Toon-Brite Aluminum Pontoon Cleaner

Toon-Brite is an acid cleaner for aluminum pontoon logs and hulls. It is strong, so handle it with care.

Updated Nov 1, 2026. Edited by: Ilyass Ben Hakim.

Where to buy

Marine chains stock it in 64 oz bottles and gallon jugs. A cleaner and polish kit is also sold. Some sellers ship by ground only and skip Alaska and Hawaii.

Professional insight

Pontoon detailers pick the mix strength first. The finish you want decides the ratio.

A 1 to 1 mix bleaches aluminum off-white.
A 3 to 5 to 1 mix keeps more shine.
It will not lift moss or heavy algae.
Clean right after haul-out, before scum dries hard.

Check the label

Brand reads Toon-Brite by M&L Marine of Kentucky.
Product says Aluminum Cleaner, not polish or clear coat.
Size is 64 oz or 1 gallon as listed.
Product code such as B1000 or B1004 matches the listing.
Danger signal word and corrosive symbol are printed.
Mixing ratios for light and heavy cleaning are readable.
Cap is sealed and the jug is not bulging or leaking.

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Toon-Brite cleaner facts

Maker: M&L Marine, Inc.; Hillview, Kentucky, per the safety data sheet.
Hazard class: Corrosive, UN3264; Signal word is Danger.
Surface: Aluminum; Pontoon logs, hulls and trailers.

Safe use

Wear acid-resistant gloves, goggles and long sleeves.
Work outdoors with the wind at your back.
Add concentrate to water, never water to concentrate.
Keep kids and pets away until surfaces are rinsed.
Keep it off glass, chrome and anodized trim.
Store sealed, upright and away from bleach or ammonia.

How to use it

1Hose or pressure wash the logs to remove loose growth.
2Mix the cleaner in a plastic sprayer at your chosen ratio.
3Spray from the bottom up in a fine mist.
4Let it stand up to 5 minutes, not longer.
5Rinse thoroughly with plenty of fresh water.
6Spray again on any streaks, then rinse again.

Before you buy

Buy the gallon if you clean two logs or more.
Add a trigger sprayer rated for acids if none is included.
Plan on polish or clear coat for a mirror finish.
Check local rules on acid runoff at your marina.
Old, pitted aluminum will look cleaner, not new.

Common questions

Will Toon-Brite harm paint or decals?: The maker reports no paint or decal damage in years of use. Test a hidden spot first.
Can I use it on trailer bunks?: Retailer FAQs say yes, with a thorough rinse afterward.
Will it restore shine to old aluminum?: No. It strips stains and oxidation. Shine comes from a separate polish.