
Maintaining a clean, well-maintained boat is not just about vanity. It’s an important part of basic maintenance. This extends the life of the materials that are exposed to the elements and improves their functionality. If you maintain it well, you will be able to sell your boat at a profit once is ready for an upgrade.
Knowing how to clean your boat is essential for every boat owner. Effective boat cleaning requires that you focus on the following areas:
- Interior surfaces (carpet, fiberglass, vinyl, cushions, head)
- Exterior surfaces (hull, gel-coat, canvas)
- Engine
- Teak
Are you ready to scrub? We’ll look at the different parts and pieces of your boat, both inside and outside.
How To Clean A Boat Interior
Each part of your boat’s interior is unique, whether you own a bowrider or a cabin cruiser. Consider the following:
- Marine Carpet
- Fiberglass Non-slip
- Vinyl
- Cushions
- Heads
How to clean a boat carpet
Carpets on boats are notoriously dirty. It’s constantly wet from people walking on it, it’s always filled with moisture and spills are possible at any time. Knowing how to clean boat carpets is important!
Marine carpet can be found inside cabins, cockpits, or head compartments. Many boats, such as bass boat are carpeted from the bow to the stern. Cleaning them is the same no matter which type of boat you have!
Remove everything that’s in your way. We recommend vacuuming up any loose dirt. Then, give it a good old scrubbing with a stiff bristle brush and soapy water.
Trailer boats can be parked at an angle so that the majority of the dirty water drains by gravity. On larger ships or inside cabins you may have to use a wet vacuum to remove the remaining water. Finally, speed up drying with the air conditioner and/or fans.
Cleaning boat fiberglass – Tackle oxidation & Stains
Inside and outside, you’ll find nonslip fiberglass with molded in non-skid. You can’t use it as you would other fiberglass parts. Waxing would make the surface slippery and defeat the purpose of having a non-slip surface. Remember these differences when deciding how to clean boat carpets versus boat fiberglass.
This process begins with a vigorous scrub using a stiff-bristle brush and soap. Bleach cleaners, like Soft Scrub, can be used to remove tough stains. Use it sparingly, and rinse thoroughly because bleach can be harsh on fiberglass surfaces.
After that, you can apply a non-skid treatment such as Star Brite Non Skid Deck Wax (or Woody Wax). These products aren’t “wax” as we know it, but polymer-based protector ants that shine and protect non-skids without making them slippery. Think of these products as suntan lotions for your non-skid.
Vinyl boat cleaning tips
All types of boats use vinyl, but especially those designed for cruising and watersports. Marine vinyl has been treated with anti-microbial at the factory, so it is a great choice to keep mold and mildew away. Avoid using strong chemicals that can remove them.
Keep your vinyls clean instead! Each time you use your boat, give them a gentle washing with soapy water. Grab a marine vinyl cleanser and scrub away those stubborn stains. Then rinse well, and add a vinyl protector for an extra shine.
Boat cushions
Interior cushions can become mildewed, musty or stained over time. Remove the covers, and wash them in cold-water. You can wash most cushion covers, if they are not vinyl. But be careful! Avoid using hot water or the dryer to avoid shrinking your covers.
Sprinkle baking soda on both sides of the cushion to remove the foam. Shake it off after a few hours. Then, spray the foam lightly with a mixture of vinegar and water.
Set the cushion somewhere breezy for a couple of days, until the vinegar smell fades. Spray them with the hose and wring them out. Then re-spray. It may take several soakings to get rid of all the dirt. After you’ve squeezed them, let them air dry before you put the covers back on.
Washing your heads (Toilets)
Cleaning marine heads can be compared to cleaning the toilets in your home. However, when it comes down to the lines that accumulate calcium and scale, the situation is different. The solution is simple! Every month, run a few tablespoons of white vinegar in the pipes.
Cleaning Boat Hulls And Exteriors
Now that the interior is clean, let’s move on to cleaning the boat hull and exterior. Let’s now clean the exterior and hull of your boat. You should focus on:
- Hull and Gel Coated Surfaces
- Hull bottoms
- Canvas and Clear Canvas
- Engines
- Teak
Hull surfaces and Gel-coated surfaces
Hullsides, and other surfaces with a smooth gel coating need to be well-maintained in order to prevent oxidation and keep them gleaming. It all starts with two layers paste wax applied as a basecoat in the spring.
Also, you can make your boat shine once a week by applying liquid carnauba. After each use, wash your boat with soap that contains liquid wax. This is often called “wash ‘n’ wax” soap. For a professional touch, consider using Boat Detailing Services in Perth to maintain your boat’s appearance and longevity.
If your boat is in a wet slip, chances are you’ve had the bottom painted with a antifouling paint. If your boat is on a wet dock, it’s likely that the bottom has been painted with Antifouling Paint.
Boat canvas
To prevent dirt and staining, the boat canvas should always be cleaned at least once a month. Rinse, hose down and scrub with a woolit-based mild soap and a soft bristle brush. It may need a deeper clean every few years.
The canvas can be washed in a machine with soap and two cups baking soda if it is small enough. If it doesn’t work or the canvas is large enough to be washed in the machine, you can scrub the canvas by hand.
Some manufacturers suggest a mix of baking soda and soap or a cup bleach with a quarter cup of soap per gallon of warm water. Consult your canvas manufacturer before you do this.
Clear canvas (Isinglass)
There are many types of clear canvas. These include polycarbonate acrylic and polyvinyl. All of these can be cleaned with a mild soapy wash and a microfiber or non-abrasive cloth.
After washing, wipe the curtains with a squeegee to remove any water drops and stop them from drying out and leaving water marks. Each manufacturer has its own recommended polishes or protectants to use after this stage.
Cleaning boat engines
Inboard and outboard engines both need to be regularly cleaned, inside out. Start by applying a thick coat of wax to the exterior and cowl of outboard engines. After each use, clean them with soap and water.
Treat these surfaces the same way you would your car. Avoid using abrasive brushes on the outer cowl and stick to microfiber towels or wash mitts.
In the case of inboards, what about the engine or under the cowl? Regularly clean any dirt or grime that accumulates. Remember that some chemicals and cleaners can damage electrical parts and wires. It’s best to leave engine cleaning to a professional.
Teak boat cleaning tips
Teak can be cleaned with a simple soapy wash, but it will only last so long. Depending on where you live, the air quality and UV levels, your teak may darken or look uneven.
You’ll need to use a teak cleaner with an acidic base at this stage. You can choose between simple one-part cleaners or more powerful two part options. It’s crucial to follow the instructions of the manufacturer in both cases.
Do Not Forget These Essential Boat Cleaning Tips
A clean ship will make you happy. It doesn’t matter if you are cleaning the boat fiberglass, cleaning cushions or cleaning the boat hull. Now that you have learned how to clean a vessel, your pride should be giggling from gunwale-to-gunwale.