There are many aspects to cleaning a boat to keep in mind when you consider which type of boat cleaner to choose. Specific areas call for specific cleaning, such as the interiors, exteriors, any teak wood on board, and the hull. Surface materials also play a part. Are you cleaning gel-coated fiberglass, plastic, or wood? Vinyl upholstery, carpet, or canvas? Interior or exterior surfaces? All of these factors play into the different types of boat cleaners that you will ultimately choose.
Different Types of Boat Cleaners
Thinking about what you’ll be cleaning (scum, dirt, grime, diesel stains, bird droppings, algae, teak, etc.) will point you towards the optimal boat cleaner. Regardless of the product’s claims, be sure to select only marine grade cleaning products to ensure that they are formulated to withstand harsh aquatic elements. Not only are marine grade products uniquely formulated specifically for watercraft, many also contain added enhancers like UV protectants that will ultimately extend the life on your gel-coat finish and make your standard boat maintenance care a little easier.
Here is a handy list of all-purpose boat cleaning products from BoatLIFE that will work for just about every cleaning job:
Boat Cleaner
Our tried-and-true Boat Cleaner has an environmentally safe, phosphate-free, biodegradable formula that cleans and protects without removing wax from fiberglass. Use it anywhere on your boat. A great all-purpose cleaner!
Fiberglass Powder Cleaner & Stain Remover
For stubborn stains, Fiberglass Powder Cleaner & Stain Remover is a heavy-duty cleaner that is non-scratching and washes off with fresh or salt water. Plus, it leaves the surface ready for waxing.
Teak Brite® Powder Cleaner
If you have teak decking or trim, look no further than our Teak Brite® Powder Cleaner. A one-step, heavy-duty powder cleaner, it won’t remove soft grain from the wood like a two-part cleaner. Not only does it clean the wood to a like-new finish, it also leaves the teak ready for an oil seal application.
Live Well & Bait Well Cleaner
Our Live Well & Bait Well Cleaner is specifically formulated to clean and deodorize live wells and bait wells. Safe for use on fiberglass, painted surfaces and marine metals.
Bilge Cleaner
This non-foaming, biodegradable, phosphate-free formula cleans while leaving behind a pleasant fragrance. As a water-based degreaser, Bilge Cleaner also cleans carpets, upholstery, fabrics, concrete and removes mold and mildew stains. It can also be used in fish and bait wells.
Test Tank Cleaner (**for commercial application only**)
This non-foaming product emulsifies oil in water and leaves it in suspension, making the removal fast and effortless. Environmentally friendly, biodegradable, and phosphate-free, Test Tank Cleaner will remove all traces of oil and dirt and leave behind a pleasant fragrance. Safe for rubber impellers and hoses, it also cleans water passages as it works.
Mildew Remover
Safe on fabrics, our chlorine-free, acid-free Mildew Remover not only aids in the protection against mildew but it also controls odor. Great to use on surfaces that have little air circulation in the off-season to prevent mildew before it starts.
Stainless Steel Cleaner
This non-streaking formula cleans and protects in one easy step. Easily spray on and wipe off, Stainless Steel Cleaner removes grease and stains, leaving behind a fingerprint resistant surface.
VinyLIFE Vinyl Cleaner
A dual-purpose product that cleans as well as protects interior and exterior vinyl, upholstery, fenders, bumpers, and other rubber products, VinyLIFE also removes dirt, grime, and stains, helps brighten colors and has a UV protectant added.
Aluminum Cleaner
A low micron cleaner and antioxidant, Aluminum Cleaner brightens, polishes and protects aluminum found on pontoons, hulls and hardware.
