Boats are made from a variety of materials. There are interior surfaces such as carpet, vinyl or fiberglass and external surfaces like gel coats and canvas, as well as boat engines and equipment. Choosing a quality, versatile cleaning product is key for proper boat maintenance.

In the past, boats were made mostly of wood, steel or aluminum alloys. Today most boats are built using fiberglass, a highly popular versatile material due to its strength, lack of density and resistance to chemicals and heat.

The carpet of your boat is perhaps the dirtiest component on the entire vessel. Where else can you find a combination of dirt, fish guts, sunscreen, machine oils and food spills? The best way to clean boat carpet is to vacuum any loose dirt, then follow up with a proper cleaning product, a good scrub down via stiff-bristle brush, and water.

Caring for boat vinyl on seat cushions, liners and upholstery is easy to do, provided you're committed to regular maintenance. Marine-grade vinyl is popular due to its waterproof nature, but it's susceptible to sunscreen, food, dirt and mold stains, which are not only unsightly, but can have a deteriorating effect on the surface of the vinyl. This requires regular cleaning, especially during active boating months.

Your choice of cleaning product is also important when it comes to cleaning livewells. A clean rinsing product is key. Be sure to remove the filter screens from the livewell and the intake and rinse them thoroughly to dislodge any deposits or clogs.

Gelcoats act as a protectant on boat hulls but are easily damaged by cleaning products with abrasive or harsh chemicals, potentially leading to oxidization and rust. You should avoid using bleach on a boat, as it can damage or deteriorate gelcoats, the stitching on marine vinyl and more. You should also avoid alcohol-based cleaners, which can cause dryness and cracking on boating materials. Additionally, you should never clean your boat in direct sunlight, to avoid streaking and possible material damage.

A better alternative to harsh chemical cleaners is Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner, a specially formulated, concentrated cleaning solution that removes grease, grime, oil, gas, diesel fuel, fish blood and more from all washable surfaces in or near marine environments. The biodegradable*, non-abrasive formula can be diluted for light cleaning or used straight from the bottle for heavy duty cleaning jobs, all without damaging sensitive or fragile materials. Simple Green leaves no lingering residues is on boat surfaces, which can cause damage or skin irritation.

Directions For Cleaning a Boat:

NOTE: Most cleaning products are not approved to run into open bodies of water. If you need a product to clean your boat while it's on water, use Simple Green Oxy Solve Total Outdoor Pressure Washer Cleaner which is Safer Choice Direct Release Certified. Otherwise, take your vessel to an approved cleaning area that drains to a sanitary sewer system.

1. Wet the surface. Thoroughly rinse the hull, taking care to dislodge any accumulations of algae or other materials. If using a pressure washer on the boat exterior, be sure to use the lowest pressure setting or nozzle.
2. Apply cleaner. Spray Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner on surface (avoiding glass and electrical components), and scrub with a soft-bristle brush. Do not let product dry on surface.
3. Rinse. Damp-wipe fiberglass and vinyl surfaces, and flush out livewell with clean water numerous times, to ensure that all residues and cleaning solution has cleared the system.
4. Dry. Allow surface to dry fully before using or storing.
5. Wax. Use a wax or polish with a UV sunscreen to protect the boat's exterior.

*Biodegradable Liquid: Liquid biodegrades 80% within 28 days after disposal into a typical sanitary sewer or septic system