Best Inflatable Boat Cleaners: Top Picks And Reviews

Keeping your inflatable boat in good condition requires regular cleaning and protection from the sun. The best inflatable boat cleaner will remove dirt, grime, oil, diesel soot, bird droppings, salt deposits, and other stains from your boat, and will also protect it from UV damage. There are several products on the market that are designed specifically for inflatable boats, and some are better suited for certain types of boats and materials than others.

How to clean an inflatable boat

The best way to extend the life of your inflatable boat is to keep it properly inflated, clean, and protected from the sun. This guide will take you through the steps to clean your inflatable boat.

Step 1: Prepare the Boat

Work in a well-ventilated area, such as a garage or a shady outdoor space. Wet the surface of the boat with water before cleaning. This will help to loosen any dirt or grime.

Step 2: Apply the Cleaner

Spray the boat cleaner onto the surface of the boat. Spread it evenly and allow it to soak in for about 30 seconds to one minute. The cleaner will penetrate and dissolve stains, salt deposits, bird droppings, and other grime.

Step 3: Scrub the Surface

Using a sponge, scrub brush, or soft cloth, gently scrub the surface of the boat. Pay special attention to any stubborn stains or spots, which may require a longer soak time and more gentle scrubbing. Continue scrubbing until all dirt, grime, and stains are removed.

Step 4: Rinse the Boat

Rinse the boat thoroughly with fresh water to remove any remaining cleaner and loosened dirt. Ensure that all cleaning agents are rinsed away, especially if they are not biodegradable.

Step 5: Dry and Protect the Boat

Once the boat is clean and rinsed, dry the surface thoroughly. You can then apply a protectant, such as 303 Protectant or a UV protector, to repel future staining and protect against harmful UV rays. This will help maintain the appearance and longevity of your inflatable boat.

Recommended Products

There are several recommended products on the market for cleaning inflatable boats, including:

• STAR BRITE Rib & Inflatable Boat Cleaner & UV Protectant Spray
• Boat Juice Inflatable Boat Cleaner
• Inflatable Boat Cleaner by NRS
• West Marine Inflatable Boat Cleaner
• Aurora Marine Inflatable Boat Cleaner

Best products to clean inflatable boats

Keeping your inflatable boat clean and protected from the sun is the best way to extend its life. Proper inflation and regular cleaning will ensure your boat stays in good condition. Here are some of the best products to clean inflatable boats:

STAR BRITE Rib & Inflatable Boat Cleaner & Protectant Spray

STAR BRITE's inflatable boat cleaner is a highly effective product designed to lift dirt, grime, and salt deposits from your boat. It is suitable for use on Hypalon, PVC, and all other inflatable boat fabrics, as well as fiberglass, rubber, and plastic. This product also provides UV protection by bonding with surfaces to repel future stains and shield against UV rays. It is easy to use; simply spray onto the surface, spread evenly, and gently scrub the area before rinsing.

Boat Juice Inflatable Boat Cleaner

Boat Juice offers a powerful 2-in-1 formula that not only cleans your inflatable boat but also protects it. This user-friendly product can be simply sprayed on and wiped off, with no rinsing required. It effectively removes dirt, grime, stains, and water spots while providing maximum UV protection. It is also free from harsh chemical odours, making the cleaning experience more pleasant.

Aurora Marine Inflatable Boat Cleaner

This spray-and-wipe cleaner is safe for all inflatable boat fabrics and adhesives. It effectively removes dirt, grime, oil, diesel soot, bird droppings, insect marks, and most stains. It can be used on various surfaces, including Hypalon, Orca, PVC, Polyurethane, Rubber, Fiberglass, Stainless Steel, Aluminum, and Chrome. This product is also biodegradable, making it a more environmentally-friendly option.

West Marine Inflatable Boat Cleaner

West Marine offers a range of cleaning products suitable for inflatable boats, including a one-step and two-step cleaner/protectant system. These products are formulated to remove stains, grease, dirt, and oxidation while leaving a lustrous, protective, UV-resistant finish.

NRS Inflatable Boat Cleaner

The NRS Inflatable Boat Cleaner is designed to remove dirt, stains, oxidation, diesel smudges, oil, and frame marks from your inflatable boat. It is safe to use on Pennel Orca®, Hypalon®, PVC, and urethane boat materials. To use, wet the surface with water, spray on the cleaner, let it sit for a minute or two, and then scrub off the dirt and grime.

These products will help you maintain your inflatable boat and keep it looking like new. Be sure to follow the directions and take the necessary precautions when using any cleaning products.

How to protect an inflatable boat from the sun

Inflatable boats are susceptible to sun damage, so it's important to take measures to protect them from the sun's harmful UV rays. Here are some ways to do this:

Use a Cover

Covers are an effective way to shield your inflatable boat from the sun. A UV cover will protect the boat from UV radiation, which can cause the boat's fabric to become sticky, cracked, or discoloured. If you don't have a cover, you can also try storing your boat in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight.

Apply a Protective Coating

In addition to a cover, you can apply a protective coating to your boat. There are various products available, such as 303 Aerospace Protectant, which can be applied annually to help prevent UV damage. Another option is the STAR BRITE Rib & Inflatable Boat Cleaner & UV Protectant Spray, which not only cleans your boat but also leaves behind a layer of protection against UV rays.

Proper Inflation

Keeping your boat properly inflated is crucial. Underinflation can cause excessive flexing, which puts stress on the seams and can lead to potential failure. It can also cause dirt and sand to become lodged between stringers, acting as an abrasive and causing premature wear on the fabric.

Regular Cleaning and Maintenance

Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to protecting your inflatable boat from the sun. Wash your boat after each use and use specially formulated products to clean, condition, and protect the fabric. This will help to remove stains, grease, dirt, and oxidation, while also providing a protective finish.

Choose the Right Material

The material of your inflatable boat can also make a difference in its sun resistance. Hypalon boats, for example, are known for their superior resistance to UV radiation compared to PVC boats, which are more susceptible to becoming sticky and brown due to sun exposure.

By following these steps, you can effectively protect your inflatable boat from sun damage and ensure its longevity.

How to remove stains from an inflatable boat

Keeping your inflatable boat clean and protected from the sun is the best way to extend its life. Proper inflation and regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to ensure your boat remains in good condition. Here are some detailed steps to help you remove stains from your inflatable boat:

Prepare the Boat Surface:

Start by ensuring your inflatable boat is properly inflated. Then, identify the stained areas that require cleaning. If your boat is heavily soiled or stained, you may want to consider a preliminary rinse with fresh water to remove any loose dirt or debris.

Apply the Cleaner:

Select an appropriate boat cleaner, ensuring it is suitable for the material of your boat. Many boat cleaners are designed for Hypalon, PVC, rubber, and plastic surfaces. You can also find some cleaners that are safe for Pennel Orca®, urethane, and other boat materials. Check the product instructions and directions for specific details.

Once you have chosen the right cleaner, spray it onto the stained areas of your boat. Spread the cleaner evenly across the surface, ensuring thorough coverage. Allow the cleaner to penetrate and dissolve the stains. Some products may require a longer soak time for stubborn stains.

Scrub and Rinse:

After allowing the cleaner to work its magic, use a sponge, scrub brush, or soft cloth to gently scrub the stained areas. Work the scrubber in a back-and-forth or circular motion to help lift the stains from the boat's surface. Rinse the scrubber frequently in fresh water to avoid redistributing dirt onto the boat's surface.

Once you've removed the stains, give your boat a final rinse with fresh water to remove any remaining residue from the cleaning product. Ensure that you thoroughly rinse all surfaces to prevent streaking or spotting.

Dry and Protect:

After rinsing, allow your boat to air dry completely. Once dry, consider applying a protectant to repel future staining and shield against UV rays. Protectants like 303 Aerospace Protectant or Aurora POLY GUARD® can provide an additional layer of defence against the elements.

By following these steps and maintaining a regular cleaning routine, you can effectively remove stains from your inflatable boat and keep it looking its best for years to come.

Some popular boat cleaner options include:

• STAR BRITE Rib & Inflatable Boat Cleaner & UV Protectant Spray
• Boat Juice Inflatable Boat Cleaner
• Aurora Marine Inflatable Boat Cleaner
• West Marine Inflatable Boat Cleaner/Protectant

Best boat cleaning products

Keeping your inflatable boat clean is essential for maintaining its appearance and longevity. Here are some of the best boat cleaning products on the market:

STAR BRITE Rib & Inflatable Boat Cleaner & UV Protectant Spray

STAR BRITE's Rib & Inflatable Boat Cleaner is a popular choice for inflatable boat owners. It is designed for use on Hypalon, PVC, and all other inflatable boat fabrics, as well as fiberglass, rubber, and plastic surfaces. This product effectively lifts and removes dirt, grime, and stains, while also providing UV protection. It is easy to use, with a simple spray-on application, and it leaves your boat looking like new. STAR BRITE's product receives excellent reviews for its cleaning power, appearance, and ease of use.

Boat Juice Inflatable Boat Cleaner

Boat Juice offers a powerful 2-in-1 formula that cleans and protects your inflatable boat. It is designed to remove dirt, grime, stains, and water spots, while also providing maximum UV protection. One of the key features of this product is its user-friendly application—simply spray and wipe, with no rinsing required. It is also known for its pleasant aroma, making the cleaning process more enjoyable.

Aurora Marine Inflatable Boat Cleaner

Aurora Marine's Inflatable Boat Cleaner is a tough spray-and-wipe cleaner that is safe for all inflatable boat fabrics and adhesives. It effectively removes dirt, grime, oil, diesel soot, bird droppings, insect marks, mould, mildew, and most stains. This product can be used on various surfaces, including Hypalon, Orca, PVC, Polyurethane, Rubber, Fibreglass, Stainless Steel, Aluminum, and Chrome. It is easy to use, and it quickly and effectively cleans your boat.

NRS Inflatable Boat Cleaner

The NRS Inflatable Boat Cleaner is another excellent option for cleaning your inflatable boat. It is safe to use on Pennel Orca®, Hypalon®, PVC, and urethane boat materials. This product effectively removes dirt, stains, frame marks, oxidation, and grunge. To use, simply wet the surface, spray on the cleaner, let it set for a minute or two, and then scrub off the dirt and grime. After cleaning, be sure to rinse with water and apply a protectant to repel future staining and protect against UV rays.

West Marine Inflatable Boat Cleaner/Protectant with PTEF

West Marine offers a one-step and two-step inflatable boat cleaner/protectant that is formulated to remove stains, grease, dirt, and oxidation, while also providing a lustrous, protective, UV-resistant finish. These products are designed for use on vinyl, PVC, or Hypalon boats, and they help to extend the life of your inflatable boat.

Remember to always follow the directions and take the necessary precautions when using any boat cleaning products. Proper cleaning and maintenance of your inflatable boat will ensure that it looks great and performs well for years to come.

Frequently asked questions