For many people, their boat is their pride and joy. They enjoy the freedom of being able to go out on the water whenever they want and love having the ability to invite friends and family members along for the ride and fun memories.
However, owning a boat isn’t all fun and games. A boat is a major responsibility. It requires maintenance, upkeep and cleaning. Cleaning regularly will keep the boat in its best possible condition while polishing can help prevent drag and prevent the surface from being scratched as easily.
These chores don’t have to be a huge drain on your time. Once you have an established routine and some cleaning basics down, you’ll be able to wrap up all your tasks for some smooth sailing.
Here are some important steps to take:
– Grab some cleaning products that are specifically made to deep clean, degrease, brighten and protect boats as well as trailers, rigs and marine equipment such as storage containers. Affordable commercial marine products are available in bulk from professional janitorial cleaning retailers like Worldwide Janitor.
– Once you have the products of your choice, prepare them for battle. Some are ready-to-use and others are concentrated formulas that need to be mixed with the proper amount of water before use. Pay close attention to recommended dilutions prior to mixing.
– Gather together your supplies. In addition to quality cleaners, you’re going to need other items such as a power sprayer, sponges, microfiber cloth, scrubbing brush and more. Read the instructions on your cleaning products and see what supplies you’ll need.
– Schedule a nice block of time for the cleaning. Many marine products require a quick application and then time to sit and “marinate” before being wiped clean. Be sure to leave yourself enough time to get it all done.
– Start with the actual cleaning itself. It definitely isn’t a glamorous process, but you won’t be able to brighten, buff or polish your boat until the foundation is sparkling clean and free from any dirt or salt particles. Skipping this important step could result in unsightly polishing and even some potential damage.
– Duck and cover. Any part of the boat that isn’t being cleaned should be covered and taped off. Cleaning and polishing products can be very powerful and you don’t them ruining your seat cushions, dashboard and other sensitive areas.
– When cleaning and polishing, the key is not to miss any spots. It may take a little extra time, but if you work in both directions, say first side to side and then follow that up with an up and down cleaning, you are much less likely to miss any areas of the surface.
– Don’t forget about the interior of the boat. While the exterior does take a beating from the water, salt, algae and marine life, the interior may be covered with scum, grime, salt, bug guts, water spots, grease and more. Use a heavy-duty cleanser and degreaser to remove these problems from engine rooms, decks, floors and galleys.
– If you have shipping or storage containers, oil rigs, dredges or barges that need to be cleaned, try an industrial strength paste product that can be spread on the surface, allowed to sit, scrubbed and rinsed away. Another option is an all-purpose detergent in concentrated a formula like “Sea Suds.” These are great for many tasks including cleaning boats and heavy equipment as well as laundry and cleaning any other surfaces not damaged by water. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions first.
– For bilge cleaning, try a biodegradable detergent that can be used as a cleaner and degreaser. Products such as Marine Clean can be added to existing bilge water before driving the boat. When in use, the natural motion will agitate and clean the bilge compartment much like a washing machine. These products work wonderfully for cleaning oil, grease, sludge and more in the bilge.
