The Why’s of Waxing Your Boat

The Why’s of Waxing Your Boat

A good coat of wax goes a long way to keep scum, algae and other particulates from staining the hull. Thus, less cleaner is needed. You should Wax your boat twice a year or for regular washing use wax soaps, soaps that use leave a coat of wax after washing.There are going to be times that you might not want to put on an extra coat of wax, or it is simply not necessary. For spot cleaning, that does not require a water rinse, stick with a phosphate-free cleaner to wash the outside of the boat, and remove it with a sponge or mop. If you keep your boat in the water, use a spray wash that can be wiped off for spot cleaning and does not require a water rinse.

Cleaning with warm water and vinegar

Out of the hundreds of practical uses for vinegar, this one is great for us boaters. The stuff is amazing. Use it to clean the interior wood, ceiling panels and toilets, wash any mold that develops off the walls and on your ceiling. Clean chrome railings with apple cider vinegar on a soft cotton cloth, and a fresh cloth with a dab of baby oil will restore it to a bright shine. Not only is it environmentally friendly, but it works! For a homemade yacht or boat hull cleaner combine one part white vinegar and one part warm water. Add one part salt to this mixture, and use it to clean brass.

Want to keep your propeller to look shiny and new even after a whole season in the water?

Try painting your propeller with egg whites! When your boat is out of the water paint a coat of egg whites on the prop, let it dry and then repeat 3-5 more times.

The bilge area is definitely known for hiding dirt, sludge and oil residue.

Many “boat smells” can be traced to the bilge. A biodegradable bilge cleaner will allow you to get the bottom of the boat clean, but you still may have to get your hands dirty. These specific cleaners will break down oil, gas, grease and sludge, while cleaning and deodorizing the area. They will not affect metals, plastics or paint, so are very safe to use. You can probably get to those hidden compartments by putting the sprayer on a fan setting and shooting into the limber holes. Keep the bow high and the plug out. Use a wet dry vacuum to get the dirty water out so it doesn’t pump overboard.