How to Clean a Boat

Cleaning and maintaining a boat is not a project, but rather a practice. It is true that keeping a watercraft in good shape takes time and effort. It is also true that by doing so, you are actually taking care of and prolonging the life of your beloved possession and investment. In this article, we will cover all things related to basic boat cleaning.

Why clean your boat?

Aside from extending your watercraft’s lifespan, proper boat maintenance is the key to improved performance, economical fuel consumption, and enhanced durability. Not to mention the satisfying showroom-like look you can achieve each time you detail a boat.

When should you clean your boat?

Watercraft cleaning should be a regular routine that serves as a preventive measure against unwanted mechanical breakdowns and deterioration. How often you should clean your boat depends on your frequency of use and preference. Washing your boat every after use is a good habit to do to avoid erosion and wear-and-tear. Waxing and deep-cleaning (or detailing) are advisable when you plan to store your vessel for some time.

What do you need to clean a boat?

First things first, you will need boat cleaning tools and equipment. This part of the process is freestyle, which means that you can opt for your preferred brands and tools. You won’t have to follow a certain checklist of certain brands of boat detailing products to buy. 

For instance, the tools you’re going to need will depend on whether or not you’re washing your craft often or only on an occasional basis. If you plan to clean your boat rarely, then an inexpensive average-standard piece of equipment may suffice your needs. However, for seasoned mobile detailers like ourselves, we typically go for durable ones even if they cost us a little more. 

As for the cleaning agents, there is no special trade name for this. Although, we personally prefer to use organic and eco-friendly cleaning agents to protect the environment and marine life. The real secret to achieving great results lies in the way you use these products in how to properly clean a boat. For starters, we’ve listed below some of the basic cleaning supplies you will need:
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• Foam cannon
• Power washer
• Microfiber towels, pads, sponges, chamois cloths
• Soaps or cleaning agents
• Buffer
• Scrub brushes
• Polymer sealant (or boat wax)
• Vacuum (for the interiors)

Pro Tip: We recommend using polymer sealants over wax for their long-lasting durability in saltwater. Wax usually wears off after a week or so, but sealants don’t easily wear off.

How to clean a boat?

Now that you have all the things that you’ll need ready, it’s time to get your hands dirty (or get cleaning in this matter). We have listed below the step-by-step process of cleaning a boat, as well as the common boat detailing mistakes to avoid.

Divide and conquer

Since cleaning an entire boat takes some time, it is advisable that you focus on one area at a time rather than do the whole craft at once. This is to avoid soaps drying out before you can actually rinse them off. 

Interior and exterior

While there is no exact rule on which between the two takes priority, as a professional boat cleaner, we suggest doing the interiors first. We find this a more efficient way since the dirt doesn’t go back and forth. So, we first take care of the cabin, toilets, storage areas, carpets, engines, etc. Then, we follow with the vinyl seat cushions, isinglass, metals, teaks, and floor. Finally, we do the hull and the bottom part of the vessel.

Easy 5-step boat cleaning basics

1. Rinse - hose down or pressure-wash the boat starting from the highest point all the way down to remove dirt, algae, grime, or debris.
2. Wash - dilute boat cleaning agent into a bucket or a foam cannon and apply to your boat. Then, using scrub brushes and cleaning pads or towels, thoroughly wash the boat.
3. Rinse again - wash down all the cleaning solutions from your boat.
4. Dry - using chamois and microfiber cloths, dry out all the areas of the boat that you’ve washed. 
5. Buff - Once dry, buff then apply sealants to the surfaces and (wax) to the metals, gel coats, screens, and isinglass.

Pro tip: If you are undecided on whether a do-it-yourself or DIY boat cleaning vs professional service is better, think of the pros and cons for each. While DIY cleaning saves you money at the moment, quality service from a professional detailer will actually save you more in the long run, plus the peace of mind that comes with the dependable outcome. This is because detailing experts know the ins and outs of proper boat maintenance, which you may miss when doing it yourself. Additionally, they have the right equipment, tools, strategies, and experience to get the job done right.

Where should you go to get mobile boat detailing services?

Should you decide to let a pro take care of your boat for you, then you are halfway to finishing the task. All you need to do now is find a reliable, experienced, and trusted company to get the job done. Luckily, Tampa Boat Detailing Pros is just a phone call away. With a mobile team ready to go at your convenience, we are capable of providing top-notch detailing service in the comforts of your home or watercraft storage location.

We also offer maintenance plans to fit your schedule and budget. To book a boat cleaning schedule, you can give us a call, email us, or fill out our online form to get a free quote.