Like any vehicle, boats need to be cleaned and maintained regularly to guarantee a long lifespan and reliable operation. This is especially important in this sector as an unreliable, unsafe boat over open water is a high-risk event for the captain as potential failures or dangers could lead to the boat sinking or even loss of life.
At Offshore Supply, we supply the best marine cleaning supplies for boats and yachts, as well as the wider offshore industry of larger ships. Here are our top tips and recommended supplies for effective boat cleaning that will guarantee you, your crew and your boat are all safe on the open waters.
What Cleaning Supplies Does My Boat Need?
Depending on the area of your vessel you are cleaning, you will encounter different materials such as fibreglass, wood, and metal. Each has unique characteristics and requires tailored cleaning approaches to get the best results. Here are some examples of the differences.
Cleaning fibreglass boats involves using non-abrasive marine-specific cleaners to remove dirt, grime, and salt. It’s essential to apply a protective wax after cleaning to maintain the shine and provide a barrier against UV damage and oxidation. We recommend Unitor Multi Clean solution when cleaning the fibreglass areas of a vessel.
Wooden boats need regular cleaning with mild, pH-balanced soaps, which are necessary to prevent the build-up of dirt and salt that can degrade the wood. It’s crucial to avoid using harsh chemicals that can strip the wood of its natural oils. Additionally, periodic varnishing or oiling is required to protect the wood from moisture and UV damage. We stock the Unitor Teak Renewer as an effective cleaner that will also brighten your wooden decks.
Metal boats made from aluminium or steel are sturdy and often used in commercial and industrial applications. Cleaning metal boats involves removing salt and grime with marine-specific metal cleaners to prevent corrosion. Additionally, aluminium boats may require special cleaners to avoid pitting and oxidation, while steel boats often need rust inhibitors and protective coatings to combat corrosion. Unitor Metal Brite is the liquid solution you need to dissolve hard-to-shift issues, including rust.
Consider the Conditions
Knowing the best solution for your boat is only half of the required planning; next, you should think about when your cleaning will take place. You must take into account the sun and wind as you work. As a standard, you should clean your boat in reasonable weather. For example, planning to prep your deck during a hurricane is rather counterproductive after all.
If the wind is coming strongly from one direction it might be a better idea to start upwind going downwind. This way, the surface you just cleaned will not get wet all over again. Also, if the sun is shining and bearing down upon you, then you must aim to work quickly. For one thing, your water and soap will dry too quickly, which will make the task of cleaning it that much harder. But you also want to avoid the sunburn and dehydration which comes from spending too much time in the sun.
Recommended Cleaning Process
While every vessel is unique, there is a general cleaning process that is effective for every ship, large or small. Once you have collected your tools and cleaners, we recommend the following steps:
- Rinsing: Begin by rinsing the entire boat with fresh water to remove loose dirt and salt. This initial step prevents abrasive particles from scratching surfaces during the cleaning process.
- Applying Cleaners: Select appropriate marine-grade cleaners for different surfaces. Apply the cleaner evenly, ensuring it covers all areas needing attention. Allow the cleaner to sit for the recommended duration to break down grime and contaminants effectively.
- Scrubbing: Use suitable brushes and scrubbing tools for various surfaces. Non-abrasive brushes are ideal for delicate areas, while stiffer brushes can be employed on more robust surfaces. Scrub thoroughly to remove all dirt and stains, paying special attention to seams and textured surfaces.
- Drying: After cleaning, rinse the boat thoroughly to remove all cleaner residues. Dry the boat using clean, absorbent cloths or chamois to prevent water spots and streaks. Ensure all areas are completely dry to avoid the growth of mould and mildew.
Tips for Hard-to-Reach Areas and Stubborn Stains
Cleaning hard-to-reach areas and tackling stubborn stains is challenging. Here are some tips to address these issues effectively:
- Use Specialised Tools: Extendable brushes and mops, as well as narrow cleaning tools, help access confined spaces and tight corners.
- Apply Targeted Cleaners: For stubborn stains, use cleaners specifically designed to target the type of stain (e.g., rust, oil). Allow the cleaner to sit for an extended period to break down the stain effectively before scrubbing.
- Utilise Pressure Washers: A pressure washer can be employed to remove particularly tough grime and dirt. Adjust the pressure setting to avoid damaging surfaces while ensuring thorough cleaning.
Preventative Measures for Future Boat Maintenance
Whilst regular maintenance is the best solution when taking care of a boat, there are preventative measures you should take to reduce the amount of work each cleaning session requires and extend the overall lifespan of your boat.
Smaller maintenance carried out daily will make an impressive difference in the long term. Wiping down surfaces with mild detergent after each voyage helps prevent salt build-up and ingrained residue forming. Searching for areas where mould or rust will grow is also a good idea, as cleaning these areas early is far easier.
If your vessel has a built-in air conditioning system, it will need to be maintained just like any other area of your vessel, as bacteria from the sea air and the crew aboard will germinate in these secluded vents. Our duct air treatment packs are perfect for resolving this issue as they are designed with disinfectants balanced to eliminate mould, bacteria, and fungi while not being harmful to humans.
Marine Cleaning Supplies Available Online
If you follow these tips, you can be confident in the security of your marine vessel. However, different seasons present additional challenges for boat maintenance, so read our seasonal tips to keep your boat in shipshape condition all year round for the best advice.
Don’t settle for ineffective detergents that are cheap but unable to clean a thing, which is almost as bad as having nothing at all in the first place. Don’t limit yourself when it comes to boating on open water or the sea; always search for the best, most reliable solutions to guarantee your boat’s and crew’s safety.
Get in touch with our team here at Offshore Supply. We have a substantial range of deck and galley cleaning equipment to cover you for any voyage. For more information or any questions, call us on 01524 862010.