Cleaning Shore Power Cables

[Tcheairs]

Many great suggestions..I'll work my way through them starting with the last post. Thanks to all for your responses to my post.

[CaptTom]

I avoid acetone on any soft plastics. There's always an argument here, but without getting too deep in the chemistry, I've seen it cause problems. Others report it's OK. Do you feel lucky?

For things like which acetone can degrade, my alternative is MEK. Real Methyl Ethyl Ketone. Not "MEK Substitute." It gets harder to find every year.

But you should try something gentler first. Most of the other ideas above will work. The goal is to kill the mold and remove the dirt without chemically affecting the plastic.

[Tcheairs]

Can't stand acetone..hard on one's lungs..which are essential to LONGEVITY

[Stu Jackson]

Why bother?

[drdoyle]

MEK brings it back to yellow.

[Lohengrin]

WD40 works on everything

[Tcheairs]

What about mineral spirits?? Anyone tried that?

[JBsurfin]

Originally Posted by Tcheairs

Don't think I can get 50ft 50amp cables into a bucket. Ever wrestled an Anaconda?
But thanks for the suggestions on cleaning agents. Looks like the Tilex might be the best bet.

Someone had a plastic keg tub, I just borrowed that and it worked fine.

[teamspot]

I elected to stitch a sunbrella cover onto my new shore power cables. While I was at it I added webbing loops with snaps to hold the cable off the deck.

[Redline452]

While this doesn’t directly address the original question (something of a tradition on Internet forums), I added a second shore-power inlet in my anchor well, so that when docked bow-in (my usual), I don’t need to run a second 50’ cord the length of the 45’ deck to get to the cord that reaches the pedestal.

On the original topic: I do have one cord whose plasticizers have leached creating a sticky sheath that collects and holds dirt; that one has been demoted to my “on the hard” cord. I’ve found the only way to get rid of the sticky is to let it attract and hold enough dirt/dust to provide a (not pretty) non-sticky surface.

Tried cleaning it off with various products, but based on how long the first 12” took to clean (and it remained sticky), I may not live long enough to do the whole thing.

I suspect (just a theory) that treating a brand-new cord with something like 3M 303 Protectant might prevent or delay the original plasticizer problem. Not sure about mildew though.

[FuzzyFeat]

Acetone is a fire and in confined spaces, an explosion hazard . All those strong volatile solvents can destroy either your liver, chances of successful reproduction or cause some form of cancer.

[Tcheairs]

Soaking in Purple Power and a power (2200psi) washer is the final extent of where I'm willing to go. After that my dockmates are just going to have to GET USED TO IT...

[ggsail42]

Originally Posted by brazenarticle

A Magic Eraser, soapy water and a bit of work should clean up the cable. Chemical cleaners and solvents may create more problems - a sticky power cable will pick up more dirt.

I second this approach. It was quick. I brought it home, did a bit at a time over my kitchen sink, dried the bit, and moved on to the next bit.

[Tcheairs]

Originally Posted by ggsail42

I second this approach. It was quick. I brought it home, did a bit at a time over my kitchen sink, dried the bit, and moved on to the next bit.

That ain't no 50amp 50ft Anaconda though.

[T. Lee]

FYI
https://www.webmd.com/diet/what-is-acetone