Owning a boat is an experience like no other, but keeping it in shape requires a bit of elbow grease. After each trip, it's essential to clean your boat to protect it from sun exposure and salt buildup, which can quickly wear down its finish.
Boats need cleaning products that are specifically designed for marine surfaces (gel coat, fiberglass, marine vinyl, stainless steel, etc.). Note that regular household soaps can strip wax and damage upholstery, so using marine-grade cleaning supplies is essential.
So, what boat cleaning supplies do you need to keep your boat in top shape? Without further ado, here's the essential boat cleaning equipment you'll want on hand.
What Boat Cleaning Materials Are Needed on a Boat?
1. The Basics: Keeping Up During the Season
You should clean your boat regularly to remove salt, fish scales, sunscreen, and other buildup. Here's what you'll need:
- Telescoping Wash Brush. Opt for a sturdy handle with interchangeable heads, and brushes featuring double-reinforced epoxied connections tend to last longer. We recommend using soft bristles on painted or gel-coated surfaces and firmer bristles on the non-skid deck.
- Boat Soap. Choose a pH-balanced, biodegradable marine soap that won't strip away wax. Some soaps even combine washing and waxing to protect your boat as you clean.
- Two-Bucket Method. Keep one bucket for soapy water and another for rinsing your mitt; this prevents grit from scratching your hull.
- Chamois or Microfiber Towel. Avoid air drying to prevent water spots. A synthetic chamois or plush microfiber towel will leave glass and gel coat surfaces streak-free.
- Quality Washdown Hose. A hose that coils neatly saves time and makes storage easier.
2. Cleaners for Specific Surfaces
After the main wash, tackle tough stains and protect your boat's surfaces with these specialty cleaners:
- Vinyl Cleaner and UV Protectant. It's no surprise that marine vinyl takes a beating from the sun. To keep it looking sharp, use a dedicated vinyl cleaner to remove dirt, then apply a UV protectant like 303 Aerospace to prevent cracking and fading.
- Non-Skid Deck Cleaner. Dirt and grime can hide in the texture of decks. Choose a cleaner with chelating agents that gently lift grime without harsh scrubbing.
- Stainless Steel Polish. Saltwater can rust stainless steel parts, but a quick polish restores their shine.
3. Interior Cleaning and Keeping Organized
A tidy interior makes your time on the water more comfortable. Plus, it ups your boat's value!
- Brush Head Organizer: Keeps your brushes and cleaning tools neat and easy to find.
- Salt Remover: Salt remover cuts through salt residue and grime with ease.
- Premium Chamois Mop Head: Perfect for streak-free wiping inside the boat.
- Marine-Grade Soaps: Choose trusted brands like Captains Preferred Products, which offer quality at various price points.
- Quick Detailers and Sprays: These can help keep surfaces looking fresh between deep cleans.
- Washdown Hose with Nozzle: A 25ft hose with a nozzle helps you reach every corner.
- Boat Brush Kit: Opt for a personalized brush kit with durable, high-quality brushes and attachments.
- Microfiber Towels: They're ideal for drying and polishing surfaces.
4. Heavy-Duty Cleaning: Off-Season and Deep Cleaning
Here are the boat cleaning products you'll need for a thorough clean:
- Hull Cleaner/Acid Wash. Use an acid-based hull cleaner to remove waterline stains.
- Dual-Action Polisher. For chalky gel coat oxidation, a DA polisher safely restores shine.
- Wet/Dry Vacuum. Removes water from bilges and storage areas to prevent mold and mildew.
- Magic Erasers. We love these for scuff marks on white fiberglass. Just use them sparingly, as they can dull shiny surfaces if overused.
5. Beginner's Cheat Sheet: Must-Have First Buys
New to boating? Start with these basic boat cleaning materials and build your cleaning kit over time:
- Telescoping soft-bristle brush
- pH-neutral marine soap
- Vinyl UV protectant
- Microfiber drying and polishing towels
- Mildew remover spray
- High-quality synthetic chamois
Read Next: Tips for First-Time Boat Owners
Boat Cleaning Equipment Q&A
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about cleaning your boat:
Q: What tools do I need for regular cleaning?
A: A telescoping brush, marine soap, and drying tools such as chamois or microfiber towels are essential. Reinforced brushes and microfiber mitts are also great for cleaning tight corners.
Q: What about deep cleaning off-season?
A: Pressure washers, acid hull cleaners, and wet/dry vacuums are the holy grail for deep cleaning. Mechanical buffers can also help restore a gel coat's shine.
Q: Can I use a pressure washer on my boat?
A: Yes, but avoid delicate areas like vinyl, decals, and electronics to prevent damage!
Originally published in March 2010. Updated in January 2026.
