As of 2017, there were about twelve million registered boats in the U.S. Boating is a great way to get outside and enjoy fresh air and sunshine. It can be a social outing or a solitary time for clearing your head.
If you’re a boat owner, you may wonder how to clean a boat interior so that it stays looking new for as long as possible. Cleaning doesn’t just remove grime and dirt; it also helps you find damage that you need to repair, so as over looked scratches on your upholstery.
It doesn’t matter if you’re working on a boat restoration or trying to keep your boat in mint condition. Paying attention to your boat’s interior will help you preserve its value for years to come.
Here’s an overview of how to clean a boat interior, with a list of commonly missed areas you don’t want to miss. Let’s begin!
1. How to Clean a Boat Interior Floor
Most boats have wooden decks outside and carpeting in their interiors. If you do happen to have wooden decks inside your boat, mop them with deck soap and squeegee them dry.
When it comes to getting a clean carpet in your boat, you’ll want to remove any stains and obvious dirty areas, but don’t stop there. If you can, vacuum and clean under the carpet by pulling it up and sweeping up any debris you find. Cleaning under the carpet will help remove sources of odors, as well as bacteria and food residue.
If you find that you can’t remove the carpet, but can’t get the stains and dirt out all the way, consider replacing it. The last thing you want is to have mold or mildew under the carpet because it’s only partially clean.
2. Beneath Upholstery and Cushions
Another tip for how to clean a boat is to thoroughly clean your upholstery and any cushions. Remove the covers and wash them. If you can’t get them all the way off, then spot clean with a good upholstery fabric cleaner and brushes.
After you finish, make sure everything is dry and doesn’t smell. If you detect mildew, throw your cushions away and replace them.
3. Behind and Inside Galley Appliances
The galley must stay spotless because this is where you handle food, but don’t forget to clean hidden areas. Pull all appliances away from the walls and clean behind them.
Then use a good disinfectant to clean inside cupboards and appliances. Put a container of baking soda inside the refrigerator, so it remains odor-free.
4. In the Head
The bathroom, or “head” in nautical terminology, is one of the parts of a boat you should pay special attention to. Make sure everything gets cleaned with an antibacterial cleaner and thoroughly dried.
If you’re concerned about saltwater corrosion in the head or anywhere else on your boat, use a special cleaner formulated for marine vehicles. You can find specialty boat cleaners at Better Boat cleaning supplies.
Do An Above-Average Cleaning Job on Your Boat
Following these tips for how to clean a boat interior will keep your boat smelling nice inside and free of bacteria and varmints. If you do an above-average job of boat maintenance, the interior will stay attractive, comfortable, and free of wear and tear.
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