Cleaning Graphs

[Smallie_Stalker]

I've been reading and seeing a lot of videos on this subject lately. The biggest thing I've noticed is the sheer amount of contradicting information from "experts" telling you what to use and not to use.

This applies mainly to cleaning the screen on the graph but also branches out to cleaning the whole unit.

What do you all use to clean your screens and what do you use to do it?
How often do you clean them?

I'd also be interested to know if you clean the whole graph and if you use the same cleaner as you do for the screen, and how often you do the whole graph as well.

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[Wayne P.]

https://www.sonarwars.com/how-to-clean-a-fish-finder-screen/

[Pat Dilling]

I use Windex with vinegar and a microfiber cloth.  I keep a small spray bottle in the trolling motor footwell and have the cloth under the toolholder bungie in front of it.  I clean the front graphs when they get dirty, often a couple times a fishing day, and after a days fishing when I wipe down the boat.  I do have clear protective screen covers on my graphs.  Works well for me.

[Princeton_Man]

I've used distilled water with a little white vinegar for a lot of years. I keep some in a water bottle on the boat with some microfiber towels. I've also used the Endust Screen Cleaner for electronics towels (basically the same thing in a tub).

[FD]

I clean mine every few days with Rain X. 

Wipe on , Wipe off,  Dannielson..

If I get water spots during the day then a little cooler water and a micro fiber towel gets them spotless again.



Sent from the very edge of civilization...where I belong

[jwkelley51]

I've always used water and a little vinegar in a spray bottle along with microfiber towels. Never had a reason to change.

[Donald Garner]

Guys thanks for sharing this.  I usually wait till I get home and I use Windex and a Micro Fiber towel.  While out on the water I use one of my hand towels and lake water.

I'm going to get a small spray bottle and a couple micro fiber towels for on the water usage.

[Oldfart9999]

Water, vinegar, and a drop or 2 of dish soap. Sometimes auto glass cleaner. As needed.
Rodney

[Mike Cork]

Just curious, what's the vinegar for? I've always just used water and it works fine.

[Pat Dilling]

Just curious, what's the vinegar for? I've always just used water and it works fine.

The vinegar is slightly acidic and dissolves the calcium that creates water spots.

[Smallie_Stalker]

Just curious, what's the vinegar for? I've always just used water and it works fine.

The vinegar is slightly acidic and dissolves the calcium that creates water spots.

After giving this thread some time to cook I will  tell y'all that vinegar was the most debated item in the vids I watched that promoted me to ask the original question.

There are a bunch of guys out there saying don't use it because the acidic nature of it, even in small diluted amounts, will eventually wear away the protective coatings they put on the screens during manufacturing.

Not saying they're right or wrong. I honestly don't know. That is mostly why I asked the question.

Pat, I know you said you have screen protectors on your graphs. I wonder if that makes a difference.

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[Smallie_Stalker]

I guess a follow-up question is in order here.

For all you guys who use some kind of vinegar mix, have you noticed the screens not looking quite as bright or sharp as they used to? Or maybe the screens pitting?

Just a curiosity.

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[Mike Cork]

Just curious, what's the vinegar for? I've always just used water and it works fine.

The vinegar is slightly acidic and dissolves the calcium that creates water spots.

I have to chuckle for two reasons. One I remember how bad the white calcium deposits were after fishing the west cost waters. Motors would turn white if not cleaned.

And two, our waters here in the swamp are more than likely more acidic than the water and vinegar solution that is recommended.

[FlatsNBay]

No need for vinegar or any after market glass cleaners. Get yourself a set of E Cloths. Dampen the first cloth and wipe the screen. Dry off with the finishing cloth. All water spots and smudges are gone.

I threw away all our different glass cleaners after getting an E Cloth. It's crazy how good it works. I never would have thought in a million years.

That's all we use on all our glass now for the boat, car, and house. I'm not at all against using chemicals, it's just that the E Cloth works so well there's no need for anything else.

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[Smallie_Stalker]

No need for vinegar or any after market glass cleaners. Get yourself a set of E Cloths. Dampen the first cloth and wipe the screen. Dry off with the finishing cloth. All water spots and smudges are gone.

I threw away all our different glass cleaners after getting an E Cloth. It's crazy how good it works. I never would have thought in a million years.

That's all we use on all our glass now for the boat, car, and house. I'm not at all against using chemicals, it's just that the E Cloth works so well there's no need for anything else.

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That's good info. Thanks for sharing. 👍