Best Boat Deck Cleaners: Keep Your Vessel Pristine

Keeping your boat deck clean is essential for a pleasant boating experience. However, finding the best boat deck cleaner can be challenging due to the abundance of options available. You need a product that will make your deck spotless and sparkling without causing any damage.

When choosing a boat deck cleaner, consider the type of non-skid surface, the ingredients, ease of use and application, versatility, and the size of the bottle. It is also important to select a cleaner that is safe for both the environment and the different surfaces of your boat.

- Star Brite Non-Skid Deck Cleaner

- 3M Marine Non-Skid Cleaner

- Rejuvenate RM32DC Non-Skid Deck Cleaner

- SEACHOICE 90651 Non-Skid Deck Cleaner

- STAR BRITE Xtreme All-Surface Cleaner

- Simple Green Marine Boat Cleaner

- Spray Nine 26901S Marine Cleaner

- Better Boat Deck Cleaner

- Star Brite Ultimate Pontoon Deck Cleaner

- Boater's EDGE BE1232 Deck Clean

How to choose a boat deck cleaner

When choosing a boat deck cleaner, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get the best product for your needs. Here is a guide to help you select the right boat deck cleaner.

Type of Non-Skid Surface

First, determine the type of non-skid surface on your boat. The material will dictate which cleaner is compatible. For example, a cleaner that works on gel-coated surfaces may damage painted surfaces. Knowing the type of surface will help you choose a cleaner that is safe and effective for your boat.

Ingredients

Check the ingredients of the cleaner to ensure they are safe for both your boat and the environment. Look for fast-acting, non-toxic ingredients that are free of harsh chemicals, bleach, and acids. Biodegradable, marine-safe, and environmentally-friendly formulas are ideal, especially if you will be cleaning near water.

Ease of Use and Application

Choose a cleaner that is easy to use and apply. Look for one that requires minimal scrubbing and can be sprayed directly onto the surface. Some cleaners come with built-in spray nozzles, which can be convenient, but make sure the sprayer is not flimsy.

Versatility

Consider the versatility of the cleaner. Can it be used on multiple surfaces beyond the boat deck? Is it suitable for other parts of the boat, or even your home or RV? A versatile cleaner can offer great value and save you money.

Size and Price

Boat deck cleaners come in various sizes, and the price can vary significantly. Consider the size of your boat and how often you plan to clean it to determine the appropriate size and price range for your needs.

How to clean a non-skid boat deck

To clean a non-skid boat deck, you will need a boat deck cleaner, a scrub brush (medium hardness), a hose or pressure washer, and microfiber towels or a soft sponge.

• Begin by wetting the non-skid boat deck using the pressure washer or hose. This helps to loosen debris and mildew and make the cleaning process easier.
• Next, spray the boat deck cleaner onto the target surface and allow it to sit for a few minutes. It is important to use a non-skid deck cleaner for this step.
• Using a soft or medium-hardness deck brush, scrub the surface gently in a circular motion to lift away dirt and stains. For tougher stains, you may need to use a soft cloth or sponge.
• Once the dirt and grime have loosened, use the hose or pressure washer to rinse the surface clean. It is recommended to use a lower setting on the pressure washer to avoid damaging the protective non-slip layer.
• Finally, use a clean microfiber towel or soft sponge to wipe down the surface and remove any remaining residue.

It is important to choose a boat deck cleaner that is specifically designed for non-skid surfaces and will not damage the delicate coating. Look for products that are easy to use and apply, require minimal scrubbing, and offer protection against future stains and dirt. Some recommended boat deck cleaners for non-skid surfaces include:

• 3M Marine Non-Skid Cleaner
• Star Brite Non-Skid Deck Cleaner
• Rejuvenate RM32DC Non-Skid Deck Cleaner
• SeaChoice 90651 Non-Skid Deck Cleaner
• Better Boat Deck Cleaner

By following these steps and using the right boat deck cleaner, you can effectively clean and maintain your non-skid boat deck, ensuring a safe and pleasant boating experience.

How to clean a fiberglass boat deck

To clean a fibreglass boat deck, you will need a boat deck cleaner, a deck brush, a clean cloth or sponge, and a pressure washer or hose.

Firstly, wet the fibreglass deck using the pressure washer. This helps loosen debris and mildew and makes the cleaning process easier. If you don't have a pressure washer, you can use a hose or just a bucket of clean water.

Next, spray the cleaner onto the target surface and allow it to sit for about three minutes. For non-skid surfaces, be sure to use a non-skid deck cleaner.

Then, using a soft deck brush, scrub the surface in a circular motion to lift away dirt and stains. If you are working with a superior product, you won't need to do much scrubbing as it will do most of the work. Be gentle, as fibreglass is prone to scratching. For tougher stains, use a soft cloth or sponge.

Once the dirt and grime have loosened from the surface, use a hose or pressure washer to rinse clean. Although a high-pressure washer is effective, it is advisable to use a lower setting to avoid damaging the protective non-slip layer.

Finally, use a clean cloth to wipe the surface and remove any traces of dirt or cleaner.

For a great shine, use a polisher or buffer. These products help restore the former shine of your boat deck.

It is important to note that bleach-based products should be avoided when cleaning fibreglass boat decks, as they can damage the surface, discolour paint, and cause corrosion of fixtures and fittings.

Can I use ordinary household cleaners for boat decks?

Yes, it is possible to use household cleaners on boat decks, but most professional cleaners do not recommend this. Household cleaners may lack the necessary chemicals to remove dirt and grime. They can also wear away the non-skid surface of the boat deck, making it slippery.

Boat decks are made from a variety of materials, such as plastic, vinyl, fiberglass, metal, or painted surfaces. Household cleaners may not be compatible with all these materials and could cause significant damage. For example, dish soap will quickly strip the wax from your boat, leaving it vulnerable to oxidation from the sun's UV rays. Bleach is another harsh chemical that will dull your gel coat and cause paint to fade.

Most boat deck cleaners have protective properties that shield against UV damage and future stains. This is something you won't find in standard household cleaners. A good boat deck cleaner will leave your deck spotless and sparkling without causing any damage.

When choosing a boat deck cleaner, opt for one that is easy to use and requires minimal scrubbing. It should also be versatile and suitable for a range of applications and surfaces.

The benefits and drawbacks of using a boat deck cleaner

Using a boat deck cleaner has several benefits. Firstly, it eliminates stubborn marine stains and dirt, restoring the deck's shine and making it look new again. This is especially useful for removing black streaks and yellowish stains that can accumulate over time. Additionally, an effective boat deck cleaner can help prolong the lifespan of the boat by minimising deck damage. Some cleaners also offer protection from UV damage and future stains.

Boat deck cleaners are also designed to be easy to use and apply, requiring minimal scrubbing. This saves time and effort for boat owners, allowing them to spend more time boating and less time cleaning. The cleaners are usually available in spray bottles for convenient application, and some are even biodegradable, making them environmentally friendly.

However, there are also a few drawbacks to using boat deck cleaners. One of the main issues is the cost, as deck cleaners can be quite expensive, especially those with potent formulas. Additionally, some cleaners may contain harsh chemicals that can cause eye and skin irritation if not applied correctly. These chemicals can also be toxic to aquatic life and contribute to water pollution. Therefore, it is important to select a cleaner that is safe for both humans and the environment.

Another potential drawback is that some boat deck cleaners may require multiple applications to remove heavy stains. This can be time-consuming and may not always be effective, depending on the severity of the stains. Additionally, the cleaning process may need to be delicate and time-consuming to achieve the best results.

Frequently asked questions