Tips for boat cleaning, recommendations, and what to avoid

With all the fun and exciting things that come with owning a boat, so does the less fun stuff, namely boat maintenance. Whether it’s mechanical maintenance (annual or according to need) or simply basic boat cleaning and washing. That’s why Nava after-sales experts decided to gather all our boat cleaning tips in this one blog. 

Read on if you’d like to know more about boat cleaning and washing, from what detergents to use, which brushes and sponges are the best to some tips by Nava professionals. We’ll be guiding you through each boat part, covering everything from the deck to the saloon and boat cabins. Before starting the cleaning procedure itself, make sure you have access to water and a hose for washing and rinsing the boat. Now let’s start with Nava’s boat cleaning tips.

Boat Exterior

Smooth gel coat surfaces

The majority of the exterior of the boat is a smooth plastic surface, with flooring usually differing in either the texture of the plastic or material. Plastic surfaces are typically easiest to clean, since there are no grooves or fabric that can absorb or hold the stain. Our recommended combo for cleaning is a soft brush (plus a sponge and a cloth) and any universal boat cleaning detergent. 

At Nava, our detergent of choice is NAUTIC Clean 09 for the first clean, and the Nautic Clean 06 Nano Wax Shampoo, a professional neutral shampoo with the addition of wax and extra surface protection. The benefits of 09 has alcohol in it which cleans the wax from the surface and preps for polishing. If you purchased your boat at Nava, there’s a high chance we cleaned it using 09 before the handover. As previously mentioned, a soft brush is your go-to tool because you can quickly clean larger surfaces, with low chances of stains. We recommend having a sponge or a cloth at hand for those small dents where a soft brush can’t reach.

The recommended process for this type of cleaning is mixing water with detergent in a bucket, hosing down the boat one part at a time, and applying the mixture with a soft brush. Finally, rinsing everything off with plenty of water afterward. Sometimes certain stains and dirt may need a second round of cleaning. Furthermore, type and size of stain will dictate how much pressure and scrubbing is necessary for cleaning it. For harder stains, using a universal cleaning/degreasing agent (Yellow Rial in the photo) is a good choice. Leaving the agent for 5 to 10 minutes to activate before brushing is a great way to quickly remove stains. Last but not least, it’s very important to thoroughly rinse the area where you applied the product.

Cleaning the floors

Boats come with various types of floors; gel coat, soft deck flooring (flexiteek) and teak floors. Different materials require different cleaning methods, from different types of shampoo to different types of brushes and tools. We’ll cover each flooring type separately.

Textured geal coating flooring

These types of floors are the easiest to clean. All you need is a hard/rough brush and any universal boat cleaner, such as Nautic Clean 09 cleaner. However, stronger stains and gel coat of older boats require a stronger deck cleaner such as Star brite Hull cleaner. 

Pro Tip: after applying any type of hull cleaner, let it sit in for 5 minutes before brushing and rinsing. This allows for the cleaner to eat through dirt and stains and makes the cleaning easier for you.

The best way to clean gel coat floors is simply getting them wet and applying a mixture of water and a cleaner with a hard brush. Unlike with the smooth gel coat, this type requires a bit more effort when brushing to make sure all the stains are removed well. Small and fast brush movements tend to yield best results. 

Soft deck flooring

This is another type of boat flooring that varies visually, soft deck flooring looks like texturized rubber and flexiteek mimics the appearance of real teak. However, they feel different to the touch. These types of floors can be washed either with a smooth brush or a sponge-like brush. Smooth brush is best for when you need to do light maintenance of the floors. And sponge-like brush is best for proper cleaning of the floors as it has all the cleaning power with the softness needed in order not to damage the surface. When it comes to what kind of cleaner to use, it is best to use cleaner made specifically for flexiteek floors. 

The cleaning/brushing process is the same as for any other floor, wet the floor, apply the cleaner (depending on the type of cleaner, apply it directly to the floor or mix it with water beforehand) and use a soft brush or a sponge-like brush. Be extra careful with the pressure you’re applying when brushing, as soft deck flooring is sensitive and easily dented. Another important advice is to make sure your brush movements align with the grooves of the floor.

Teak floors

Last, but not least, there is teak deck flooring. Since it is made from natural materials, wood, visually they look impeccable on a boat adding a homey feel to your deck and boat. However, maintaining and cleaning teak floors is not the easiest task. It requires multiple steps of cleaning to achieve a good result. The best advice for teak floor is to clean stains immediately as they happen, if you spill something, dry it up as soon as possible to lower the chances of permanent stains. Teak floors are unforgiving, as they quickly soak up the dirt and tend to hold the stains.

Cleaning teak floors requires teak cleaning products and teak brightening products, as well as a sponge-like brush or a normal household sponge. This process can be time-consuming as it contains multiple steps. Firstly, you have to thoroughly wet the teak floors, make sure they are soaking wet. Next, apply the teak cleaner first and leave it for a few minutes to activate before brushing. One tip from Nava is to be careful with the amount of cleaner you use, the more product you use, the longer the rinsing will take. When it comes to brushing teak floors, it is very important to remember that brush strokes have to go along the lines/grooves of the teak floors. Once you’ve brushed teak cleaner, you have to rinse the floors well before you move to the next step. Next comes the teak brightener, which is applied and brushed the same way as the teak cleaner (leave it to activate for a few minutes before brushing along the grooves). Once again, rinsing well is essential!

BOAT INTERIOR

When it comes to cleaning boat interior, there aren’t many differences between cleaning interior and cleaning your house/flat. Boat interior are usually made from the same material as any house or an apartment. The saloon is typically in mostly wooden and plastic finishings, toilets are glass and plastic and cabins feature fabric, wood or plastic. So you can use any multi-surface house cleaning product to clean the boat interior. 

Nava tips and tricks

Here are some tips from Nava:

• Swap gel coat cleaner with a dish soap for lighter stains or if you don’t have any cleaner on hand
• Always have some vinegar on board as it is a highly versatile and natural cleaning product. Here are some vinegar uses:
  • add it to a mixture of water and a cleaner to prevent formation of limescale
  • wash glass surfaces instead of using store-bought cleaners
  • remove smell from storage compartments when left to soak for a while
  • wash plastic covers (for example, plastic fly bridge covers)

• Some stains require specific cleaning agent such as Star brite rust stain remover and Star brite black streak remover. In addition, these products are stronger chemical solutions so it is advised to avoid eye contact. 

In conclusion, maintaining a clean boat is not only crucial for its longevity but it can also enhance your boating experience. From the smooth gel coat surfaces to the various types of deck flooring, each material requires specific care and attention. By following these boat cleaning tips, you can ensure that every inch of your deck remains in top condition. Don’t forget the importance of a thorough wash, because this keeps your boat looking and smelling fresh.

Incorporating these tips into your regular maintenance routine will help you tackle even the toughest grime. Remember, a well-maintained boat not only performs better but also retains its value over time. Happy cleaning, and may your adventures on the water be as smooth and enjoyable as your gleaming decks!