Pulkit D 
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If you are a boat owner, you probably know the struggles of cleaning your hull. Boats are not easy vessels to maintain, and dirt along the hull is every boat owner’s worst nightmare. That is why we’re here to present you with the most efficient and best ways to clean your boat hull, for you to have a clean and weed-free boat!
Outline
When Should You Clean The Boat Hull?
You should clean your boat hull every 4-8 weeks at least! How frequently you should clean your boat hull depends on a lot of factors such as:
- How frequently your boat is used
- The speed and duration of boating
- The temperature and salinity of the water
- Your geographical location
However, instead of taking any risks, waiting for a lot of dirt to accumulate and reduce boat speeds, it is better to clean it as frequently as once every 1-2 months.
There can be several roads for a clean boat hull, and we’ve listed them all below.
Best Ways To Clean Boat Hull
Boat Hull Basic Cleaning:
For an easy, basic cleaning, follow these steps:
Step 1: Take a garden hose or a stream of water with low pressure and rinse the hull. This helps to loosen the algae, salt, and other mold particles on your boat.
Step 2: Choose a specialized cleaner for boat hulls. Mix around 3 tablespoons of the cleaner with water. (Remember to not just pick any cleaner as it can potentially ruin the paint or surface of your boat. Read the manufacturer’s guide for best instructions.)
Step 3: Take a soft sponge or a microfiber towel and dip it into the cleaning solution. Wring out the excess solution.
Step 4: Gently stroke the surface of the hull. Scrub it in circular or half-circular strokes. Repeat this process till you’re satisfied with how clean the surface of your hull is.
Step 5: Rinse the hull with fresh water again, just like in step 1.
Step 6: And finally, swipe the hull over with a water-soaked sponge or towel once again to make sure any residual soap or water stains are removed.
Deep Cleaning Boat Hull Using Muriatic Acid:
Muriatic Acid is very useful for tough, hard-to-clean stains and hence can be used for deep cleaning.
Step 1: Using fresh water, rinse the hull of your boat once. It’ll be useful to have a water source with low to moderate water pressure like a hose to loosen the salt particles on the hull.
Step 2: Mix Muriatic Acid with water in a 1:1 ratio (Everyday items that contain muriatic acid include toilet cleaners!)
Step 3: Put the mixture into a sprayer- you could use an empty perfume/sanitizer bottle that’s lying around.
Step 4: Spray the solution onto the boat’s hull and let it rest for 5-10 minutes.
Step 5: Use a cleaning brush to wipe away the foul.
Step 6: Rinse with water thoroughly once again, to remove any excess acid solution or water stain.
Be careful while handling muriatic acid, since it can have potentially strong and corrosive reactions if it comes in contact with the skin. The following precautions can be taken:
– Be sure to wear gloves
– Always pour the water first and then the acid to prevent any reactions with the container
– Avoid using metal containers, to prevent corrosion
– Lastly, keep an acid-neutralizer solution ready nearby in case your skin accidentally comes in contact with the acid. Add some water to a spoon of baking soda and keep it aside in a sprayer and you’re good to go!
Cleaning Boat Hull Using Bar Keepers Friend:
Bar Keepers’ Friend is one of the most traditionally used boat hull cleaners ever. Some words of caution before you use it:
– Make sure to wear gloves before using BFK as well to avoid any allergic reactions to your skin
– Ensure that the powder doesn’t come anywhere near your nose/face, as inhaling it can have adverse effects.
Step 1: Take 2-3 tablespoons of the BFK and put it into a bucket.
Step 2: Pour water into the bucket and stir just enough to make a paste. Make sure it’s not too watery.
Step 3: Now rinse the hull the same way as before with a hose.
Step 4: Using a light sponge, coat an area with the BKF and water solution.
Step 5: Let it stay for 3-5 minutes, and then wipe the hull in gentle, circular motions. Repeat the process till the whole hull is clean.
Step 6: Now rinse again with fresh water for a spot-free hull.
Spot Clean Using Star Brite Hull:
A Star Brite Cleaner can do wonders for stubborn spots on the hull of your boat-
Step 1: Ensure your boat is as dry as possible.
Step 2: Take a sponge or a towel, and add 1 tablespoon of Star Bright solution to it.
Step 3: Scrub on the specific area that contains the spot.
Step 4: Let the cleaner sit for about a few minutes to half an hour.
Step 5: Rinse the area with water once more.
Clean Naturally Using Baking Soda and Vinegar:
If you want to forsake acids, there are of course more natural ways of cleaning your boat hull:
Step 1: In two cups of water, add half a cup of baking soda and half a cup of vinegar (Adjust your ratio accordingly).
Step 2: Mix the solution well and leave it for around 15 minutes.
Step 3: Next, pour the mixture into an empty spray bottle.
Step 4: Spray the solution on the hull and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes.
Step 5: Use a sponge or a microfiber towel and scrub like before in circular motions.
Step 6: Lastly, wash the hull one last time for a stain-free surface.
That’s all folks! You can pick any of the above-mentioned best ways to clean your boat hull. No matter how you choose to clean it, make sure to do it in a timely manner to prevent a rough ride across the waters!
