Boat Carpet Cleaning Guide

You take good care of your boat—inside and out. But there’s one element that might not be top of mind. Many boat owners unfortunately ignore stains on their carpeting until it’s too late and they get set in. Don’t fall into this trap. Stick to this boat carpet cleaning guide to ensure your boat looks its best from carpet to hull.

Avoid Common Boat Carpet Cleaning Mistakes

First, let’s talk about what not to do:

• • The car wash. Believe it or not, some boat owners have taken their boat with them through the car wash. This is not recommended, as it exposes the boat to chemicals that aren’t designed for specific boat materials. It will do a number on your boat carpet, sure, but not in a good way.
  • Bleach. The less you care about your boat carpeting—and let’s face it, it’s not the same as your living room carpet—the less inclined you are to read the label of a cleaning product. The problem is that when something like bleach is included with that product, you could end up with a very clean—and very discolored—carpet.
  • Ignore your carpet. You might think that you have a great carpet because it’s stain-free. You might think that your boat’s odors are just a natural part of owning a boat. Unfortunately, many odor problems actually take hold in the carpet. If you want to host people on your boat and ensure they have a great time, a little boat carpet cleaning can go a long way.

Now let’s focus on what you can do to maintain a cleaner, better-smelling carpet.

Better Boat Carpet Cleaning Habits

Cleaning your carpet can be much simpler than you might think. To start cleaning your carpet, use a sturdy brush to clear out any debris that’s accumulated over time. This can include anything from small rocks to leaves and buds that have fallen in the boat. Next, use a Boat Cleaner mixed with water, and wash the carpet directly. The best way to apply this solution is to use a brush or sponge—though a large brush will make quicker work of the carpet.

After some time, vacuum out the carpet to help it dry out, then leave the boat somewhere protected where it can continue to dry out. This prevents the accumulation of mold and helps to ensure a full, odor-free recovery. If you do continue to have odor or mildew problems, try our Mildew Remover on the affected area. The last step? Enjoy your odor-free boat carpet with a quick trip out on the water!

Stock Up on Other Boat Cleaning Essentials

Don’t forget to stock up on other essential boat cleaning supplies so you can keep your boat in its pristine condition for as long as possible!