part of the process that makes all the difference. It leaves a clean, tight weave appearance!
A year later and it still makes me smile….
Good luck, I hope this helps.
NOTE: I have no affiliation with Folex. I’m just saying this product worked for me and want to help the Parker family with a common issue.
I like the carpet better than paint. Now I’ve found an easy way to maintain by applying the “Spray, Rub, & Blot” process.