The Do's and Don'ts of Boat Cleaning
At a glance
Clean a boat by using supplies made for each surface, rinsing before scrubbing, caring for carpets and cushions, drying every surface, and inspecting the engine, propeller, and cover as part of a regular maintenance routine.
- Match every cleaner and tool to the surface.
- Rinse first, scrub gently, and dry thoroughly.
- Clean soft surfaces and inspect mechanical parts regularly.
Contents (8 sections)
In days of boating past, ships would have their washrooms cleaned by the natural motion of the waves. Known as the heads, these natural latrines cut down on the tasks required when maintaining the vessel.
However, a modern boat requires a little more work, but do you know how to do it properly?
Boat cleaning is essential to keep your investment looking ship shape. Read on as we discuss the do and don't of boat cleaning.
Do Stock Up
Boat maintenance, and especially boat cleaning, can be a lot quicker and efficient if you have the right boat cleaning tools and equipment. Start by making sure you have a hose hook up or a light water washer. High impact pressure washers can be too harsh.
A good boat cleaning kit puts everything in one place so you are not hunting for supplies when it is time to wash down.
Better Boat pick
Boat Exterior Cleaning Kit
Build a complete washdown setup in one box instead of piecing together soap, towels, sponge, eraser, and sprayer separately.
View productGet two buckets, one for soapy wash water and one for clean rinse water, so you can rinse grit out of your cloth before it goes back on the hull. Wash with a soft wash mitten or a light microfiber cloth. You will also need some long-handled brushes, both stiff and soft versions.
Helpful, but not essential, is a dry microfiber cloth for the inside of the boat. Buffing balls affixed to a drill can give it a shiny finish.
Don’t Choose the Wrong Cleaners
As well as the tools listed above, you will need cleaners and sealants for your vessel. Choose products made for each surface and cleaning task on your boat. You will also need a good amount, as cleaning products for boats do not tend to have universal uses that you would find on products for a car.
The first item on the list is boat soap and marine polish. If you are on saltwater, this is even more essential as you will be more prone to marine buildup.
The chrome on the boat also needs special cleaner, as other products can result in pitting and rust. A quality metal polish will give it sparkle and shine, protecting it while making your boat look fantastic.
Choose quality products that are suitable for your boat's materials and the cleaning task.
You’ll also want metal polish for your boat’s stainless steel and chrome components. Cleaning it with a glass cleaner or even mild detergent can actually lead the metal to rust more quickly.
Do Take Time on Glass
There are usually few glass areas on a boat, which means they can often be overlooked. However, even the most well-maintained boat can have its appearance tarnished by clouded and smeared glass fittings.
One glass cleaning option is to mix water and strong vinegar. Apply this using newspaper, cleaning in concentric circles. For a reusable option, use a synthetic chamois wash towel designed to avoid lint, streaks, and water marks.
Scratches on glass and plexiglass are hard to remove, so prevent them in the first place. Rinse grit off before wiping, use a soft cloth, and finish with a safe window squeegee.
Don’t Forget to Rinse Before
Just because your boat resides in the water, does not mean it is always clean. Salt, dirt, algae and other marine residue can build up on the hull. If you apply treatments on top of this, then they can get locked in and scratch and corrode the surface.
Pro tip. Rinse loose salt, dirt, algae, and residue away before washing. Use a soft sponge or microfiber cloth to reduce the risk of scratches.
Make a habit of hosing down the boat every time it comes out of the water. Hose it again before giving it a clean to take off any surface residue. Once rinsed, you can carry on washing it as normal and get the excellent finish you desire.
Once it’s rinsed, you can scrub away with abandon. Just make sure you’re doing it with a soft sponge or microfiber cloth. This will reduce the risk of scratches marring the finish.
Do Clean Carpets
If you have carpets on board, cleaning them is an essential part of boat maintenance. As they have increased exposure to moisture and water, it's easy for them to quickly discolor and become unsightly. You should vacuum and spot clean your carpet regularly.
Ideally, it should have a steam clean once in a while. If not, then you can use a DIY method.
Park the boat trailer on a slope, so that the stern is on the lower end. Remove the drain plug, then soak the carpet with a solution of vinegar and water. Scrub it with a stiff brush, making sure you get deep into the carpet fibers.
Rinse it all down with a hose and let the water drain out through the plug. You can then vacuum the carpet to help it dry out quicker. Give it time to dry fully before putting the boat into storage or taking it out again.
Your boat’s cushions are one of the most-used components in your boat. This means they’re particularly vulnerable to getting dirty and damaged, even when they’re covered with marine-grade vinyl.
You need to clean them often if you want them to continue looking and feeling great for years to come. Wipe up spills as they happen and vacuum up dust and dirt as needed.
If you notice mildew stains on the surface, use a product suitable for the cushion material, such as a mildew stain remover labeled for the surface.
If you're learning how to clean a boat, know that it’s also a good idea to let your cushions dry out completely between trips. Lift them up off the benches to allow proper airflow or prop them up on the floor so they can dry. You can put them back in place before you hit the water on your next trip.
Drying the cushions completely helps them stay lofty and comfortable over time. If you find mold stains, use a stain remover as directed.
Don't Let It Air Dry
Water sources contain minerals. When they air dry, these can be left behind on the hull of your boat. This can cause it to look like it has white specks and patches.
Pro tip. Wipe away rinse water instead of leaving it to air dry. This helps keep mineral spots from marking the finish.
A synthetic chamois dry towel soaks up rinse water fast, so you can wipe the hull down before spots form.
Better Boat pick
Synthetic Chamois Shammy Drying Towel
Absorbs standing water fast after a wash down, so minerals do not dry into spots on the finish.
View productWhile they won't do damage, they do not look great and can impact the appearance of the boat. Instead of letting the boat air dry, wipe it with a chamois dry towel, removing as much water as possible. This will give it a much more even finish.
Do Degrease the Engine
Cleaning and degreasing the engine is essential at the end of a season. It should be included in your preparation for winterizing the boat. Many people prefer to hire a professional to do this, but you can complete it yourself.
Get a high-quality degreaser and apply it to a cloth. Rub the engine's parts to remove accumulated oil, grease, and dirt. After this, you can protect it with a moisture shield, available from most good boat supply stores. Take a look at our marine degreaser.
The propeller is how your boat moves quickly through the water. While it’s designed to be durable and low-maintenance, you still need to inspect it before every trip and after you pull your boat out of the water.
Make this a part of your regular boat maintenance routine.
Look for chips and signs of corrosion on the fins. Check the propeller for algae, fishing line, rope, and any other debris that might wrap around the prop.
If you see anything wrapped around the fins or the supports, pull it off. Leaving it in place is a surefire way to damage your boat and your propeller.
Unless you’re lucky enough to be able to use your boat every day, year-round, you’re going to need to put it in storage. Leaving it uncovered may be the norm, but doing so puts your boat’s interior at risk for damage.
The sun’s UV rays can lead to dry rot of your upholstery and wooden features. Rodents and pests can get inside and nest in the materials and damage the electrical components of your boat.
Cover your boat before you put it in storage, even if you’re just storing it for the weekend. This helps reduce the interior's exposure to sun, moisture, and debris.
Boat Cleaning
Now you know the important tips for boat cleaning, you just need to stock up on equipment. Create a schedule for maintenance when you use the boat and a one for the beginning and end of the season. This will keep your boat maintained and prolong its life.
Pro tip. Set a cleaning schedule for regular use and seasonal maintenance. Inspect the boat after each trip so small issues are easier to address.
Your first stop for cleaning products should be Better Boat. From bilge cleaners to sealants, we provide high-quality goods for all your needs. See the full range of Better Boat products.
Just remember that whether you're first learning how to clean a boat or if you're a seasoned professional, take your time cleaning your boat and inspect it for damage after every trip.
The sooner you catch those minor issues, the easier and cheaper it will be to make the necessary repairs.
Quick quiz
Tap a question to see the answer.
Why should you rinse a boat before scrubbing it?
Rinsing removes loose salt, dirt, algae, and residue that could become trapped or scratch the surface.
How should boat carpets and cushions be handled after cleaning?
Let carpets drain and dry fully, and prop cushions up so air can circulate around them.
What should you check on a propeller during routine maintenance?
Look for chips, corrosion, algae, fishing line, rope, and other wrapped debris.
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