Can you use a hot water power washer to clean boat carpet?

[CHECrappie]

21 Phoenix 21PHX. I have a hot water pressure washer and wonder if anyone has ever used one to clean their boat carpet?

[CatFan]

I would be very careful of any pressure washer on the carpet.

[LTZ25]

I say yes , but keep nozzle father away from carpet than a cold water system and maybe no soap .

[99R93S]

I don’t think I would. For it to be decently effective you would need it to be fairly close, it might be a bit harsh. I use a steam cleaner once a year, works well for me, not so harsh on the carpet.

[Mcjenson]

I would be very careful of any pressure washer on the carpet.

The only exception I’d say is electric pressure washers. They are pretty gentle.

[RonCat]

Many threads on carpet cleaning, agree that too much pressure is not a good thing.

[206champion]

Be careful don’t hold the tip to close to the carpet it can put to much pressure on the carpet ant cut little groves in the carpet. Don’t ask me how I know.

[fishnfireman]

Been doing it for years. The hot water cleans better than cold.

[Fishysam]

I have used hot water at do it yourself car wash with soap , no issue, just rinse down with out water

small electric washers often flow less gallons per hour at a higher psi, i would be scared more of an electric

[MoBob]

I used one on my last boat every year for 19 years. The electric ones with less pressure work the best and are less likely to leave a trail. The typical gas powered ones need a wide tip and a little distance from the carpet, but work well too. Use a good shop vac when you are done and the carpet will look new.

[Sylvanboat]

I was told the hot water could cause the carpet glue to come loose.

[LTZ25]

Been doing it for years. The hot water cleans better than cold.

Hot water not steam cleaner like on a greasy engine .

[Mcjenson]

I have used hot water at do it yourself car wash with soap , no issue, just rinse down with out water

small electric washers often flow less gallons per hour at a higher psi, i would be scared more of an electric

Most are pretty weeny, the ones I've used you can rinse your soapy hands off with them running full blast

[11pounder]

Be very very careful around your switches, they can force water into them and cause shorts. I washed the front deck on mine once and got water into the front trim switch and the motor was trimming up going down the road.

[sabbott1958]

I was told the hot water could cause the carpet glue to come loose.

Exactly right. You will see ripples and loose spots because the hot water under pressure will cause the carpet glue to release.

[jerzia]

Most are pretty weeny, the ones I've used you can rinse your soapy hands off with them running full blast

I use my elecitric to strip paint off of old furniture. No way you are putting your hand in front of it unless you are planning a hospital visit and a long recovery.

[RazorCat]

21 Phoenix 21PHX. I have a hot water pressure washer and wonder if anyone has ever used one to clean their boat carpet?

NO. The carpet isn’t designed to be pressure washed, and neither is the adhesive that holds it down.
The most effective (proper) way to clean boat carpet is to flood the carpet with a water hose, spot treat any stains (Barbasol works well), and then use a wet/dry shop vac to remove water and suspended dirt, etc. I do use a cheap brass jet nozzle for my water hose occasionally, but only when I’m lightly cleaning the carpet. Heavy (proper) cleaning requires flooding.

[krindgen]

I'd be concerned with the padded deck area. I don't think the carpet Phoenix uses is the best and most durable. That said, I must be the only one on the planet that can't get the shaving cream wash method to work. So I'm looking for a different method and thinking about just renting a machine. I have the Bissell spot clean machine and have used that in conjunction with the shaving cream method. I end up with these sort of light brown streaks on the carpet and can't figure it out.

[lpugh]

Just buy a Bissel carpet cleaner, has the right attachments and does a great job. Surprisingly inexpensive

[wmitch2]

I've been using the Handy Dandy DIY Car Wash for years. My last 2 boats had Tan carpet in them. I wet every thing down, then use the "Foamy Brush" and scrub with it. Then used a nylon scrub brush from the Dollar Store to get in the tough places. Then rinse it all off, make sure your bilge plug is out, next use the Vacuum and suck most of the water out, and then let it sit in the sun to fully dry. I do it a couple times a year or more if needed.