Everything you Need for How to Clean a Boat

By John Funk, September 27, 2022

Purchasing a boat is a huge investment, and if you own one, then it is likely one of your most prized possessions. Keeping your boat clean and looking good is an important part of basic boat maintenance and knowing how to clean a boat is imperative for any boat owner.

Keeping your boat in good shape should be made a priority, as it protects your investment and extends the useful lifespan of materials that are exposed to the environment. It also improves functionality, allowing you to enjoy your boat longer and bring in top-dollar when it’s time to trade it in for a new vessel.

While regular cleaning is a basic part of boat maintenance, it takes the right boat cleaning supplies to get down to business. Here are a few important items that you will need for cleaning your boat:

Microfiber cloth
Vinyl cleaner
Soft bristle brush
Stain remover
Wash-n-wax soap
A hose with clean water

How to Clean a Boat Interior

Most boats have similar interior surfaces, like cushions, marine carpet, and so on, and keeping the inside clean involves a similar process, irrespective of what model you have.

Here’s what you need to do to keep your boat interior clean.

How to Clean Boat Seats

Mildew build-up on interior cushions is quite common. You should first remove the cover and wash them in cold water.
Sprinkle baking soda on both sides of the musty or mildewed cushions. Shake it off after letting them sit in a sunny spot for a few hours. Once this is done, you need to shake all the baking soda out and mist the cushion with a 50-50 mix of water and vinegar.
Place the cushion foam in a sunny spot or a well-ventilated area till it becomes dry and the smell of vinegar goes away.
You can use fresh water from a hose to rinse the cushion foam out. It may take several soakings to get all the grime out. After squeezing the water out completely, wait till they become air-dry completely before putting the covers back on.

How to Clean Marine Boat Carpet & Heads

When it comes to smaller boats, marine carpet is usually found in cabins, cockpits, or head compartments. Some types of boats like bass boats might be carpeted from bow to stern.
Irrespective of the type of boat you have, it is advisable to first use a vacuum to remove the loose dirt and debris.
Giving an old-fashioned scrub-down with a soft bristle brush and a diluted cleaning solution will help in deeper cleaning.
When it comes to a trailered boat, it may be inclined at a certain angle that may cause water to pool at the low point. You can use a wet vacuum cleaner to suck up the remaining water. Once this is done, you can speed up the drying process by running the AC.
When it comes to marine heads, which are also referred to as marine toilets, you can simply use a cleaning disinfecting solution on the surface and wipe it clean. You can run a few cups of white vinegar through the lines once a month to get rid of the calcium deposits and also to prevent limescale.

How to Clean Vinyl on a Boat

The vinyl surfaces on boats are most likely resistant to mold and mildew as most boats feature vinyl that was pre-treated at the factory with antimicrobial agents. Therefore, you should avoid using harsh chemical cleaners and just focus on keeping the pieces of vinyl clean by giving them a washdown with gentle soapy water and a microfiber cloth each time you use your boat.
You can wipe the vinyl off to prevent stains. A marine vinyl cleaner can be used to get rid of tough stains. This can be followed up with a thorough rinse and an application of a vinyl protectant.

How to Clean Non-Slip Boat Fiberglass

Non-slip fiberglass is a type of material that is molded and you need to be very careful while cleaning it, especially while cleaning it with waxes, as it may make the surface slippery, which is why it cannot be treated like other fiberglass parts.
You can start cleaning non-slip fiberglass with a soft bristle brush, an all-purpose cleaning solution, and water. To remove tough stains, you can make use of a scrubbing cleaner that contains a little amount of bleach. However, you need to ensure that you don’t overuse it or leave it on for a longer time as it can be a bit abrasive.
You can then make use of non-skid deck waxes which are protectants with polymers that will help in keeping non-slip fiberglass shiny without making it slippery.

How to Clean a Boat Exterior

When compared to the boat’s interior, cleaning the exterior might be a little more challenging and complicated.

Let’s look at the steps that you need to implement to keep your boat’s exterior clean.

How to Clean a Boat Hull

Boat hulls and other smooth gel-coated surfaces require special care and serious protection to stay shiny and avoid oxidation that can cause damage.
You can use a marine-grade wash-n-wax type product to clean your boat hull and hillsides. The advantage of using this product is that it contains a liquid wax that can help protect your hull’s finish. This could be a lengthy process, depending on your boat size. You will have to wet your boat with a hose or bucket and scrub the soapy diluted product on with a cloth or soft bristle brush. Finally, you need to rinse it off.
Make sure to use at least two coats each time you wax your boat. Liquid carnauba wax helps keep the hull shiny and protected. Do not forget to include the bottom while washing and waxing if you are cleaning your boat on a trailer.

How to Clean Boat Canvas & Clear Canvas

The process of cleaning the canvas and clear canvas on your boat begins by spraying it off with clean water from the hose. Once this is done, give it a brief scrub with a diluted all-purpose cleaning solution, and then give it a rinse.
The boat canvas cleaning process should be done at least once a month to prevent staining and prevent dirt from getting embedded in the material.
It is important to carry out a deeper cleaning of the boat canvas annually. If the canvas is small enough, it can be machine washed using warm water, soap, and two cups of baking soda. If this doesn’t work, then it can be scrubbed by hand.
There are several different types of clear canvas such as polycarbonate, acrylic, and polyvinyl. The cleaning process of these begins with a gentle wash-down with soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge or microfiber cloth. Once this is done, wipe the curtains with a squeegee or chamois that helps in removing water droplets and preventing them from drying and leaving behind water spots.

How to Clean a Boat Engine

As a boat owner, you need to understand that it is very important to clean your engines, be they outboard or inboard engines.
The process of cleaning an inboard engine is quite simple, as you just need to wipe down the engine to remove any grime or dirt that might have accumulated there. If you find the wiring and smaller engine components to be dirty, it is advisable to call a pro, because such components could be damaged by chemicals and in such cases, it is always better to get professional help.
Cleaning an outboard engine requires some time and effort. You need to wash the cowl and exterior with a mild cleansing solution and water after every use. Make sure to wash the cowl at least once a year using microfiber cloths or wash mitts and strictly avoid using an abrasive cleaner or stiff brush on the cowl.

How to Clean a Top-Quality Boat Cover

A top-quality boat cover is a must to protect your boat from hazardous elements. It can protect your boat from UV rays that will not only cause your paint to fade but can also damage your seats, dashboard, upholstery, and so on. An effective cover can also protect your boat from other elements such as dirt and dust, tree sap, bird dropping, hail, snow, and more.

Here are a few important tips on how to clean a boat cover:

An effective way of cleaning a boat cover is by using a hose and a soft bristle brush.
You will need to mix up a cleaning solution to get rid of stubborn spots and stings.
A mild soap can be used, but it has to be a properly formulated cleaning solution to work better.

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