The Importance of Proper Boat Cleaning: Eco-Friendly Methods You Should Try

Michael Cheser

Content Marketing Supervisor

After a day of fishing or a trip to the sandbar with the family, it's inevitable that your boat is going to need a bit of a cleaning. Even if you were hosing it down all day it's still coated in saltwater and there's probably some fish blood or a Cheeto from your kids somewhere and you don't want that sitting for long. Keeping your boat clean is not just about maintaining its appearance—it’s about protecting it from long-term damage. When cleaning though are you also thinking about the environment? Traditional cleaning methods often involve chemicals that can harm marine ecosystems, but eco-friendly practices allow you to preserve both your boat and the waterways you love. By making a few small changes and using safe products, you can achieve effective cleaning while minimizing your environmental impact. It's a win, win, you protect your investment but you also protect the waterways you spend time on while you're at it.

As a boat manufacturer, and as someone who oversees photoshoots for our brand, I spend a great deal of time on the water. Traveling to coastal destinations with different boat models for photos and videos is a routine part of our work. The boats we use are often stored on the water or on a boat lift at a beautiful waterfront rental house chosen for the photoshoot. After every shoot, each boat needs a good wash to ensure it’s in tip-top shape for the next shoot, sometimes this means we are washing boats 2-3 times a day depending on how tough I make our schedule. With this wash schedule, it’s critical for us to use products that not only keep our boats looking their best but also protect the environment. For example, we spent a week in Key Largo early in the fall, the weather was amazing and we were doing 2-3 different shoots a day to maximize our time in such a perfect location. We had two boats, one in the water and one on a boat lift. The large dock we were on had one amazing marine ecosystem under it. For the duration of the trip we had a family of manatees coming to the dock throughout the day. There was a Goliath Grouper that would come and go under the boats that was pushing five-feet long and well over 200lbs. Beyond that there were hundreds of small mangrove snapper, a plethora of lobsters and more. If we'd been dumping harmful chemicals into the water it would have all been draining down directly onto all of that awesome marine life. As a manufacturer, we believe it’s our responsibility to promote safe boating practices and educate others on how to safeguard the waterways and ecosystems we all enjoy daily.

One of the best ways to clean your boat responsibly is to use biodegradable cleaning products that are designed for marine use. Products like Star Brite Sea Safe Boat Wash, Simple Green Marine All-Purpose Cleaner, and Eco Works Marine Boat Wash are excellent choices. These cleaners are free from harsh chemicals such as phosphates and ammonia, which can harm aquatic life and disrupt ecosystems. Natural household alternatives like white vinegar and baking soda can also be effective for many tasks, such as removing water spots, mildew, or light stains. These options are not only eco-friendly but also easy on your budget.

Avoiding harmful chemicals is key to both protecting your boat’s surfaces and reducing water pollution. Strong solvents like bleach or petroleum-based products can strip protective coatings, damage your boat, and release toxins into the water. Instead, for tough stains, you can use lemon juice to tackle rust or diluted vinegar for mildew. For teak surfaces, opt for eco-friendly teak cleaners that are specifically designed to clean and brighten wood without causing harm to the environment. Always test any cleaner on a small, hidden area first to ensure it’s safe for your boat’s materials.

Regular maintenance can significantly reduce the need for deep cleaning. Rinsing your boat after each trip, particularly in saltwater, can prevent salt buildup and keep dirt from accumulating. Applying a protective wax to the hull acts as a barrier against grime and stains, making future cleaning easier. Additionally, using boat covers for seats and consoles can shield surfaces from debris and UV damage, extending their lifespan and keeping your boat looking fresh.

By switching to eco-friendly products and making responsible cleaning choices, you can protect both your boat and the environment. Not only will these practices keep your boat in top condition, but they’ll also ensure the waterways you enjoy remain healthy and vibrant. As a manufacturer, we understand the importance of preserving these natural resources, and we hope to inspire boaters to adopt eco-friendly practices as part of their routine.