Boat carpeting plays a crucial role in maintaining the beauty and comfort of your marine vessel. However, your boat’s interiors may be subjected to various elements, such as water, dirt, and algae, leading to stubborn stains and unpleasant odors.

Boat carpet cleaners offer the perfect solution to maintain cleanliness and freshness in your vessel.

With a variety of boat carpet cleaners available in the market, selecting the right product can be challenging. Some factors to consider include the type of stains your boat carpet accumulates, the cleaner’s effectiveness, and the ease of use.

To help you find a product that suits your needs, here is a list of the best boat carpet cleaners that effectively remove stains, eliminate odors, and ensure your boat carpet dries quickly.

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TOP PICK

1 Chemical Guys Foaming Citrus Fabric Cleaner

Average Rank: 4.5 out of 5

The Chemical Guys Foaming Citrus Fabric Cleaner offers incredible cleaning power for boat carpets and upholstery, leaving them looking and feeling like new. 

With its deep-penetrating foaming bubbles, it easily lifts dirt, grime, and stains from your fabric surfaces without leaving behind a crusty residue. 

The patented odor-elimination enzymes not only remove dirt but also actively destroy odor-causing microbes, ensuring that your boat remains fresh and inviting.

The foaming action of this cleaner makes it a breeze to use, as it floats particles to the surface for easy removal with a microfiber towel or hot water extractor. 

However, to achieve the best results, you may need to invest in additional tools or equipment, such as a brush or extractor. A few users have reported issues with the spray nozzle, so make sure to check for compatibility before use.

While the Chemical Guys Foaming Citrus Fabric Cleaner is a fantastic product for routine boat carpet and upholstery maintenance, it may not be strong enough to remove the toughest stains. In such cases, you might need to try a more potent cleaner or use other cleaning methods.

In conclusion, the Chemical Guys Foaming Citrus Fabric Cleaner is a reliable and effective solution for maintaining the cleanliness and freshness of your boat carpets and upholstery. With its powerful foaming action and odor-elimination enzymes, your boat will look and smell great throughout the season.

Pros

• Effectively dissolves and removes dirt, odors, and stains
• Intense foaming action for easy cleanup
• Destroys odor-causing microbes

Cons

• May require additional tools or equipment for the best results
• Some reviewers report issues with the spray nozzle
• May not be strong enough for the toughest stains

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BEST RATED

2 Boat Bling Sauce VS-0032

Average Rank: 4.6 out of 5

This Boat Bling Vinyl Sauce cleaner is a lifesaver when you’re trying to maintain the appearance and quality of your boat’s interior. 

The product worked well at removing various types of debris, including dirt, oil, and sunblock, from vinyl and leather surfaces. 

It’s safe to use on plastics as well as carpets, making it a versatile cleaner for all of your boat’s surfaces.

With its bio-degradable and non-caustic formula, you can feel good about using it, too – it’s eco-friendly and won’t cause harm to your materials. 

In fact, after reviewers used it on their boat seats, they were impressed with how fresh and revitalized they looked.

However, it’s worth mentioning that the Boat Bling cleaner is a bit pricier than other similar products on the market. Some users noted it could yield similar results to cheaper alternatives.

Overall, the Boat Bling VS-0032 Vinyl Sauce cleaner provides excellent cleaning capabilities, keeping your boat’s interior looking its best. 

It might be a bit more expensive, but the results and the eco-friendly nature of the product make it a valuable investment for every boating enthusiast.

Pros

• Effective for removing dirt, oil, and sunblock
• Safe for use on plastic and carpet
• Bio-degradable and non-caustic formula

Cons

• Pricier than other similar products
• You might need to watch an instructional video for proper application.
• Could yield similar results to cheaper alternatives

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3 Scotchgard Rug & Carpet Cleaner

Average Rank: 4.3 out of 5

Your boat carpet endures a lot of wear and tear, and the Scotchgard Rug & Carpet Cleaner is designed to make your cleaning routine simple and effective. 

This versatile cleaner is perfect for your boat carpet and works wonders on household items like rugs, curtains, and upholstery.

One of the best aspects of this cleaner is its ability to penetrate deep into the fibers, breaking down oil, dirt, and mud. It not only cleans your carpet but also provides excellent protection from future stains, ensuring that your fabric and carpet continue to look new.

However, when tackling stubborn stains, you may need to wet your fingers or a cloth and rub the area to get the desired result. Be mindful of how much cleaner you apply to avoid creating an overly clean spot on your carpet compared to the surrounding areas.

Moreover, while some may be averse to the scent, many users have found it pleasant and not overpowering. 

Overall, the Scotchgard Rug & Carpet Cleaner is an excellent choice for maintaining your boat carpet and other fabric surfaces. Its stain-blocking protection, along with its deep cleaning action, ensures your carpets stay in pristine condition for your future boating adventures.

Pros

• Effective at cleaning various household items
• Provides stain-blocking protection
• Deep, penetrating foam action

Cons

• Might require a bit of rubbing for stubborn stains
• Care is needed to avoid overly clean spots
• Some may find the scent strong

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4 Boat Juice Interior Cleaner Spray

Average Rank: 4.5 out of 5

The Boat Juice Interior Cleaner Spray is specifically designed to make your boat cleaning experience easier and more enjoyable than ever. 

Not only does it effectively remove dirt, sunscreen stains, and food spills from your boat’s vinyl, upholstery, carpet, plastic, and foam flooring surfaces, but it also leaves behind SiO2 Ceramic UV protection to keep your interior safe from the sun’s damaging rays.

One of the best features of this boat cleaner is its pleasant orange scent. Unlike some other cleaners, Boat Juice has no harsh or toxic smell, making it a breeze to use while cleaning your boat. 

Additionally, it’s quick and efficient at tackling common boat stains, meaning you won’t have to spend too much time scrubbing and rinsing.

However, for some particularly stubborn stains like black spider droppings, you might need an additional cleaning product to remove them completely. 

As an all-in-one cleaner, Boat Juice may not be the strongest option for cleaning boat carpets specifically. Also, a few users mentioned mold developing on their seats after use, which is something to consider while using this product.

In conclusion, the Boat Juice Interior Cleaner Spray is a convenient, all-in-one solution for cleaning and protecting various surfaces in your boat. 

With a pleasant scent and effective cleaning properties, it is generally a great choice for most boat owners. Just keep in mind for tougher stains and specialized carpet cleaning, you might need to use additional products.

Pros

• Effective cleaning and UV protection
• Safe for various interior surfaces
• Pleasant orange scent

Cons

• May struggle with stubborn stains
• Not a specialized carpet cleaner
• Some users reported mold development

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5 Meguiar’s Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner

Average Rank: 4.4 out of 5

This Meguiar’s Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner impressed many users with its deep cleaning formula that effectively removes stains and odors from boat carpets and upholstery. 

The professional strength formula ensures that even the toughest stain won’t pose a significant challenge. Reviewers love how the foam quickly penetrates and dissolves the stains, making the cleaning process quick and easy.

However, some found that the included scrubber brush wasn’t as effective as they hoped. To get the best results, you might want to use your own brush during the cleaning process. 

Also, be cautious with the aerosol spray as it can come out too forceful and cause uneven application. But with careful handling, you can quickly get the hang of it.

In many users’ experiences, this cleaner might require multiple applications on older and more stubborn stains. 

Despite this, Meguiar’s Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner does a fantastic job overall, leaving a pleasant new boat and car scent. 

If you want a cleaner that makes your boat carpets and upholstery look and smell fresh, this product is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Deep cleaning and professional strength formula
• Removes stains and odors effectively
• Quick and easy application with fast-acting foam

Cons

• The included scrubber brush might not be very effective
• Aerosol spray can be a bit too forceful
• May require multiple applications on older stains

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6 Permatex Spray Nine Marine Cleaner

Average Rank: 4.6 out of 5

Having recently used the Permatex Spray Nine Marine Cleaner, I find it excellent for various cleaning tasks. This multi-purpose cleaner and disinfectant can be used above and below deck, making it a handy addition to your cleaning arsenal. 

It does an impressive job of killing germs, removing stains, and eliminating bacterial odors without much effort. Keeping your boat looking and smelling fresh is easier with this top-rated cleaner.

As a boat owner, you often struggle with mold and mildew, especially on vinyl, carpets, and hard surfaces. 

Permatex Spray Nine Marine Cleaner helps you tackle these problems effectively. 

Rated as the number one vinyl cleaner by PowerBoat Reports and the top general cleaner by Practical Sailor, you can trust its performance.

On the other hand, the cleaner might not provide instant results for stubborn stains or heavily stained carpets, requiring a bit more elbow grease and persistence. 

Additionally, the 32 oz size might not suffice for larger cleaning projects, so you might need to purchase more than one bottle.

In conclusion, Permatex Spray Nine Marine Cleaner is a reliable and efficient choice for boat owners looking to maintain a clean and sanitized boat interior. 

Its versatile cleaning features and expert recommendations make it stand out. However, be prepared to put in some extra effort for difficult stains, and consider stocking up on larger volumes if you need to tackle extensive cleaning tasks.

Pros

• Multi-purpose for versatile cleaning
• Effectively eliminates odors
• Top-rated by industry experts

Cons

• May require additional scrubbing for tough stains
• Not specifically designed for carpets
• The 32 oz size might not last long

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7 Biokleen Bio-Kleen Amazing Cleaner

Average Rank: 4.5 out of 5

This versatile cleaner is perfect for maintaining cleanliness in your boat, allowing you to enjoy your time on the water worry-free.

With Biokleen’s Bio-Kleen Amazing Cleaner, you’ll find that tackling dirt, stains, and grime on your boat becomes an effortless task. 

This cleaner’s specialized formula is designed to lift stains from various surfaces, including interiors, vinyl, leather, fabric, canvas, and carpet, ensuring that every inch of your boat is taken care of.

Aside from its impressive cleaning power, Biokleen’s Amazing Cleaner is also environmentally friendly due to its biodegradable and non-aerosol formula. You can feel confident knowing that you’re using a sustainable product that won’t harm the planet or your boat.

However, as with any cleaner, you might find yourself needing to put a little extra effort into scrubbing tougher stains. While the product is known for its effectiveness on mold and mildew, you may want to pair it with a brush or cloth to successfully remove particularly stubborn dirt.

It’s also worth noting that the product’s price may sometimes fluctuate, and some customers have reported receiving damaged bottles. 

Make sure to check the pricing and packaging upon delivery to ensure you have a positive experience with this boat carpet cleaner.

Regardless of these minor drawbacks, the Biokleen Bio-Kleen Amazing Cleaner remains a fantastic option for a boat enthusiast looking to maintain a pristine boat inside and out. 

With its powerful cleaning properties and eco-friendly nature, you can’t go wrong with choosing this product for all your boat cleaning needs.

Pros

• Effectively removes mold and mildew stains
• Suitable for various surfaces like vinyl, leather, and fabric
• Biodegradable and non-aerosol formula

Cons

• May require some elbow grease for tougher stains
• Can be expensive during price fluctuations
• Could be damaged during shipping

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8 BOATER’S EDGE Carpet Clean

Average Rank: 4.4 out of 5

The BOATER’S EDGE Carpet Clean is an excellent option if you’re looking for a marine-grade carpet cleaner that effectively cleans spot stains, removes dirt, and treats pet stains or odors. 

This versatile cleaner can be used in various settings, such as sports and outdoor activities, boats, cars, and other indoor/outdoor carpets.

In many users’ experience with the product, it’s not only been an effective cleaner but has also maintained the original feel of the carpet, making it perfect for boat owners and outdoor enthusiasts. 

While the solution is specifically designed for all-weather carpeting in boats and autos, some noticed it could also be quite effective in removing tough stains in certain household carpets as well.

However, several users have expressed that the scent of the product can be a bit strong, and it may cause skin irritation for those who have sensitive skin. So, it might be prudent to consider these factors before purchasing this carpet cleaner.

In conclusion, the BOATER’S EDGE Carpet Clean offers an impressive cleaning performance and is a suitable choice for those searching for a marine-grade carpet cleaner. 

While it might not be the ideal product for everyone due to its scent or potential skin irritation, the benefits it provides to boat owners and outdoor enthusiasts outweigh these minor drawbacks.

Pros

• Works on all types of indoor and outdoor carpet
• Removes dirt, blood, oil, grease, pet stains, and odors
• Suitable for sports and outdoor usage

Cons

• Some users may find the smell unpleasant
• May not be as effective on household carpets
• Not suitable for all users with sensitive skin

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9 Turtle Wax Oxy Power Out Upholstery Cleaner

Average Rank: 4.3 out of 5

You know how frustrating it can be when you’re trying to remove those stubborn stains and unpleasant odors from your boat carpets and upholstery. 

Well, the Turtle Wax Oxy Power Out Upholstery Cleaner is here to make your life easier. With its specially designed formula, it can safely and effectively clean all interior surfaces, including delicate fabrics and tough vinyl.

One of the standout features of this cleaner is its versatile bristle overcap. It helps to remove even the most challenging stains – think food, mildew, and pet messes. 

And once the surface is clean, the product leaves behind a layer of silicone shield, ensuring your boat’s carpets remain protected against future soils and stains.

But, of course, perfection is hard to achieve, and this cleaner is no exception. You might need to put in some extra elbow grease for exceptionally deep stains. 

Additionally, the bristle cap may not work well on every surface, and some users might find the smell a bit overpowering.

However, despite these minor drawbacks, the Turtle Wax Oxy Power Out Upholstery Cleaner delivers on its promise of a cleaner, fresher boat environment.

It’s user-friendly, effective, and will breathe new life into your boat carpets and upholstery. Give it a try, and you’ll notice the difference.

Pros

• Safe and effective on all interior surfaces
• Gently cleans delicate fabrics while aggressively tackling vinyl stains
• Leaves a silicone shield to protect against future soils

Cons

• May require elbow grease for deep stains
• Bristle cap may be challenging to handle on some surfaces
• Some users might find the smell a bit strong

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10 Boat Bling Mild Soap Sauce

Average Rank: 4.4 out of 5

Boat Bling Mild Soap Sauce is a premium upholstery cleaner specifically designed for boats, RVs, and powersport vehicles. Its gentle formula is compatible with numerous materials, such as Chill Cool Technology vinyl and fabric canvas, ensuring the best care for your boat’s upholstery.

One of the key features of this product is its ability to rinse residue-free, leaving no trace of the cleaner on your upholstery. This means it won’t discolor vinyl or fabrics, ensuring that your boat continues to look its best. Moreover, the formula is free from fragrances, dyes, solvents, ammonia, and chlorine, making it safe for both you and the environment.

However, if your boat’s upholstery is heavily stained or quite old, the Boat Bling Mild Soap Sauce might not perform as well as you’d hoped. Some users have reported minimal differences in the appearance of older seats. Additionally, there have been cases of the container arriving damaged or leaking, so you might want to double-check the packaging upon delivery.

In conclusion, the Boat Bling Mild Soap Sauce Premium Upholstery Cleaner is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a gentle and effective cleaner that’s safe for various upholstery materials. Just be prepared to spend a little more than other similar products, and keep in mind that it may not perform as well on older or heavily stained seats.

Pros

• Safe for various materials like Chill Cool Technology vinyl and fabric canvas
• Rinses residue-free, preventing discoloration
• Fragrance and dye-free; no solvents, ammonia, or chlorine

Cons

• May not be suitable for highly stained older upholstery
• Container may arrive damaged or leaking.
• Pricey compared to the amount you get

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Boat Carpet Buying Guide

What to consider when choosing a boat carpet cleaner

Types Of Boat Boat Carpet Cleaners

boat carpet cleaners are generally available in either convenient spray forms for spot treatments and smaller areas or in larger gallon-sized containers for more extensive cleaning tasks. The best type of cleaner will depend on the volume of your boat carpet and how often you need to clean it. 

Here are the pros and cons of boat carpet cleaners in spray form and gallon containers:

Spray Form:

Pros:

1. Convenience: Spray forms are easy to use and convenient to treat spots and small areas quickly. They allow precise application, making it easier to target specific stains.
2. Portability: The compact size of spray bottles makes them portable and ideal for on-the-go cleaning needs.
3. Less Wastage: Spray forms allow you to control the amount of product you spray, preventing you from overusing the cleaner.

Cons:

1. Limited Coverage: Spray forms are best suited for small areas; they may not be practical for cleaning large boat carpets efficiently.
2. Frequent Refills: If you have a substantial cleaning task, you may need to refill the spray bottle multiple times or buy extra bottles, which can be more expensive and time-consuming.

Gallon Container:

Pros:

1. Cost-Effective: Gallon-sized containers are usually more cost-effective per ounce of cleaner, especially if you have a large area to clean or regularly clean your carpet.
2. Efficient for Large Areas: Gallon-sized containers provide ample cleaning solutions for extensive boat carpets, ensuring you have enough product to cover the entire area thoroughly.
3. Saves Time: With a larger quantity, you won’t need to refill the container as frequently, saving time during the cleaning process. Plus, with gallons, you can use a pressure machine, which is extremely practical when cleaning a large surface.

Cons:

1. Bulkiness: Gallon containers are bulkier and less portable than spray bottles, which might be inconvenient to store and transport, especially on smaller boats.
2. Potential Wastage: The product can get wasted easily if the gallon accidentally spills or overpours.

Environmentally Friendly:

Consider using eco-friendly and biodegradable cleaners to minimize the environmental impact. Look for products with labels like “green,” “environmentally friendly,” or “biodegradable.” eco-friendly carpet cleaners are not only safer for the marine environment but also for your pet, children, and your health. Powerful cleaners use harmful chemicals, which can cause breathing issues and skin allergies.

Odor Removal:

Boats often get smelly due to humidity and dirt, especially if not properly ventilated. Look for a cleaner that not only cleans but also leaves behind a refreshing and pleasant scent. Enzymatic cleaners are excellent for breaking down those nasty odors.

Drying Time:

Some cleaners, like concentrated soaps, require a lot of rinsing, which can extend the drying time. If you want to dry your carpet quickly, opt for a spray-type cleaner that dries rapidly and doesn’t need deep rinsing. However, suppose you want to use a concentrated soap for a deep carpet cleaning and want to shorten the drying time. In that case, a great option is using a wet/dry vacuum to suck up the extra water and a ventilator to help dry the carpet quickly.

Reviews and Recommendations:

Whatever you buy, it’s always best to read customer reviews and seek recommendations from fellow boat owners. Online forums, social media groups, or friends with boating experience can provide valuable insights into effective carpet cleaners.

Testing:

Never clean your boat carpet with a product you’ve never tried before. Always test the cleaner in a small, inconspicuous area of your boat’s carpet to ensure it doesn’t cause any damage or discoloration before applying it to the entire carpet. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

UV Protection:

If your boat’s carpet is often exposed to sunlight, consider a cleaner with UV protection. UV protection has special ingredients to help prevent the carpet from fading and deteriorating due to sun exposure.

Warranty and Return Policy:

Make sure the product you get comes with a warranty or satisfaction guarantee. This can give you peace of mind in case the cleaner doesn’t meet your expectations.

Versatility: Many cleaners listed in the article above, like Spray Nine, Boat Bling, Turtle Wax, Biokleen, Meguiar’s, Scotchgard, or Chemical Guys, can be used for different types of cleaning tasks, which is practical. You can use these products to clean vinyl boat seats, bimini tops, fiberglass, life vests, and more.

Steps to Cleaning Your Boat Carpet

Maintaining a clean boat carpet is easy. You just need to use the right tools and techniques, and you’ll be able to keep it looking like new for a long time. So, below, I’ll discuss the essential tools for cleaning and provide a step-by-step boat carpet cleaning guide.

Tools for Cleaning

Before you start cleaning your boat carpet, gather your equipment. It will make your job easier and more efficient. Here is a list of the tools you need to clean your boat carpet:

• Vacuum cleaner: (Optional) A wet-dry vacuum will come in handy to remove dirt, debris, and water from your boat carpet. A regular vacuum is also good, but it will remove only the dust and debris, not water.
• Steam cleaner: (Optional) This can deep-clean and sanitize the carpet fibers, removing stubborn dirt and stains. If you use a steam cleaner, fill it with a cleanser.
• Pressure washer or garden hose will thoroughly rinse the carpet after cleaning. Note that a pressure washer can make it harder to remove all soap bubbles from the carpet and can damage it if used improperly.
• Spot cleaner: A specialized cleaner for treating and removing specific carpet stains. If you don’t want to use chemical products, you can use vinegar and warm water. For fishing blood, use only cold water.
• Soft Brushes: A high-quality soft brush will help remove stains and dirt without damaging your carpet fibers.

Step-by-Step Boat Carpet Cleaning Guide

1. Prepare your boat: Before cleaning, remove any loose items from the boat deck to give you space to work efficiently.
2. Vacuum the carpet: Using a wet-dry vacuum or a shop vac, thoroughly vacuum the carpet to remove loose dirt, debris, and any water.
3. Treat stains: Apply the cleaner on the affected areas. Allow it to sit for a few minutes, then give a good brush to the carpet fibers to loosen the stain.
4. Clean the carpet: Whatever tools you use to clean your boat carpet (pressure washer, steam machine, or brush), ensure that you cover the entire carpet surface. Give a good scrub, following your grain carpet so as not to damage the fibers.
5. Rinse the carpet: After cleaning, use a high-pressure washer, bucket, or garden hose to rinse the carpet and remove all the soap thoroughly. Make sure there isn’t any soap left. Dried soap on the carpet will become a glue substance and attract dust and dirt. 
6. Dry the carpet: Once well rinsed, remove all the water using a wet/dry vacuum. If you don’t use a wet/dry vacuum, you can remove the water with towels. To accelerate the drying time, dry your carpet in a sunny area and turn on a ventilator.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What Are The Benefits of Hiring Professionals

Hiring a professional boat carpet cleaning service can provide you with a range of benefits. 

They have all the knowledge and experience required to remove stubborn stains and dirt from your boat’s carpet, and they also have access to specialized equipment and cleaning products that can safely and effectively restore its appearance. 

A professional cleaning service may be more pricey, but if you can afford it, it will save you time and effort.

Q: How Do I Eliminate Foul Odors?

Foul odors on your boat carpet can be a mix of contaminants, such as fish, mildew, or mold. 

To remove these smells, use specially designed odor-fighting cleaners or a diluted water and baking soda solution. 

Generously spray or dab the solution onto the odorous areas, but be careful not to over-saturate the carpet as it may promote mold growth. 

Let the solution sit on the carpet for several hours or overnight to absorb the odor. 

After that, thoroughly rinse with clean water and pat dry. Placing a fan or Dehumidifier in the area will help dry the carpet faster.

Q: What products are best for removing mold from boat carpets?

To effectively remove mold from your boat carpet, choose a mildew remover. These products are specifically designed to fight mold and mildew. For instance, Star Brite Mold Mildew Stain Cleaners and Boater’s EDGE MoldMildew Stain Cleaners are two popular options available in the market.

Q: How can I remove mold and mildew naturally?

There are several options for that. You can use a steam machine or a pressure washer filled with a cleaner. And the other option is to use vinegar diluted in warm water.

Note:  Never remove mold from your carpet when it is dry. Removing mold with a brush can release spores mold into the air and spread it to other areas of your boat carpet.

Q: How Often Should I deep clean my boat carpet?

This will depend on how often you use your boat and the condition of your boat carpet. In essence, it would be best to deep clean your carpet before winterizing your boat for the off-season so that your carpet will be clean and fresh for spring. However, vacuuming your carpet after every trip will lift the dirt from your carpet and keep it in good condition. It goes without saying that taking care of spills and stains right away will prevent the carpet from absorbing the stains, which will save you work and time.

Q: Can I pressure my boat carpet?

Yes, you can on the condition that you keep a good distance (20 cm) from the carpet and set the pressure on a low power. However, if your carpet is old, it would be safer not to use a pressure washer, as this could cause it to deteriorate more quickly.

Final Words!

That’s pretty it! The boat carpet cleaners listed above are the best you can find right now on the market. And with the buying guide, there is no way you won’t find a product that will suit your needs. So choose a good cleaner and use it the proper way. Happy cleaning!