One of the inevitable aspects of boat ownership is boat maintenance, and one of the most crucial components of boat maintenance is proper boat hull cleaning. This means you’re going to have to get your hands a little dirty if you want to protect your investment and keep your boat in tip-top shape.
A boat’s hull is constantly exposed to the elements, both in the water and in the air. Saltwater, polluted water, and even fresh water can lead to corrosion of your boat hull if left unmaintained. By keeping your boat hull clean, not only will you have a vessel that looks sparkling clean just as it did the first day you dropped it in the water, but you will also continue to glide through the water smoothly without having scum slow you down.
The best method of boat hull cleaning around is without a doubt the Dripper Guard, which prevents boat hull stains from ever occurring, meaning you won’t even have to break out the boat hull cleaner!
If you haven’t ordered Dripper Guards, though, and it’s too late for you and your boat, the following is our guide to DIY boat hull cleaning to get your boat back to looking its best.
- Begin by rinsing the boat hull with a low-pressure stream of water to remove any loose particles — mold, algae, and built-up salt if you’re in marine waters.
- Scrub your boat hull with a large sponge and your choice of boat cleaning solution.
- If your boat hull has not built up too much scum or already gets cleaned on a routine basis, you may be able to use a 100-percent biodegradable boat wash. On the other hand, if your boat hull has an extensive amount of scum built up, you may have to opt for a harsher chemical alternative to thoroughly remove the solidified algae and other particles.
- After a thorough scrub, spray the boat hull with a higher level of water pressure to remove barnacles, slime, and stuck-on weeds.
- If mold is a growing issue, use a mold and mildew cleaner and blocker to remove any stubborn stains and prevent the recurrence of future ones. If you want to avoid harsh chemicals in your boat maintenance, you can also use a citrus-based degreaser that provides the same results as chemical-based cleaners but leaves behind a natural, fresh smell.
- Dry your boat hull with a microfiber cloth after removing all stains to provide a final gentle, scratch-free clean.
- If it’s been a while since your last wax, after a thorough boat hull wash is a perfect time to apply a new coat.
- Once your boat is dry, take an old cloth or buffer, a quarter-sized amount of your preferred boat wax, and rub it in gently but thoroughly into your boat hull. Repeat this process until you have successfully coated the entire boat hull.
We hope this guide helps to simplify your boat hull cleaning process and get your boat looking good-as-new once again. If you truly want to make boat maintenance a breeze and avoid boat hull cleaner altogether, order your Dripper Guards online today!