How to Clean Your Boat Before Summer

By John Funk, Apr 21, 2025

With spring coming to an end, get ready to welcome back the hottest (but for many people, the most enjoyable) season of the year: summer! It’s finally time to whip out those swimsuits, invite your friends and family over for a socially distanced campfire at the beach, and get your boat out of winter retirement. Sounds like a lot of fun, right? You bet it is!

Boats can be pretty expensive, so if you want to enjoy them for years to come, you need to give them some TLC. Hopefully, that’s what you did when you stored your boat over the winter. But now that you’re looking at one of your most prized possessions, you might realize it’s become filthy from all those months in storage. If you’re a new boat owner, there’s a good chance that you’re absolutely clueless on how to clean a boat. Need help? Read on!

How to Clean a Fiberglass Boat

Cleaning a boat takes time and effort, but thankfully, it is not as hard as you think. All you need are the right materials, some open space, and a bit of your time. A clean boat is just a few steps away with the right approach , including a boat wash and wax to protect its surface. Add a little sweat equity and you can get your boat ready for the water in no time! If you don’t have the time to do it yourself, you can always have a professional to do it for you, but this can set you back $40-$50 per foot of boat.

If you’ve decided to take on the challenge of cleaning your boat, then let’s get started.

First things first: prepare all the needed materials. You need to use the right tools for the job to make the boat washing process easier.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Water hose, buckets, and sponges
Cleaning brushes. Make sure they’re sturdy enough to withstand usage and have long handles to get to those hard-to-reach places. Also, use a medium-soft brush to prevent damaging the boat’s finish.
Boat soap. Make sure that the soap you are going to be using is tough on dirt, yet environmentally friendly.
Chamois or microfiber cloth
Buffer and boat wax

Now that you have all that you need, it’s time to learn how to clean a boat hull. This may be the first time you’re doing this, so we prepared this handy step-by-step guide for your reference.

Rinse your boat. Never scrub a dry boat, since this can damage the finish and gel coat. As a precaution, rinse off your boat with fresh water from top to bottom before applying anything. For thorough boat bottom cleaning, make sure to pay special attention to areas that tend to accumulate dirt and algae.
Soap and scrub. Mix the boat soap with water in a bucket and use a sponge for scrubbing. Rinse off the soap as soon as possible to keep it from drying and leaving behind some ugly streaks. In outboard-powered boats, don’t forget to clean the motor, lower drive unit, prop area, and motor mounts, where dirt tends to accumulate.
Scrub the deck. Use a long-handled scrub brush and a boat soap for scrubbing the deck. Avoid using bleach, since it can be extremely toxic.
Dry your boat immediately after washing, using a soft, highly absorbent cloth to prevent spotting.
Buff and wax. Apply wax to preserve the look of your boat and protect it from the elements. For best results, buff the surface before applying the wax.

Pre-Summer Boat Cleaning Checklist

Aside from cleaning the hull and deck, don’t forget to check on the following before setting sail this summer. These parts need cleaning, too!

Clean dirty windows like a pro by using simple a water and vinegar solution and a clean microfiber cloth. For scratched windows, ask a professional for help.
Dirty Metals. There’s metal all around your boat, and it will be pure joy to see it shine brightly like the rest of your boat! To do this, get an appropriate chrome or stainless steel cleaning solution from your nearest hardware store, apply it on the metalwork, and leave it on for 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the manufacturer’s directions. Afterward, wipe it off with a clean cloth and apply a wax sealer or protectant. Then, step back and admire your handiwork.
Oxidized Metals. For pitted or oxidized metalwork, grab some metal wax and leave it on the affected area overnight. Then, grab a piece of fine bronze wool and gently scrub off the wax the next day. Repeat this several times until you fix the issue.
Vinyl upholstery. Do you know how to clean boat seats, especially vinyl boat seats? Here’s how you do it: First, clean off the upholstery with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or salt. You may also use vinyl boat seat cleaners if you want to make sure your seats are spotless and apply some spray-on furniture polish to protect against stains. For upholstery with mildew, use a solution with 1 part ammonia and 4 parts water or commercial stain removers, followed by a fresh water rinse.
If you have a carpet in the cabin, vacuum and spot clean it from time to time. Consider using a stain remover for hard-to-remove stains.
It’s a sin to forget about your engine, so make sure everything is fine and functioning before you take it out of storage for the summer. Use an engine cleaner such as WD-40, along with a cleaning cloth, to remove accumulated dirt, grime, and grease. WD-40 also protects your engine parts from exposure to moisture.

Now that you know how to clean a boat and have invested some sweat equity to make sure your boat is sparkling clean and ready to hit the water, get ready for some serious fun!

The Advantages of Using a Top-Quality Boat Cover

Even the most thorough cleaning won’t protect your boat from the elements once it’s back in storage or docked for an extended period. That’s where a high-quality boat cover comes in — a small investment that goes a long way in protecting your prized possession.

Here are some key benefits of using a top-quality boat cover:

Protection from the Elements

A top-quality boat cover acts as a shield against harsh environmental factors like sun, rain, snow, and wind. Extended sun exposure can lead to the fading and deterioration of your boat's paint and materials, while trapped moisture promotes the development of mold and mildew. A durable boat cover keeps these elements at bay, helping your vessel maintain its pristine condition year-round.

Storing your boat, whether tucked away in a garage, parked on a trailer, or left docked by the shore, can quickly result in hours of tedious cleaning and maintenance work. However, with a durable boat cover, you can stop debris like leaves, dirt, and bird droppings from settling in the first place. This means fewer scrubbing sessions and more time spent on the water, enjoying the freedom of the open sea. It's a small, worthwhile investment that saves you valuable time and effort, so you can focus on the adventures ahead!

Prevents Water Damage

High-grade boat covers offer exceptional protection against water damage by being both 100% waterproof and breathable. This dual-function design ensures that rain, snow, and humidity don’t seep into your boat's interior, where they could cause serious damage to the upholstery, electronics, and flooring.

Unlike standard tarps or low-quality covers that trap moisture inside, these premium covers create a watertight barrier that keeps your vessel dry and secure in all weather conditions.

Equally important is the breathable nature of these covers, which allows trapped moisture and condensation to escape rather than linger. This aspect is vital for stopping mold and mildew from thriving, which can cause unpleasant smells, pose health hazards, and lead to expensive damage.

Whether you’re storing your boat for the winter or shielding it from an unexpected summer storm, using a high-grade cover helps maintain a clean, dry interior, ensuring your boat is always ready for your next adventure on the water.

Long-Term Cost Savings

Boat repairs and replacements can be expensive, especially when it comes to faded vinyl seats, cracked dashboards, or damaged electronics. Using a high-quality boat cover helps minimize wear and tear caused by daily exposure to the elements. Over time, this protective layer can significantly reduce the need for repairs and replacements.

Though a quality boat cover requires an initial investment, it ultimately saves you money by protecting your boat and extending its lifespan. Think of it as insurance — a small expense now, big savings later. When it’s time to sell or upgrade your boat, a well-maintained vessel often fetches a much higher resale value.

Theft Deterrence and Added Security

A covered boat is less tempting to potential thieves or vandals. By keeping valuable components hidden and reducing visibility, a boat cover adds a layer of protection that discourages unwanted attention.

Most boat covers also come with secure locking systems or can be paired with additional security accessories.

In addition to deterring theft, a snug-fitting cover can keep curious animals and pests from nesting inside your boat while it’s in storage. Rodents and birds can cause serious damage if they get inside, so a quality boat cover ensures your vessel is protected both inside and out.

Easy Preparation for the Next Adventure

When summer arrives, the last thing you want is to delay your first boating trip with an hours-long cleaning session. A top-quality boat cover keeps your boat clean and ready to go at a moment’s notice. No need to wash away months of grime before setting sail — just remove the cover, do a quick check, and hit the water.

Why Choose Seal Skin's Smartly Designed Boat Covers

Seal Skin’s boat covers are built with both innovation and durability in mind, offering a smart solution for boat owners who want to protect their investment without constant hassle.

Each cover is carefully tailored to match a wide range of boat shapes and sizes, ensuring a snug and secure fit. This prevents shifting, flapping, or water pooling during storage or transport.
The covers come with reinforced seams, elastic hems, and durable tie-down straps for quick and easy installation. You can put them on or remove them without struggling or needing extra hands.
Seal Skin uses advanced, marine-grade materials that are 100% waterproof, UV-resistant, and breathable. This keeps moisture out while allowing trapped condensation to escape, preventing mold and mildew.
Our covers are designed to withstand the harshest conditions, from heavy rain and snow to scorching sun and salty air. Your boat remains protected throughout every season.
Built with tough, long-lasting materials, Seal Skin covers are made to endure years of outdoor exposure. They help maintain your boat’s value by shielding it from wear and tear.
Because the covers keep out dust, debris, and environmental grime, your boat stays cleaner for longer. That means less frequent washing and more time enjoying the water.
Seal Skin offers high-quality protection at a competitive price point. It's a cost-effective solution that helps you avoid spending on cleaning, maintenance, and repairs, while also preserving your boat’s value.

What Makes Our Brand Unique

Finding a car cover that provides a perfect fit and reliable protection at an affordable price can be tricky. Custom-fit options often come with a high price, leaving many car owners struggling to find a balance between quality and cost. As a result, people frequently settle for cheaper, poorly made options that wear out quickly and fail to protect the vehicle effectively, leading to higher costs over time.

Seal Skin bridges that gap with semi-custom car covers that combine affordability and performance. Designed to fit your vehicle better than generic options, these covers offer excellent protection against harsh weather, harmful UV rays, and debris, all without the premium price. With a strong emphasis on durability and a close fit, Seal Skin covers provide long-lasting value that helps you avoid the cycle of constant replacements.

Keep Your Boat Squeaky Clean and Ready for Summer with a Seal Skin Cover!

If you feel that cleaning your boat is too much for you but you don’t want to spend on having it professionally cleaned, here’s a cheaper option: Use a high-quality boat cover such as the ones we have at Seal Skin. At Seal Skin Covers, you get more than your money’s worth. Our products are 100% waterproof yet extremely breathable, tough, durable, and extremely affordable.

If you’re interested in buying a cover for your precious boat, call us at 800-915-0038 during our office hours (Monday to Sunday, 9 AM to Midnight EST) and we’ll answer all your questions about our products, exchange, and refund policies. We have the best covers for your boat so give us a call today!