Over a dozen years of being in power and motorsports journalism, we’ve encountered many a bottled or aerosol spray claiming to be a “waterless cleaner and protectant.” In fact, a cursory stroll through your local big chain auto parts store will introduce you to literally dozens of miracle cleaners that can do all of the work as a couple hours spent detailing your car, motorcycle or PWC. We joke that it’s the “super pill” of cleaners, claiming to help you lose weight, develop muscle and regain your youthful zeal without hitting the gym once. So, even though we’ve typically always been fans of Jet Renu’s line of products, we enter into this test with a heavy dollop of skepticism.
As the eagle-eyed observer might note, we’ve reviewed Jet Renu’s Dri Wash MX (12oz. aerosol can, $12.95) once before, but appropriately on the aluminum swingarm of a Kawasaki KX250F. This time around, we joined it with Jet Renu’s Renu Shield (12oz. aerosol can, $8.95) on a slightly used and abused 2015 Sea-Doo Spark. Because of the Spark’s molded PolyTec chassis and plastic components, we evaluated that the two Jet Renu products would respond not unlike the plastic fairings of a dirt bike. Moreover, it’s been noted by many Spark owners, that the black PolyTec skeleton is prone not to bleaching, but discoloring when spray waxes or other additives are used.
Also noteworthy, was that our Spark once brandished a complete vinyl wrap for well over a year, which upon its removal left quite a bit of residual glue and dirt outlining the edges of the now-gone wrap. With some chalky haze on the superstructure and grime ringing most of the colored paneled, we went to work with our Dri Wash. Jet Renu’s Dri Wash is a non-toxic, biodegradable cleaner developed to clean, maintain and protect most surfaces – again without the need for water. Targeted to remove waterspots, dirt and grime, it also works to remove other contaminants like bird droppings and road grime from your watercraft after towing it a long distance.
Because it’s a foamy cleaner, we sprayed the Spark in even white, frothy coats similar flocking a Christmas tree. Letting it sit let the chemicals work to break up the grime. Unfortunately, the Dri Wash MX couldn’t break up the leftover adhesive – although it did adequately clean the PolyTec Exoskel of previous spray polishes that had faded to white, returning it to a semi-gloss black. We applied some elbow grease and a little bit of Jet Renu’s Yellow degreaser, and quickly removed the glue from the Spark’s pineapple-yellow panels before wiping it down and preparing for the final pass of polish.
The Renu Shield MX is a clear applicant formulated for plastic and vinyl surfaces and leaves a nice, clean, non-greasy sheen. In applying it to the Spark’s black Exoskel, it went on evenly and didn’t pool or goop as other coatings tend to do. The PolyTec responded really well to the Jet Renu (much better than other products we’ve tried), and keeps a shine for more than a couple rides around the lake (although applying to the seat and footwells might make for a slippery ride). Because of the Spark’s unique build-material, traditional soaps, cleaners and polishes haven’t really worked out, but we did tend to return to the Renu Shield more often than anything else.
We’re still big believers of a wash mitt and bucket of soapy water to get your PWC spic-and-span, but for the quick touch up or last minute shine, both Jet Renu’s Dri Wash and Renu Shield are handy to keep in your trailer’s storage box.
