Why Professional Boat Valeting Is Recommended To Prevent Damage
Boat valeting isn’t easy to do and if done incorrectly can lead to damage to your boat’s surface. Grit on your cleaning sponge or brush can scratch the fibreglass surface. The wrong kind of cleaning solution can stain your leather or vinyl seats.
Get the proper cleaning materials together before washing your boat. Some things you will need are dish washing soap, degreaser, ammonia, brush, pressure washer, sponge, rubber gloves, all purpose cleaner, vinyl cleaner, sandpaper and wax.
Wear rubber gloves to keep your hands clean because you will be dealing with some pretty dirty stuff. Start by removing bird droppings with degreaser and a sponge. Use a brush on rough non-skid surfaces. Get rid of dirt from fish remnants like dried blood and bait with an all purpose cleaner or degreaser.
Use sandpaper to remove stains and tough dirt from fibreglass and other surfaces that don’t scratch easily. Make sure to moisten the sandpaper first before using it to decrease scratching or damaging your surfaces. Don’t rub the surface too harshly.
Use a vinyl or leather cleaner for your leather and vinyl upholstery. Spray the cleaning fluid on the upholstery and wipe it with a clean rag or wash cloth. You can also create your home-made cleaning solution for vinyl by mixing a few drops of dish washing soap with a pail of warm water.
Rinse away the cleaning fluid and wipe your upholstery dry. Use a conditioner and protectant to make your upholstery more resistant to dirt, moisture and stains. Spot clean stains and dirt as they occur and perform boat valeting at least once a month if you use your boat weekly.
To clean your boat’s hull, use a pressure washer and detergent. Leave the detergent on your surface for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing off with a pressure washer. This allows the soap to be absorbed in crevices and loosens up hardened dirt. Use fresh water in your pressure washer when rinsing.
You should also clean your carpets with a vacuum. Shampoo stained and dirty carpet. You can also use the pressure washer to shampoo and rinse your carpet. You canvas surfaces also need to be cleaned. You can mix your own canvas cleaning solution by mixing hydrogen peroxide and 3 spoonful of laundry detergent. Let the solution soak on the canvas for half an hour before rinsing.
Avoid using bleach to clean your boat to prevent discoloration, running or fading. Use ammonia to clean your teak. Don’t forget to apply some wax after cleaning your boat to protect your vessels surface the next time you use it. Using a professional boat valeting service can prevent accidentally damaging your vessel with the wrong cleaning solutions and techniques.
DISCLAIMER: this advice is given “as is” and in good faith. However we take no responsibility for the accuracy of this advice nor for any damage caused by following this advice. We recommend that you contact a suitably qualified tradesman to carry out this work.