Tips for Cleaning and Maintaining Your Boat
- Use non-toxic cleaners sparingly.
- Choose the Right Cleaning Products
- Prevent Algae Growth
After unloading passengers and gear, the mate starts cleaning, taking 15 to 30 minutes depending on boat size. He scrubs all boat portions with a soapy, long-handled brush, then hose-rinses everything with freshwater.
To clean hard boat surfaces, use a mild soap or household cleaner. Clean fiberglass with a spray cleaner/wax product.
Scrub teak regularly with soap and water. Use an acid-based teak cleaner if it blackens and looks mottled, after removing the teak from the boat to avoid damage.
Use hydrogen peroxide cleaners on your vessel. Don’t use toxic products.
Clean regularly to prevent algae. Use a pressure washer, chemical cleaner, or antifouling paint to remove and prevent algae.
Can I clean my boat with vinegar?
Use alternative cleaning products. If you use detergents, use phosphate-free, bio-degradable, and non-toxic cleaners sparingly. Soak rusty tools in a mixture of 1⁄4 cup of salt per liter of white vinegar.