Posted 2007-07-22 8:07 PM (#64241) Subject: Cleaning Interior of Trailer
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Posts: 333
What is the best way to shine up old mats? I have been into cleaning the interior of my trailer and I have uncovered the "brown" cushions/pads to be silver!!! So I got out my cleaners and have been really doing a job.
But I want to know how to get the mats to look newer. What do the trailer dealers/detailers (or you all!!!) do to make the trailer look "sale ready" although I am not selling it, just making it look really sharp!!!! I waxed the outside and I am ready to go trail riding!!!!
Posted 2007-07-22 8:45 PM (#64243 - in reply to #64241) Subject: RE: Cleaning Interior of Trailer
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Posts: 2614
Anything that makes them look shiny will probably also make them slick.I would use JoMax,the same solution that is for cleaning house siding,and a pressure washer on low.If you don't have one,just mix it up in a bucket with bleach at the recommended rate and scrub it on with a stiff garage/concrete broom and let it sit awhile,then hose it down with a nozzle set on a high pressure setting.That may work for ya!
Posted 2007-07-23 2:21 AM (#64253 - in reply to #64241) Subject: RE: Cleaning Interior of Trailer
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Location: Vermont
Be careful with your pressure washer and rubber mats...you can actually mar them with a pressure washer...or so I've been told...(not that I would have done it)
Posted 2007-07-23 6:31 AM (#64255 - in reply to #64241) Subject: RE: Cleaning Interior of Trailer
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Posts: 243
Location: Maine
I am with Crowleysridgegirl -if you use something to shine the mats up, you may end up with a slippery problem, especially if they get wet with urine.
If you must get them sparkly, what about those spray foam tire shine products? My daughter and I spent about 2 hours Saturday washing the truck and trailer. The finishing touch was using that spray foam on the tires. You just spray it and let it dry. It made the tires look like they just came out of the showroom. (my daughter, however, though this was utterly and completely pointless,, why bother?
Whatever you decide to try, please just try a spot in a corner and see if it makes the mat too slippery. I'd hate to jeopardize the horse's safety for the sake of shiny floor mats!
I know that "need" to really spiff it up, though. After my daughter and I spent all that time on Saturday with the pressure washer, brushes, brooms, rags, special detergent inside and out on both the truck and the trailer, they both sparkled like new. Then Sunday, we put my daughter's pony in, followed by my friend's gelding. The trailer was gleaming!
Instant heat cycle with the pony mare.
Then we proceeded with a 3-hour drive to horse camp and encountered miles of construction! The dust was so bad that I had to turn my headlights on to make sure I could be seen by oncoming traffic.
The bumpy ride and noises must have made them both nervous because when we arrived at our destination, it looked like they'd been in that trailer for 3 days. Poop and pee EVERYWHERE! I didn't know two horses could make such a mess.
Then on the way back last night, the bugs were thick as a snowstorm.
Needless to say our shiny truck and trailer looked like hell when we returned home last night. I left my daughter at camp, so I guess I am on my own today cleaning up. I wish I took a picture before we left!
Posted 2007-07-23 4:57 PM (#64291 - in reply to #64241) Subject: RE: Cleaning Interior of Trailer
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Location: Fort Worth, Tx
Barstow-thanks for the laugh! I'm sure it's not as funny to you as you have to clean up the mess but it was a great example of "the best laid plans" going astray!
Posted 2007-07-23 5:19 PM (#64294 - in reply to #64255) Subject: RE: Cleaning Interior of Trailer
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Originally written by barstow on 2007-07-23 6:31 AM
CRG
IThe bumpy ride and noises must have made them both nervous because when we arrived at our destination, it looked like they'd been in that trailer for 3 days. Poop and pee EVERYWHERE! I didn't know two horses could make such a mess.
Posted 2007-07-23 8:14 PM (#64302 - in reply to #64241) Subject: RE: Cleaning Interior of Trailer
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Posts: 243
Location: Maine
NOt to get off topic, but the worst part of my "trip from hell" was that I, in my desire to not repeat that bumpy ride back, chose an alternative route - A winding but pleasant country road that takes you through the hills and around some lakes. However, tis the season of road construction in Maine, and on the return trip with the poor gelding in the trailer, hit a full TEN MILES of construction. Much less dusty, but every bit as bumpy. Of course, it was well after dark when I finally pulled into my yard.
I'm surprised my friend's horse is still on speaking terms with her!
Posted 2007-07-24 6:43 PM (#64349 - in reply to #64241) Subject: RE: Cleaning Interior of Trailer
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Posts: 333
Thanks for the suggestions, although after the trailer ride from heck, sounds like I might just drive the trailer around without the horses in it so it doesn't get dirty!!! :-)