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Every boat owner wants to keep their vessel sparkling clean—but anyone who’s tried knows that that’s easier said than done. Even small boats make for big cleaning projects. From the deck to the hull to the interior, every surface on a boat is constantly exposed to the full force of the natural elements. Fresh and saltwater combine with the sun, rain, and organic matter to discolor and deteriorate your boat’s exterior.
Charlie’s Soap is here to simplify the boat-cleaning process. We’re all about saving you time and elbow grease with powerful, eco-friendly solutions so you can tackle any mess without damaging your boat or waterways. Let’s go over some expert tips and tricks for keeping your boat spick and span.
Choose the Right Cleaning Supplies
The products that we use to clean our boats matter. A clean vessel is more likely to run smoother for longer. It’s tempting to reach for traditional hard-hitting cleaners—but these are usually a no-go. Many regular “heavy-duty” cleaners like chlorine bleach and degreasing detergents contain harmful toxins and fillers. When you clean your boat, these damaging additives cling to your hull, then spread around the next time you go sailing, infecting lakes and oceans with harmful chemicals.
These cleaners are often so damaging that they hurt the planet while you’re using them. When you rinse off harsh chemical cleaners, they usually drain into nearby fauna, affecting the soil quality or finding their way into your waterways, which can damage local aquatic life.
As a result, some boat owners turn to DIY solutions to clean their boats. Unfortunately, these are rarely up to the task; lemon juice and vinegar have a tough time striping the barnacles that have set up shop on the side of your hull. The best solution is to find eco-friendly, biodegradable cleaners that actually work.
The Charlie’s Soap Boat Cleaning Solution
Skip the harmful ingredients and embrace effective cleaning with Charlie’s Soap. Among the Charlie’s Soap array of environmentally safe household cleaners is our 1001 Degreaser. This highly concentrated, water-based degreaser packs a serious punch against grime, grease, oil, and boat scum. It’s tough on dirt yet gentle on your boat’s surfaces and the environment.
Charlie’s 1001 Degreaser for Boat Cleaning:
- Create the Solution: Mix a cleaning solution of 4 cups of water with 1 cup of Charlie’s 1001 Degreaser. This solution can help you clean even the most challenging boat cleaning projects.
- Target Water Stains: Hard water, mineral deposits, and scum can all contribute to residual, lightly-colored water stains on your hull, deck, and interior surfaces. Rinse the stained area, then scrub with the diluted degreaser. Repeat as necessary.
- Tackle the Waterline: When organic growth, oil and fuel residue, or pollutants stick to the side of the hull, your boat may even develop a dreaded waterline stain. Apply the degreaser solution, let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse well. Repeat as necessary.
Remove Boat Mildew Stains with Charlie’s Oxygen Bleach
Mildew is a common issue, particularly in humid environments. If you think mildew may be developing on your boat, act fast. To strip away harmful mildew, begin by treating the area with Charlie’s Soap chlorine-free oxygen bleach. Like our degreaser, our oxygen bleach is free of harsh chemicals, but it’s highly effective for stripping mold stains from a variety of surfaces.
- Dissolve the Bleach: Add one scoop of our oxygen bleach into a bucket of warm water and mix well.
- Scrub Away Stains: Using a cleaning cloth, gently scrub at the mildewed areas.
- Degrease and Rinse: Once most of the mildew is cleaned from the surface, follow up with Charlie’s 1001 Degreaser to remove any residue, then rinse thoroughly.
Stop Invasive Species
Aquatic invasive species like mussels, algae, and seaweed pose a risk to both your vessel and the health of our planet. These invasive species hide on your boat’s hull and motor transoms. Unknowingly, boat owners might bring their boat into a new body of water with invasive species still firmly attached to their hull. These species can quickly spread, potentially causing drastic consequences for native flora and fauna.
Luckily, Charlie’s 1001 Degreaser can be used to strip invasive species from your boat. Use Charlie’s degreaser to clean your boat after every expedition, targeting any visible aquatic plants or residual mud.
Pro Tip: Hot water to make sure that you’ve eliminated any microscopic organisms clinging to your boat.
Safe Sailing with Charlie’s Soap
Keeping your boat clean isn’t only a matter of pride; it’s a matter of safety. At Charlie’s Soap, we’re all about helping you meet your green cleaning needs the easier way. From our powerful multipurpose cleaners to our laundry solutions, we offer an eco-friendly clean that can’t be beat. You deserve a clean that’s good for you, your floating home, and the planet. That’s what it means to have a clean, for life—Shop Charlie’s Soap.
