Published on: 16/06/2021 Updated on: 30/09/2025
Dulled or rusted steel? Check out Carlo Luongo's tips on how to clean boat steel and make it like new again!
In the fourth appointment with Carlo Luongo we tackle the problem of how to clean the 'steel of the boat. The protagonist of this tutorial is Squidy, a specific product to make any steel surface like new again.
The steel parts of a boat are very important elements that enhance its aesthetics. The presence of rust is synonymous with neglect; conversely, gleaming steel means that the owner cares for his vessel and increases its valuation. It is not just an aesthetic factor, however! Rust, in fact, can corrode the structure of steel to the point of causing it to fail. Just think of the base of a stanchion that does not hold up and imagine the consequences when looking for a foothold on an unstable structure.
In the new tutorial, Carlo Luongo shows us how to clean boat steel with Squidy, the product designed specifically by Mafra for these surfaces.
How to clean the boat's steel? Here's Squidy!
The product used in the tutorial is Squidy, the professional degreaser and cleaner for washing steel and alloys in boats and vessels. Available in 500 ml bottle, the product is equipped with dual-action trigger: traditional vaporizer or foamer.
Squidy, thanks to its broad-spectrum action, renews and polishes external steel and alloy parts of boats such as: handrails, stanchions, ladders, and roll bars. The product rids the treated parts of oxide, reviving both matte and chrome surfaces. Squidy is a cleaner that can remove stains and traces of oxidation from any metal surface. It can also be used as an immersion deoxidizer. Please remember, however, not to use it on stovetops, refrigerators and kitchen equipment.
Watch Carlo Luongo's tutorial and learn how to clean boat steel with Squidy
How to use Squidy
Carlo tests the product on a stanchion that has been outside for a year, which has several damaged areas with the beginnings of rust.
Cooling the surface
As always, the first thing to do when working outdoors is to wet the area to which you are going to apply the product. The sun's rays, in fact, raise the temperature of the surface, creating problems in applying the product. Therefore, if you cannot work in the shade or at less hot times, the suggestion is to wet the surface with water!
After cooling the surface, dry it well with a microfiber cloth. Squidy needs to work as much as possible in direct contact with the rust to remove it quickly.
The extra tip: Leave some water below the area to be treated, this way you will avoid unpleasant side effects in case of dripping.
Dispensing with the trigger
To apply Squidy use the supplied trigger and select the mode best suited based on where you need to work. If you are working on vertical surfaces, the mode with the foaming filter is perfect for making the product stay on the area to be treated as long as possible, preventing it from dripping too quickly. For flat surfaces, on the other hand, you can use the traditional trigger with the vaporizer function.
Allow the product to act
It is important to let Squidy act for 2 to 5 minutes depending on the state of the surface. The longer the product acts, the faster and more effective rust removal will be.
Spread the product
After letting the product work, use a damp microfiber cloth to spread the product over the treated area. As the cloth is wiped, you will see traces of rust disappear and the steel will shine like new again.
Rinse
Rinse the surface thoroughly to remove all traces of detergent. Be careful to also thoroughly clean the surrounding areas where the product may have leaked.
Dry
In the end, dry the surface well and wear sunglasses, the steel surface will be so shiny it will blind you!
A truly satisfying result without too much effort!
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Useful Tips
- Squidy is designed for steel, but it can also be used to remove rust drippings and yellowing from fiberglass. All you need to do is increase the application time!
- Each steel may have different qualities and conditions. Test application times in hidden places and by having the water hose handy to make sure you don't have difficulties.
- Do not move away from the area during treatment unless you have done preliminary testing before applying the product.
- Do not let Squidy dry on steel. It may leave some spots that require later work with a mildly abrasive paste to remove. Avoid double work!
- If you have teak below the area to be treated, always keep it wet. Squidy is slightly acidic and may slightly fade the wood.
- Beware of neighbors! By spraying the product in windy weather, it may go on boats next to it or on sensitive surfaces; in this case, it is best to apply it while holding it close to the area to be treated, minimizing the risk, just as Carlo does in the video!
Did you miss Carlo Luongo's tutorials?
Missed a few episodes on Carlo Luonfo's boat cleaning and maintenance tutorials? Don't worry, we've got it covered! Here's where you can catch up on all the episodes:
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