Cleaning your boat and accessories is essential to keep it in good condition, prevent damage, and extend its lifespan. Here's a detailed guide on how to properly clean it.
1. General Cleaning of the Boat 🛥️
Necessary Materials:
✔ Bucket and soft sponges
✔ Biodegradable nautical detergents
✔ Brushes with soft and hard bristles
✔ Microfiber cloths
✔ Fresh water (preferably with hose)
✔ Protective wax
Steps:
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Rinse with fresh water – To remove salt and surface dirt.
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Washing with marine detergent – Use a soft brush on delicate surfaces and a harder one on non-slip decks.
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Final rinse – Remove any detergent residue.
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Drying – Avoid limescale stains with a microfibre cloth.
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Polish and protect – Apply wax to fiberglass surfaces to protect them from UV rays.
2. Specific Cleaning for Boat Parts
Deck and Hull
🔹 Fiberglass surfaces : Use a mild detergent and protective wax.
🔹 Teak wood : Brush with water and neutral soap, then apply specific oil.
🔹 Metal (stainless steel, aluminum, brass) : Use specific anti-rust products and polishes.
Interior and Cabin
🔸 Seats and cushions : Wash with neutral soap, avoid humidity to prevent mold.
🔸 Floors and furniture : Clean with products suitable for the type of material (wood, plastic, etc.).
🔸 Toilets and tanks : Use sanitizing and descaling products compatible with the nautical system.
Engine and Engine Compartment
⚙ Check and clean filters and air vents.
⚙ Remove oil residues and dirt with specific detergents.
⚙ Protect with anti-corrosion spray.
3. Cleaning Accessories and Equipment
Anchors and Chains
🔹 Rinse with fresh water after use in the sea to prevent rust.
🔹 Clean with a brush to remove algae and scale.
Fenders
🔹 Wash with water and detergent, remove stains with a specific product.
🔹 Apply a protectant to keep them elastic.
Awnings and Covers
🔹 Wash with water and neutral soap.
🔹 Dry them well before storing them to avoid mold.
Electronics and Instrumentation
🔹 Clean screens and displays with a soft cloth and specific detergent.
🔹 Protect contacts with antioxidant spray.
⚓ Extra Tip: Clean regularly to avoid build-up and damage that is difficult to remove!
