Living in Florida, I rode boats all my life. One of the most common complaints I hear from boat owners is that they spend a lot of money on cleaning products that extremely destroy the original finish on a gel coat or vinyl upholstery. I believe that one of the important steps to properly clean your boat is to use the right products. Save time and money by doing it right the first time and at the same time protecting the environment.
Here are the tips that I live:
Cleaners
1. Choose cleaning brushes that are durable and get rid of stubborn dirt, dirt and salt without damaging the finish. For most situations, a medium soft bristled brush will be fine.
2. A long, durable handle on the cleaning brush will allow you to reach these hard-to-reach areas and get rid of the tension on your back and arms.
3. While you do not want to break the pot on your cleaning brush, make sure that it can withstand reuse, sun, cleaning products and salt water.
4. A bucket for your cleaning solutions that is large enough for your brush.
5. If you use a mop, sponge, cloth, or towel, keep them all in your bucket so you don’t have to look for them every time you use them.
6. Sea class products can be conveniently found on the Internet and in larger containers than at your local super store. Save on shipping costs by ordering everything you need right away.
Cleaners
1. Choose a soap that will be tough for dirt, mud, salt, sunscreen products, and possibly fish, but it will easily cope with the environment.
2. Never use the same soap that you would use to clean dishes at home.
3. Use a biodegradable cleanser with a neutral pH.
4. Always use fresh water; never use water from a river, ocean or lake in your cleaning solution.
5. Follow the instructions on the cleaning products for dilution and general use. Some concentrated detergents may not be suitable for your boat, as these cleaners may be removed and be detrimental to fines during long-term storage.
Prepare your cleaning area
1. Before you start cleaning, you need to completely rinse the entire boat.
2. If you plan to clean the upholstery, wipe it with a damp cloth to remove all surface dirt and salt. Rinse the fabric thoroughly so as not to spread the dirt and grime you are raising.
3. Wipe the glass with a damp cloth to remove dirt and salt. It will also keep your cloth used to clean your glass and provide a clean shine.
Clean top down
1. Start from the top and move your way down one section at a time.
2. Work in small areas and thoroughly rinse each section before proceeding to the next.
3. Moisten with a sponge moistened in soap solution, wipe and rinse.
4. Medium soft brush can be used for those who find it difficult to clean non-slippery surfaces. Wet your brush with plenty of foam, and it will brush between the grooves without a lot of muscle.
5. Use the same cleaning solution that you use for your body to clean the deck. You can come back with a stronger cleaner if you have really hard spots to remove.
6. If you have an outboard, do not forget to wind and rinse the motor, the lower part of the drive and the support area, where corrosive salt and dirt tend to accumulate.
7. After cleaning the entire area, use a soft, dry cloth to soak up the water. Wool fabrics or dry suede mops are good choices because they are highly absorbent and absorb water without opening or scratching.
Glass cleaning
1. A simple solution of water and vinegar works well as a glass cleaner, and it is easy for the environment.
2. Use a soft, non-abrasive cloth or paper towel to protect against damage to your glass.
Cleaning vinyl upholstery
1. Regular cleaning of your upholstery will prevent dirt and dirt from getting into the upholstery. Use your simple solution for water and vinegar to wipe the upholstery before and after each use.
2. If you have stains and it is difficult to remove dirt on your upholstery, use a medium soft brush and cleaner designed for boat upholstery. I believe that a liquid concentrated cleaner, mixed with water, allows you to wash the area and brushes in order to achieve this deep dirt and grime.
3. If there are mold spots on the vinyl upholstery, use a brush for a deck with medium soft bristles and a scrub with a mixture of water and ammonia (4 parts water to 1 part ammonia). Rinse with fresh water, dry and repeat this process, if necessary.
4. For more severe mold cases, several effective commercial or marine stain removers are suitable for use on vinyl upholstery.
Carpet Cleaning
1. Vacuum and stain Clean your carpet often to remove dust and dirt that may accumulate and settle deep in the carpet.
2. If the carpet is removable, remove the carpet and place it on a flat surface for cleaning. To clean the entire area, use a carpet or steam cleaner. Leave on dry air.
3. If the carpet is stained or stained, use a quality stain remover, then repeat the process of cleaning carpets or steam cleaners.
Tick care
1. Regular teak care will require preserving the original rich color and protecting the tree.
2. If your tick has already lost its shine, you can use a tick cleaner to remove oxidation, oil, fish stains, spills and varnishes.
3. Allow the tic to naturally approach the silver gray or apply tick oil or teak sealant for longer protection.
Shining chrome and stainless steel
1. There are many quality cleaners and sealants available for storing chrome and stainless steel on your boat, protected, shiny and bright. After applying a light film, let it sit for about 15-30 minutes. Then wipe it with a clean cloth.
2. After cleaning, you can also apply a quality sealant / protective wax to create a protective barrier against rigid elements.
3. If your steel structures are already bulged or oxidized, apply high-quality metal and leave it on the problem site overnight. In the morning, take a piece of fine bronze wool and carefully clean the wax. You may have to repeat this process several times.
