How to Clean a Boat the Right Way: A Simple Guide

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In 2017 alone, there were more than 12 million boats registered in the United States. For those boat owners, getting out on the water is one of the best ways to relax and enjoy the weather.

If you’re one of them, you know just how wonderful it can be to rock gently on the waves or feel the wind on your face.

However, there’s more to owning a boat than taking it out on the water. You also have to maintain it, and the best way to stay on top of maintenance is to keep it clean. Sure, you can take it to a detailing service, but you don’t have to.

If you’re wondering how to clean a boat yourself, here’s what you need to know to get started.

Give It a Thorough Rinse

Before you can start really cleaning your boat, you need to remove the surface layer of dust and dirt. Otherwise, you could end up scratching the finish and exposing your boat to severe damage in the water.

Use a hose with a spray nozzle and rinse the entire exterior thoroughly, starting from the top and working your way down. If you have access to a high-pressure hose, you can use it to blast away any buildup on the hull. Just make sure to use care around any decals, even if they’re covered with a clear coat.

Sometimes, the high water pressure can damage the decals or cause them to peel up. When this happens, you’ll either need to remove the decals or find a way to reattach them.

Clean the Grime Away

Once the surface dirt gets removed, you’re ready to start scrubbing. Use a dedicated boat cleaner or marine soap instead of automotive cleaners whenever possible.

These soaps feature additives that help protect your boat from water damage and UV damage. Over time, they can help your boat look like new for longer periods of time.

Follow the directions for your cleaner and get scrubbing. You’ll want to use a non-abrasive microfiber cloth or sponge on all fiberglass and gelcoat areas. Start at the top of the boat and work your way down.

For stubborn buildup on non-skid surfaces on your boat, let the cleaner sit for a few minutes and use a stiff-bristled scrub brush to get rid of the dirt.

Wax or Seal the Exterior

Once the dirt is gone, buff the exterior dry with a clean microfiber cloth. Then, apply a high-grade wax or use a dedicated gelcoat sealant to protect the exterior.

Once the coating sets, you’ll need to buff it out to restore the shine you love.

Take care to apply it on all gelcoat surfaces. Leaving even a small portion of the exterior unprotected can result in paint fade and UV damage.

Deep Clean the Carpets and Upholstery

Your boat’s exterior may be the largest area that you’ll need to clean, but it’s not the only part you should focus on. You need to give some TLC to your boat’s interior, too.

Start by deep cleaning the carpets and upholstery. If you have removable mats, pull them out and pressure wash them on the ground. This will power through any dirt and buildup in the fibers.

If you can’t remove the carpet, consider renting a carpet cleaner from your local hardware store. Use it to clean all of the carpeted surfaces in your boat and let them dry completely before taking your boat out on the water.

For stubborn stains, you may need to spot clean with a carpet cleaning solution. Let it soak for a few minutes and scrub at the stain with a stiff-bristled brush. Once it’s gone, rinse the carpet again with clean water.

Protect Work Surfaces and Tables

Whether you use your boat for fishing trips or to just enjoy the water, you’ll need to clean and protect the work surfaces and instruments onboard.

Use a non-abrasive cleaner to wipe down the dirt and buildup on the instrument panel, onboard tabletops and drink holders, and any sealed wood on the deck. Once you’re done, inspect them for damage or signs of wear and tear.

Most glass and fiberglass should stay in good condition for years. However, if you have wooden components, you may need to reseal them with high-grade epoxy. This will fill in the cracks and scratches to create a water-tight seal.

Read more here to learn about the different ways you can use up any remaining epoxy you have on-hand.

Treat All Vinyl Surfaces

Vinyl is the most common covering for seat cushions and, while it’s durable, it can start to break down after tons of sun exposure. Give those cushions a little TLC by cleaning off any dirt and debris. Make sure to clean all sides of your cushions completely.

Once they’re clean, apply a UV-blocking vinyl treatment to protect your cushions. These sprays are available at most boat supply stores, marinas, and even local hardware stores.

Clean the Windows and Lights

You can’t use your boat comfortably if you can’t see over the windscreen or through the windows on larger vessels. Use a gentle, non-abrasive glass cleaner to get rid of any water spots and dust on the surface.

You can keep it streak-free by using a clean microfiber cloth.

You’ll also want to inspect your portlights and make sure the protective housing is clean. If you notice cloudiness on the housing, a headlight cleaning kit, like the ones for cars, will help get rid of the buildup without breaking your budget.

Keep in mind that if the housing is too cloudy or too scratched, you may need to replace them entirely.

Now You Know How to Clean a Boat

Cleaning a boat takes time. It’s not something you can rush if you want to keep your boat in great shape for years to come.

Now that you know how to clean a boat, try it yourself. These simple steps will make the process easy.

For more helpful tips on caring for and maintaining your boat, check out our latest posts.