Boats require constant upkeep, with cleaning being one of the most important tasks. Because a boat is built with so many different materials, it’s important to have specific cleaners for specific uses. Just like you wouldn’t wash your windows with wood floor cleaner, there are designated cleaners for their respective uses.
Boat Wash vs Household Soaps
While it might be tempting to use some household cleaners, like dish soap, it’s important to use soap designated for marine use. Household soaps can actually damage your boat. Dish soap is designed to take off grease and grime from your dishes. Typical dish soaps are more acidic than boat soaps, which usually have a pH of around 7, similar to water. Read More
Dish soaps, on the other hand, have a pH of around 4. This acidity can eat away at the wax layer that protects your gelcoat. If you continue to use dish soap once your wax coat is gone, it’ll move on to destroying your gelcoat.
The most common boat cleaning product is typically labeled as “Boat Wash.” Products like Star Brite Boat Wash provide a concentrated formula to remove salt, road grime, exhaust smudges, and waterline stains. They’re safe for all marine surfaces, which could range from non-skid to vinyl seats. Star Brite also has a specific product made for cleaning the outside of your hull. It’s designed to remove the scum line that builds up around boat ramps and marinas.
These types of boat cleaners are a good standard product to have in your boat cleaning supplies arsenal. They do ninety percent of the cleaning you need for your boat, but for more specific uses, there are different products.
Cleaning Non-Skid
Non-skid decks can be a burden to clean. The same texture that provides traction creates a million crevices for dirt, blood, and grime to settle in. Many non-skid deck cleaners can work as an all-purpose cleaner, allowing you to use one product for routine cleaning. Some non-skid cleaners also provide a protective coating once dried, helping to repel dirt and stains over time.
Removing Rust
Rust remover is one of the niche cleaners you may need to keep on hand. Some boats don’t have any issues with rust streaking, but it can be common on older boats. Most rust stainremovers come in a spray bottle. They’re simple to use, only requiring a spray and wipe down. Read More
Although it may be easier to keep rust stains wiped away and clean, some rust stains may be the result of a larger issue. This could include lower-quality fasteners that were exposed to moisture. In the event of saturated fiberglass coring, you might need more than just a cleaning product.
Aluminum Cleaners
Some boats have expansive aluminum framing in the form of wakeboarding arches, T-tops, or tuna towers. Keeping your metalwork clean can be a chore. To help aid this cleaning, there are specific aluminum cleaners. These types of cleaners may not need to be used every trip, but it is important to keep your metalwork in good shape to avoid pitting and corrosion.
Marine Vinyl Cleaners
Many styles of boats have extensive vinyl seating to allow for lounging, cruising, and entertaining. Although vinyl is a durable material, it is prone to mildew and requires some upkeep. For removing mold and mildew, Ultimate Vinyl Clean Spray is a great product made by Star Brite. It is safe to use on vinyl, plastic, rubber, and leather surfaces. Once your vinyl is clean it’s a good idea to apply a mold blocker to keep your cushions in pristine condition.
Cleaning Teak
Teak decking and accents are a staple on classic boats. Teak will weather and turn gray under the sun, but routine cleaning can keep it glowing. It is critical to avoid harsh chemicals on teak. Harsh chemicals can destroy the naturally protective oils present in teak, causing it to degrade. There are a multitude of products designed specifically to clean, brighten, and protect teak. Read More
Once you have used the different boat cleaning products, be sure to protect your boat’s metal work, deck, and upholstery with maintenance products like teak oil on teak, rust shielder on certain metal work, and vinyl guard on your vinyl. These products will make it much easier to help you achieve a clean boat!
Commonly Asked Questions About Boat Cleaning Supplies
What is the best thing to clean a boat with? (show/hide)
The best boat cleaning product depends on a few things! Most all-around boat soaps are safe to use on all surfaces. For weathered aluminum, an aluminum restorer is a great option to renew your tired aluminum hulls or rigging. On boats with a lot of upholstery, it is a good idea to use a specialty vinyl cleaner. Boats with teak decks should be cared for with teak-safe products so you don’t damage your beautiful woodwork.
What cleaning products to use on a boat? (show/hide)
It is important to only use boat cleaners on your boat. Household cleaners like dish soap can damage your boat with repeated use. Marine-specific cleaning products are specially formulated not only to be more effective for cleaning your boat but also safer for the environment than household cleaners.
There are hundreds of different hull cleaning options in the boating industry. Which one is best for your boat might depend on your location, budget, and boat. For serious staining at and below the waterline, a specialized hull cleaning product like Star Brite Instant Hull Cleaner can save a lot of elbow grease.
