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Minnie's Mate · 05-22-2007, 07:57 PM

My wife asked me to post the question above. She has tried the vacuum but it doesn't get the dust out of the screen. She has used the fantastic vents all summer last year into the fall and most of the spring this year while she was cleaning, packing, unpacking etc. in the trailer and now they are so dirty that they are almost closed up with dust.

overlander63 · 05-22-2007, 08:07 PM

I remember seeing brushes for Fantastic Fan screens...

Foiled Again · 05-22-2007, 08:19 PM

You might try your dryer's lint brush - the screens are about the same fineness.

I used an old tooth brush on mine. It worked, but it was slow work. BTW, use some anti-static spray on the brush.

Paula Ford

Dwight · 05-22-2007, 08:22 PM

We use "wet ones" and they clean the screens very well and the dirt stays on the "wet ones". We have also a soft bristle brush.

Mackhopp · 05-23-2007, 09:52 AM

I was wondering about this too and recently checked their website - here's what they say:

1. Turn fan motor off. (whew - it's a good thing they put that instruction there, things could have gotten fun real fast!)
2. Remove 8 painted flat head Phillips screws around perimeter of screen insert.
3. Clean screen and blade with soap and water solution and reinstall.
4. Suggestion: Once screen and blade are washed and dried, you may wipe or spray 303 protectant (a water based protector; do not use a petroleum based protector) on the screen and blade. Buff to a high gloss. This will minimize the amount of dust and dirt build up.

I'm going to try it - hope it works!

Minnie's Mate · 05-23-2007, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Macfrodge

I was wondering about this too and recently checked their website - here's what they say:

1. Turn fan motor off. (whew - it's a good thing they put that instruction there, things could have gotten fun real fast!)
2. Remove 8 painted flat head Phillips screws around perimeter of screen insert.
3. Clean screen and blade with soap and water solution and reinstall.
4. Suggestion: Once screen and blade are washed and dried, you may wipe or spray 303 protectant (a water based protector; do not use a petroleum based protector) on the screen and blade. Buff to a high gloss. This will minimize the amount of dust and dirt build up.

I'm going to try it - hope it works!

Not familiar with the 303 protectant. Is that anything like silicone lubricant? Do you think you could use a furniture polish like Pledge?

Mackhopp · 05-23-2007, 12:01 PM

I have personally never seen or heard of the 303 protectant - but I checked their website and apparently it's sold in quite a few places.
Where to Buy 303 Products, International Retailer, and Distributor Information and Search Locator

The instructions made special mention of using a water based product, not a petroleum based one. I believe Pledge or similar types of furniture polish are oil based.

I'm going to check it out this afternoon and see if I can find any - otherwise I'll try to search out another water-based product.

Minnie's Mate · 05-23-2007, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Macfrodge

I have personally never seen or heard of the 303 protectant - but I checked their website and apparently it's sold in quite a few places.
Where to Buy 303 Products, International Retailer, and Distributor Information and Search Locator

The instructions made special mention of using a water based product, not a petroleum based one. I believe Pledge or similar types of furniture polish are oil based.

I'm going to check it out this afternoon and see if I can find any - otherwise I'll try to search out another water-based product.

I checked the web site above and there really isn't a retailer near me...at least one that is convenient. I'll check the ingredients on the dusting products we have at home. I have some monitor dusting spray that is supposed to repel dust from computer monitors. I'll check and see if it is water based. It is hypoallergenic so it might be.

Bigdaddy_2 · 05-23-2007, 01:21 PM

303 can be found at any RV dealer. It is sold in a spray bottle or large container. Many people with fiberglass units use it to clean the panels.

Minnie's Mate · 05-23-2007, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigdaddy_2

303 can be found at any RV dealer. It is sold in a spray bottle or large container. Many people with fiberglass units use it to clean the panels.

I called my local SOB dealer...he sells Harleys and toy haulers and not many RV supplies...and he doesn't carry it. Back to square one.

SilverCabin · 05-23-2007, 02:11 PM

I buy 303 at my truck accessories store. The manufacture of my bed cap says to use that instead of a silicone based (Armor All) protectorant. Supposedly, the silicone-based products will dry out what they are trying to protect. I haven’t been able to verify this. If you go to the 303 web site, you can get a sample kit for $5.00 that contains 303 and some other products. The literature that comes with the sample kit, explains why tires degrade and how 303 prevents this. I’ve been using it on my tires as well as the bed cap.

Randy

Minnie's Mate · 05-23-2007, 02:18 PM

Can you get 303 at Walmart or automotive parts stores?

SilverCottage · 05-23-2007, 02:19 PM

You can purchase the 303 at Amazon or Boaters World. It does go a long way and is great for the weather strip around the TV doors and the AS windows.

SilverCabin · 05-23-2007, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Minnie's Mate

Can you get 303 at Walmart or automotive parts stores?

I haven't found it at either of these places.

Randy

desidou · 05-23-2007, 04:18 PM

Minnie's Mate -

We use 303 on our kayaks as well - you may want to try a boat shop. We have rubber seals as hatch covers on our kayaks, and the 303 helps the rubber seal grab on to the plastic of the boat - making them much easier to put on.

I think you may be able to find 303 at REI or other outdoor stores (like Bass Pro Shops, etc). I think you're in the Atlanta area, but more on the South side of town. I am 99% sure that "Go with the Flow" in Roswell carries 303 and if you can't make it up here during their typical hours of operation, they may be willing to mail a bottle to you. From our experience, a little goes a looooong way, so all you need is a small bottle.

PM me if you need more info.

Desi

thecatsandi · 05-23-2007, 07:13 PM

I removed mine and hosed them off. Or you can make a vist to the factory get a tour and they gave us a couple of free screens.

Dwight · 05-23-2007, 07:36 PM

303 is sold at Camping World. Another way to clean the screens is to turn the fan speed to "3" and the switch to "out", then brush the screen and the dust/dirt will blow out.

TinShack · 05-23-2007, 08:21 PM

If you have an air compresser, blown it out with compressed air.

Minnie's Mate · 05-24-2007, 07:27 AM

Thanks for all the suggestions and leads on the 303. My wife made a run to the Camping World in Woodstock (other side of Atlanta from us) yesterday. Too bad I didn't know about this lead before she went. Oh well, they didn't have one of the items we needed anyway so I'm sure we'll be placing an order in the near future and will add this to the list if we can't find it in the interim.

Next time we go to JC I'll ask for some new screens to have on hand. That is a good tip Michelle, thanks.

I did some re-wiring of the stereo last night to route the TV and DVD audio through the speakers so we can hear them better when the A/C comes on and I got a good bit of saw dust on the dinette and counter so I plan on taking the vacuum from the house out tonight to clean it up and will try it on the screens. It has a lot more suction than the stick vac we keep in the Airstream and it has the round soft bristle brush that might help dislodge the dust. If that doesn't work, I'll take them out and scrub them with a soft bristle brush and let you guys know how things turn out.