Boat cleaning: cleaners, wax and polish in stock
Boat cleaning is regularly removing dirt, algae, water marks and salt deposits from hull, deck, tubes and upholstery to prevent UV damage and surface degradation. We stock 31 cleaning products from Sjippie, Epifanes, Ma-Fra, Hibo and EvoNautic at our megastore in Joure. For each surface a dedicated cleaner: from inflatable tubes and polyester hull to teak deck, plastic upholstery and canopy.
Which cleaning product for which surface?
| Surface | Product | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Polyester topsides | Mafra Caravel Shampoo + Wax, Sjippie Shampoo | Monthly |
| Hull underwater + waterline | Mafra Waterline Clean, Epifanes Seapower Cleaner | At haul-out |
| Inflatable tubes (PVC/Hypalon) | Sjippie Inflatable Cleaner, Hibo Neoprene Cleaner | Per season |
| Canopy and fabric | Sjippie Canopy & Fabric Cleaner, Fabric proofing | Yearly |
| Teak deck | Epifanes Teak-O-Bello + Teak Oil Sealer | 2x per season |
| Skai / faux-leather upholstery | Sjippie Skai Upholstery 2-in-1 | Monthly |
| Yellowed gelcoat | Epifanes Seapower Color Restorer + polish | Yearly |
| Rust spots on stainless | Epifanes Rust Remover | As needed |
Combine with our boat maintenance products like paint, antifouling and varnish tools and with repair products for small fixes.
Cleaning sequence: from salt to wax
An effective clean always follows the same order. First rinse thoroughly with fresh water to lift salt deposits and loose dirt. Then apply a dedicated boat shampoo such as Mafra Caravel or Sjippie and work it with a microfibre sponge or telescopic wash brush (100-160 cm or 145-250 cm). Rinse off, dry, and only then apply a deck wax or polish for UV protection. Between wax cycles a weekly sponge round is enough. For canopies: clean first, dry, then apply a fabric WET or DRY proofing spray.
Frequently asked questions about boat cleaning
How do I remove waterline staining and brown marks from a polyester hull?
Waterline streaks and brown marks come from minerals in the water and algae that lodge in the gelcoat pores. To remove them use an acidic waterline cleaner like Mafra Waterline Clean 750ml or Epifanes Seapower Hull & Antifouling Cleaner. Spray on a wet hull, let it sit for 2-3 minutes and rinse off with plenty of water. For stubborn marks repeat in two passes. Wear gloves and rinse excess product before it dries on the gelcoat. With monthly maintenance you keep the streaks from coming back.
Which cleaning product do I use on my inflatable boat?
For PVC or Hypalon inflatable tubes we recommend Sjippie Inflatable Cleaner or Hibo Neoprene/Hypalon Cleaner. Both are pH-neutral and do not attack glue seams or pressure relief valves. Avoid household cleaners, acetone or aggressive degreasers: they harden the material and lift the top layer. Method: wet the tubes with fresh water, spray on cleaner, let sit for 5 minutes and scrub with a soft brush. Rinse, dry and optionally apply a layer of Sjippie Inflatable UV Wax Spray for UV protection. This doubles the life of the tubes in summer heat.
How do I clean my teak deck or teak trim?
Teak is a hard but oil-rich wood that greys after a season under UV and salt. For cleaning use Epifanes Teak-O-Bello, a two-component cleaner that works in two steps: first a stripping cleaner, then a neutraliser. Always work across the grain, not along it, otherwise you can create pits and ridges. Rinse off with plenty of water. Let it dry at least 24 hours before applying Epifanes Teak Oil Sealer in two thin coats. Do not oil more than twice per season, otherwise you build a greasy top layer that traps dirt.
How often should I wash my boat?
Frequency depends on cruising area and berth. Boats on freshwater with a covered berth manage with a thorough clean at the start and end of the season plus a rinse after each trip. Boats on saltwater or in full sun need a light soap wash every two to four weeks and a thorough clean with sponge and brush every six weeks. Telescopic wash brushes of 100-160 cm or 145-250 cm (EvoNautic) make the job from dock or duckboard much easier, especially on larger boats where you cannot reach everywhere.
In stock? Order before 17:00 and it ships the same day. Otherwise, as soon as possible. Not sure which product fits your boat? Our specialists in Joure are happy to help.
