cleaning bilge, preparing for paint, nondestructive to metal

[jaykimball]

I am preparing to paint the interior of my boat and want to clean the bilge before I paint. Any thoughts on what cleaner to use? I have read that TSP is not so good to use as it can react with metal fasteners and such. My hull is teak, with copper rivets fastening to Ipol ribs.

Any suggestions?

Thanks, jay

[Andrew Craig-Bennett]

Interesting. Hadn't heard that about TSP; I have tended to use hot fresh water and sugar soap.

Getting things dry enough to paint after this can be a bit of a game.

One thing that nobody gets rid of is spilled diesel; it sits in the wood for years, so is best avoided completely!

[Jim H]

The only cure for a stinky bilge: clean it--REALLY clean it. (http://media5.hypernet.com/cgi-bin/UBB/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=007931)