FAQ
Q: After using ZING Professional Pontoon & Boat Cleaner, I noticed a slight white haze or film on the pontoon. How can I remove it?
A: Depending on the age, type of aluminum, and amount of existing oxidation, some aluminum surfaces may turn white. This is a natural reaction to the brightening agent in the cleaner. The white haze can be removed by reapplying ZING® Aluminum Pontoon & Boat Cleaner to the surface at a weaker dilution. Dilute 1 part ZING® with 4 parts water and reapply to the affected area. Let it stand for few moments and rinse. The white haze should dissolve. If stubborn areas exist, repeat this process with a slightly stronger solution (1 part ZING® to 3 parts water) and scrub with a synthetic scrub pad. Always wear gloves and eyewear.
Q: I have a painted aluminum boat. What product should I use to clean the hull?
A: Use either ZING® Professional (Original Formula) Boat Hull Cleaner or ZING® Marine Safe Boat Hull Cleaner for painted surfaces. Use the professional formula if staining is severe or there is a good amount of barnacle or zebra mussel buildup.
Q: I repainted my aluminum boat using a marine-based paint from the local dealer. Can I still use ZING® Aluminum Pontoon & Boat Cleaner?
A: Yes. ZING® Professional Aluminum Pontoon & Boat Cleaner is designed to be safe on high quality marine paints. However, it is always a good idea to test clean a small patch in an inconspicuous area first.
Q: Which ZING® product should I used on my engine power train?
A: ZING® Professional Boat Hull Cleaner and ZING® Marine Safe Boat Hull Cleaner can both be used on power trains.
Q: I get streaking on my boat after spraying the cleaning solution on. Can this be prevented?
A: Yes. We recommend pre-wetting the surface and then applying the cleaning solution beginning at the bottom and working upwards.
Q: Should ZING® boat hull cleaners be used at full strength or diluted?
A: The answer depends on the amount of staining, soil build-up and, presence of zebra mussels or barnacles. ZING® boat hull cleaners are designed to work at full strength on a cool, pre-wetted surface. They should not be applied in direct sunlight. If the product is diluted, the cleaning strength is weakened and additional applications may be required.
Q: Will ZING® Professional cleaners harm my concrete driveway?
A: It is possible that any boat hull cleaner will react with concrete. We do not recommended using ZING® Professional cleaners on concrete or asphalt.
Q: How long should I wait to rinse with water after applying ZING® boat hull and aluminum pontoon cleaning solution?
A: AllowZING® to remain on the boat hull/pontoon surface for 5 or more minutes. Contact time is important, and generally, the longer the contact time, the better the cleaning and soil removal. If the surface starts to dry, re-apply the ZING® solution, scrub, and rinse with water again.
Q: Do I need to wear safety glasses or other protective clothing when using ZING® products?
A: Yes. Proper caution and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including eye wear, gloves and clothing is always recommended when working with any chemical. The type of protection will depend on the characteristics of the chemical. Proper use and recommended protective gear can be found on the product label and also on the product’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS), which are available on the product pages of this website.
Q: How big of an area of the boat hull or pontoon should be cleaned at one time?
A: Do not work in sections larger than can be scrubbed while wet. It is recommended that you apply solution to sections of approximately 3-6 square feet.
Q: If I clean my boat on my boat trailer, will ZING® cleaners affect the paint on the trailer?
A: Paint on trailers can vary in quality and resistance to chemicals. Prior to cleaning your boat/pontoon, test the paint for compatibility with ZING or any cleaner by applying a very small amount of undiluted product in an inconspicuous location on the trailer. Wait 5-10 minutes and then rinse and look for any signs of damage.
Q: How big of an area will 1 gallon of ZING boat hull / pontoon solution clean?
A: A gallon of solution will cover about 400-500 square feet. If you add water and dilute it, calculate the coverage based on number or gallons of diluted solution. For example, if you dilute a gallon of ZING® with a gallon of water you will have 2 gallons of solution, covering 800-1000 square feet. Variations in coverage due to temperature, wind, and the degree of soil can occur. A quart of solution will cover approximately 100 square feet.
Q: Can I use ZING® Boat Hull cleaner on areas of my boat that have decals?
A: Our experience has shown that over time, decal material, as well as the adhesive, may be affected and change due to exposure to sunlight, water and the elements. Therefore, if you have a boat with decals on the hull, we recommend trying a very weak concentration of ZING® on an inconspicuous decal to test for compatibility before applying on or over larger areas. ZING® Marine Safe Ready-to-Use Degreaser and ZING® Marine Safe Concentrated Parts Degreaser are also excellent choices for safe, effective cleaning of above water surfaces of your boat. They can both be safely used on all boat surfaces including interior surfaces.
Q: My motor cover is fiberglass and I was told by my dealer that I should not use a boat hull cleaner on it. Is this true?
A: ZING® Boat Hull Cleaners are not recommend for use on engine covers or boat covers. These are considered above water or ‘out of water’ applications and require a different type of cleaning chemistry. We offer two products that are safe on engine and boat covers. ZING® Marine Safe Ready-to-Use Degreaser and ZING® Marine Safe Concentrated Parts Degreaser are excellent choices for safe, effective, above water cleaning. They can both be safely be used on all boat surfaces.
Q: Should I pre-wet my boat and also pontoon prior to cleaning and using boat hull cleaning products?
A: Pre-wetting any surface prior to cleaning is recommended. This will wash away loose soils and also allow the cleaner to “wet out” more evenly for improved cleaning.
Q: Can I clean my boat and pontoon in direct sunlight?
A: When possible, avoid cleaning any boat or vehicle in direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause the surface to be hot and may dry out the cleaning solution, making it less effective and more difficult to rinse.
