Boat Cleaning Tips & Tricks
The joy of expertly manoeuvring your sparkling clean boat through equally sparkling waters, is second to none. But there are many reasons to try and keep your vessel as immaculate and well - maintained as the day you bought it. A cared - for boat will run better, live for longer and sell for more if you decide to eventually part ways. We'll take you through each stage of the boat cleaningprocess, sharing our Honda hacks to help you cleanse away dirt, remove debris and handle the corrosive effects of saltwater.
Ready? Okay. Let's get scrubbing ...
1. Always do a pre-clean
River, lake or sea, the size of the clean-up depends entirely on the scale of your last adventure. Before you add any cleaning products to your vessel, first do a rinse to clear away any salt water or river debris. A good sluice of clean water will give you a fresh surface to scrub, or you could consider a jet hose or pressure washer if there are any seriously grimy spots.
2. Make your own cleaning solution
Now for the clean. You could purchase a specialist marine cleaning solution; however a simple homemade mix of baking soda and water can be just as effective, and better for the environment. When you make your own cleaning solution, you can be sure that your boat exterior is free from abrasive products or chemicals. Whilst you can DIY your products, it is worth investing in the right tools for the task at hand. You can buy specialist brushes with telescopic handles to make it easy to reach all angles of your boat from the shore. Specially designed scrub pads and soft bristled brushes will ensure you don't scratch any vinyl lettering or graphics as you clean.
3. Rinse and repeat
Take extra care to ensure that every last drop of cleaning solution is thoroughly cleaned away - with no residue left remaining. Again, you can do this with a simple bucket of clean water, though a hose or pressure washer will make easy work of this task, if you have them to hand.
4. Dry your boat
You may be tempted to leave your boat to dry in the sunshine. But, after a thorough soaking, excess water can pool in pockets and dipped areas around your boat. Water droplets will also create stubborn spots on the exterior - ruining the effect of the clean. To achieve the best finish, use a dry sponge to soak up any water and give your boat exterior and windshield a good polish with a clean chamois or soft microfibre cloth..
5. Take time to wax
Wax layers don’t only keep your boat looking shiny and clean, a rich, shiny coating of marine specialist wax can also build protection, prevent dirt from sticking to the exterior and shield it from sun and saltwater damage. Take the time to apply several coats and…
6. Don’t forget the interior
Regular cleaning of your boat interior can also make a big difference to the lifespan and resale value of your boat. You can reduce wear and tear by keeping your upholstery, surfaces and floor well cleaned. A simple wipe with a soft damp cloth, and your homemade baking soda solution, can make all the difference.
Along with our hints and hacks, you should also read your user manual and follow the manufacturer's recommendations for how best to clean and care for your boat.