The 10 Best Boat Cleaners
This wiki has been updated 17 times since it was first published in August of 2019. There is no question that boats require a lot of maintenance, but with a high-quality and effective cleaner, keeping them looking great doesn't have to be too laborious. Whether you are in search of something for a weekly wash, to remove built-up stains and rust, or to get rid of unsightly mold and mildew on vinyl, we have found the best options for you. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Spray Nine 26901S
2. Boat Juice Exterior
3. Star brite EZ-On EZ-Off
Editor's Notes
August 20, 2019:
Just like having the right tool for the job makes things significantly easier, the same can be said for having the right cleaner. Spray Nine 26901S claimed our number one spot because of its impressive versatility, being just as effective on vinyl as it is on a gel coat. Meguiar's Gel Wash, Star brite Sea Safe Wash, and Boat Juice Exterior are also great all-purpose soaps that can be used on everything from your hull down to your little tiny chrome details. This last product even contains a polymer wax that offers your gel coat future protection against salt spray and fading.
However, if you prefer something a little more purpose made, we also have a lot of great options for that. Those looking for something specifically to help remove mold and mildew from vinyl seats or the walls of a cabin should consider 3M Mildew Stain Remover. Star brite EZ-On EZ-Off, on the other hand, is a very powerful hull and deck cleaner that can cut right through rust stains, waterline scum, and get rid of that yellowing that causes boats to look old. And Boat Bling Hot Sauce is a great for use after each outing to get rid of water spots and quickly add a thin layer of wax.
If you need to tackle some serious oxidation and chalkiness, and want to bring back some luster to worn-looking fiberglass, 3M Liquid Marine Restorer & Wax and Poli Ox Heavy Oxidation Remover are best. However, both of these require a lot of time and effort.
While regular cleaning is a must for all vessels, you may be able to make your life a little bit easier and stretch out that time between cleanings by using a boat cover to keep it protected from the elements.
Special Honors
Thetford Marine Boat Wash If you care just as much about the environment as you do the effectiveness of your cleaning product, there are few better choices than this boat wash. It was rated as the Boat U.S. Foundation Staff Pick based on both of those factors. According to their research, it is 100-percent biodegraded after just four weeks. thetford.com
MRD Waterline Stain Remover Extremely proficient at removing tannic acid, iron, and lime deposits, this stain remover often succeeds where other products fail. It comes in an easy-to-apply formula, requires very little scrubbing, and has even been known to remove some barnacles, which is no easy feat. mdramazon.com
4. Meguiar's Gel Wash
5. Simple Green Marine
6. Star brite Sea Safe Wash
7. Boat Bling Hot Sauce
8. 3M Mildew Stain Remover
9. 3M Liquid Marine Restorer & Wax
10. Poli Ox Heavy Oxidation Remover
A wandering writer who spends as much time on the road as in front of a laptop screen, Brett can either be found hacking away furiously at the keyboard or, perhaps, enjoying a whiskey and coke on some exotic beach, sometimes both simultaneously, usually with a four-legged companion by his side. He has been a professional chef, a dog trainer, and a travel correspondent for a well-known Southeast Asian guidebook. He also holds a business degree and has spent more time than he cares to admit in boring office jobs. He has an odd obsession for playing with the latest gadgets and working on motorcycles and old Jeeps. His expertise, honed over years of experience, is in the areas of computers, electronics, travel gear, pet products, and kitchen, office and automotive equipment.