Guide · Car wash and vehicle care ·
How to Clean a Boat
Boats are constantly exposed to salt water, sun, wind-blown dust, bird droppings and fuel marks; as salt crystals dry they dull surfaces and leave marks on metal fittings. How to clean a boat depends on the material of each surface: the fibreglass (polyester) hull, the non-slip deck, stainless and chrome fittings, acrylic windows and the cabin interior all need different methods. This guide explains how to clean a boat, how to clean a fibreglass boat and how to clean boat chrome. For caravans, see our guide how to clean a caravan.
Before you start
- Read the manufacturer's instructions: the care recommendations of the boat and equipment manufacturers come first.
- Work in the shade and at a cool time of day: water and detergent that dry in the sun leave marks on the surface.
- Protect the electrics: do not spray water on sockets, panels or navigation equipment.
- Follow marina rules: choose the washing area and handle waste water according to the marina's rules.
How to clean a boat? Step by step
- After every use, rinse the boat with fresh water from top to bottom to remove the salt.
- Wash the deck and hull with a soft brush or sponge and the cleaner recommended by the boat manufacturer.
- Rinse again with fresh water.
- Dry the surfaces with a chamois or microfibre cloth; do not leave salt water marks.
- Clean the cabin as described in the section below.
How to clean a fibreglass boat?
The hull of fibreglass (polyester) boats is coated with a glossy layer called gelcoat; over time sun and salt dull it, turn it yellow and scratch it. Rinse the fibreglass hull with fresh water and wash it with a soft sponge and the gelcoat cleaner recommended by the boat manufacturer; do not use abrasive powder, wire brushes or hard pads. Acidic and solvent-based products can damage the gelcoat; for yellow marks at the waterline and stubborn stains, choose products suitable for gelcoat. For polishing the gelcoat, cleaning below the waterline and applying antifouling paint, consult a boat maintenance specialist.
The deck and non-slip surfaces
- Brush away the dirt and salt that settle in the non-slip deck pattern with a soft-bristled brush.
- Do not use stiff brushes or a pressure washer on teak (wooden) decks; they wear away the wood fibres.
- Soften bird droppings with water and remove them without delay.
- Blot any fuel spilled during refuelling straight away with an absorbent cloth.
How to clean boat chrome?
- Rinse stainless and chrome fittings with fresh water after every use.
- Wipe with a soft, damp microfibre cloth and dry with a dry cloth; do not leave salt crystals.
- Do not use wire brushes, steel wool or abrasive powder; the surface will scratch.
- For general stainless steel care: how to clean stainless steel.
The cabin, windows and cushions
- Wipe hard, wipeable surfaces in the cabin with START all-purpose surface cleaner diluted in the amount on the label.
- On acrylic (Perspex) windows use the product recommended by the boat manufacturer and wipe with a soft, damp microfibre cloth; on glass windows you can use START glass cleaner.
- Wash removable cushion covers according to their labels: how to wash seat cushions.
- Air the cabin; do not leave damp cushions and towels in closed lockers.
What not to do
- Leaving salt water to dry on surfaces.
- Using wire brushes, abrasive powder and hard pads on a fibreglass hull.
- Rubbing acrylic windows with a dry cloth.
- Spraying water on electrical panels and sockets.
- Discharging cleaning waste water in breach of marina rules.
For marinas and boat rental businesses
At marinas, boat rental companies and day-trip boats, boats welcome guests every day; rinsing with fresh water after every return, wiping cabin surfaces, washing cushion covers in rotation and airing the cabin make for a well-organised routine. For cabins and guest areas, see the hotel cleaning supplies list. START All-Purpose Surface Cleaner is produced in a 5 L pack and START glass cleaner in a 1 L pack; for bulk purchases you can request a quote.
