Cleaning a boat deck after winter storage
Cleaning Your Boat Deck: A Step-by-Step Guide
From Grime to Fungi
It’s normal for a boat deck to become dirty after several months without maintenance. On smooth surfaces, this often appears as superficial black streaks. On non-slip surfaces, dirt tends to become embedded, and black spots may appear. These spots are often the result of accumulated grime, but in many cases, they are fungi that are difficult to remove.
Cleaning the Right Way
When a boat deck is simply covered in dirt, a good wash with boat soap is usually sufficient. If it has been in a polluted environment (smoke, dust, etc.) for a long time, it’s best to apply a degreaser first. If you notice small black spots, you’re likely dealing with fungi, which require special treatment.
The 4 Steps to Follow
- Rinse Thoroughly with Water
- Treat Fungi if Necessary
- Use Boat Soap
- Maintain During the Summer
Unless you’re in a port with water restrictions, wash the deck thoroughly with water before starting any treatment.
After the initial wash, if you see black spots embedded in the non-slip surface, you’re dealing with fungi. A simple wash with boat soap won’t remove them; you’ll need a specialized cleaner. Apply the product using a sponge or a small hand brush. To remove the spots, scrub well and finish with a thorough rinse of water.
When the deck is thoroughly wet, apply the mixture using a sponge or deck brush. Let it sit for at least 5 minutes and scrub the deck vigorously with a scrub brush. Once the deck is well scrubbed, rinse it thoroughly. If dirt persists after rinsing, reapply the product, scrub, and rinse again.
When you stop in a port, you can give your deck a quick wash with boat soap if it’s dirty. It can be diluted and rinsed with either fresh or salt water.
Additional Tips
For very dirty boats, it’s advisable to use degreasers before washing with boat soap.
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