With visions of a grizzled old chief boatswain’s mate shouting, “Swab those decks up to the bulkheads and set it ship shape and Bristol fashion,” I’m thinking about boat-cleaning season. It used to be that boaters cleaning and getting ready for the season’s adventures would turn to some pretty hazardous chemicals. Today’s boat owners understand the value of protecting our waters and the environment, and many choose not to use those hazardous chemicals. Mother Nature provides some effective and non-toxic options. Baking soda, lemon juice, and vinegar are some of the most effective cleaners available. Six ideas for cleaning your boat:
  1. Plastic surfaces, stainless steel, aluminum, and decks can all be cleaned with vinegar in various states of dilution. Vinegar’s pH level makes it fairly acidic, which removes lots of water deposits.
  2. Fiberglass stains can be cleaned with a paste of baking soda and water. Mix just enough water into the baking soda to make it the consistency of peanut butter. Using a sponge or soft cloth, lightly rub the mixture into the stain. This great fiberglass cleaner can be used for onboard showers and heads, also, or even at home.
  3. Copper fittings need a little acidity and abrasion. A paste of lemon juice and salt rubbed lightly onto the fitting will make it lustrous.
  4. Windows and mirrors are easily cleaned with a solution of vinegar, lemon juice, and warm water. Use warm or hot water for quick evaporation to reduce streaking. Fill a spray bottle with this solution, and wipe it down with your reusable microfiber cloths.
  5. Chrome can be brightened using apple cider vinegar. Pour it onto your reusable soft cloth, and gently rub it clean. After it’s clean, a little olive oil wiped on lightly can make your chrome gleam. Don’t use baby oil for this application as it’s a petroleum product.
  6. Use olive or almond oil to clean interior wood. Just a dab of any natural plant oil will deliver natural moisturizers to protect the wood and a little bit of shine. Wipe off any excess with a reusable cloth.
by Elizabeth Kelch