Cleaning an inflatable boat may seem like a daunting task, but no worries, it’s simple. If you use the right cleaner and techniques, you can easily restore your boat to its former glory and prolong its lifespan.
One of the most important factors to focus on is selecting the right products and using the right technique for cleaning your boat. Some cleaners can be harsh on the boat’s material, causing more harm than good.
Therefore It’s essential to choose a gentle yet effective cleanser that can tackle dirt, crusty marine growth, and stubborn stains without damaging your boat.
So In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know on how to clean an inflatable boat to ensure it stays in top shape for a long time.
What To Know About Cleaners
As I mentioned above, it’s important to clean your inflatable boat with the right cleaner. PVC or Hypalon inflatable boats are extremely sturdy but can quickly deteriorate if exposed to harsh cleaners.
The one mistake you should never make is using the same product with which you clean an aluminum or fiberglass boat.
This will cause costly damages, which you don’t want. Cleaners you must exclude from your list are acetone, bleach, ammonia, toluene, solvents, and alkaline products with a ph scale greater than 11.5.
What Is The pH Scale Of Cleaners?
When choosing a cleanser, it’s best to get familiar with the ph scale so you can make the best choice for your boat. The pH scale is a measurement used to determine the cleaner’s acidity or alkalinity level. Cleaners’ ph scale ranges from 0 to 14. Below is a small table that shows what each ph scale product can clean.
| pH Level | Classification | Cleaning Properties |
| 0 to 6 | Acidic | Effective for rust stains and calcium buildup Save to use |
| 7 | Neutral | Suitable for cleaning supplies and dishes Save to use |
| 8 to 14 | Alkaline | Removes oil, grease, and dirt Save to use up to 11.5. |
So…What Cleaner To Use?
While soap or detergent is relatively gentle and safe to use on PVC and Hypalon material, you are better off not using it as it can leave a sticky residue that can retain dust and dirt. This can give your boat a not-so-clean look and damage the coating material over time.
To effectively clean your inflatable boat, it’s best to use a cleanser made explicitly for inflatables, such as Starbrite or other similar products.
This product, for instance, does an excellent job of removing stains and grime and also protects from the elements.
Cleaning Supplies, You’ll Need
- Rubber gloves: to protect your hands from irritation
- Towels: to dry and clean any debris, sand, or gravel in the boat
- A soft brush: for cleaning stubborn dirt and stains
- A sponge: to clean more delicate surfaces and avoid damaging your boat
- Water if the product requires it.
Note that the majority of cleaners don’t need water and only have to be left for several minutes on the material. But some do, so it’s recommended to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Steps To Clean Your Inflatable Boat
1. Rinsing the Boat
Before you start the cleaning procedure, it’s important that you fully inflate your boat so you can clean it thoroughly.
If your cleaner doesn’t require water, remove all debris and dirt with a dry rag or a vacuum and apply the cleaner straight to the material afterward. If it does require water, use a hose or a buckle and put water on your inflatable boat to remove dirt, stains, and loose debris.
Make sure to wet both the inside and outside of the boat, focusing on the floor and any crevices where dirt might be trapped.
2. Applying Cleaning Solution
First, put the gloves on to protect your hand and apply the cleaner on the entire boat surface. Depending on the cleaner you use, you may need to let it sit for several minutes and then wrap the product with a rag. Some cleaners require a little more work.
So always follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure you are doing the right thing. However, if your cleanser doesn’t need to sit, just spray the surface and, when done, rub the boat with a cloth.
Make sure to work in small sections, starting from the boat floor and moving outwards. This makes it easier to clean the boat, and you can see if there aren’t any damages that need to be fixed. When you finish one side, flip the boat over to the other side and repeat the same procedure.
3. Scrubbing and Wiping
After rubbing, use a clean, damp rag to wipe away the cleaning solution and loosened dirt, rinsing the rag as needed. Continue this process until the entire boat is clean and free of debris.
4. Using Protectant Spray
To extend the life of your inflatable boat, it’s vital to use a protectant spray. A good quality protectant, such as a 303 protectant, will give excellent protection against the elements and keep your boat in good shape for a long time.
5. Applying a 303 Protectant.
Once your boat is completely dry, simply apply the 303 all over the material. Then wipe the boat with a clean and dry rag. You may need to use another dry towel for polishing. This will give the boat a nice shiny look and a layer of protection. Something worth mentioning is that after applying the 303 protectant, it will make the material very slippery, which is completely normal, so nothing to worry about.
PS: While a 303 is very effective at protecting from UV, it can damage the material on PVC boats if applied too often. Boat manufacturers recommend using this protectant only once or twice a year before winter storage and if needed, after winter storage. As I mentioned a few times, always read the direction on the bottle for maximum effectiveness.
Storing The Inflatable Boat
To prolong the lifespan of your inflatable boat, it would be best to store it, preferably in a bag, in a well-ventilated, cool, and dry place away from direct sunlight when not in use. However, before doing so, invest a little time cleaning it to avoid mold build-up, stains, and discolorations. It’s well worth it.
If you plan on storing it outdoors, It’s strongly recommended to cover it up and take some air out to prevent the boat from getting over-pressurized.
How Often Should You Clean An Inflatable Boat?
In essence, the best is to do a deep cleaning of your boat before and after winter storage season unless it has accumulated lots of dirt during a boating trip; then, you’ll need to give it a good cleaning. However, it’s super important that you rinse your boat after each use with fresh water to avoid any buildup of mold or dirt.
How To Prevent Saltwater From Damaging My Inflatable Boat?
As we all know, saltwater can be very destructive, not only for inflatable boats but for anything that gets in contact with it. When salt is left on an object, it forms salt crystals. Those salt crystals penetrate the material and eat it.
This is something you want to avoid at all costs if you want to keep your boat in good shape. So you must rinse your boat and gear with fresh water right after you get back to shore.
Can I Clean My Inflatable Boat With A Washer Pressure?
It’s not recommended to clean your inflatable with a washer pressure because if you get too close to the material or use too much pressure, it can damage it. However, if you want to use a pressure washer, then make sure to start back at a distance and then slowly move in. Always keep the nozzle back a foot or two. Although the washer pressure makes cleaning easier and faster, cleaners give a much better result when it comes to removing harsh stains.
What Products Work Best For Cleaning Inflatable Boats?
There are various cleaners on the market for inflatable boats that are very effective. But the most popular ones are Star Brite, 303 Cleaner, NRS Cleaner, MDR Cleaner, Seapower Marine Cleaner, and MaryKte Cleaner. You may try to consider one of those and what works best for your inflatable. Whatever you choose, always ensure the cleaner is specially made for Hypalon or PVC material.
Final Words!
Cleaning an inflatable boat is simple and easy if you do it the right way.
With these simple steps listed above, you can keep your inflatable boat looking its best and ensure that it lasts for many fun and exciting adventures on the water. Remember, taking care of your boat is an ongoing process – be sure to clean and protect it regularly for optimal results. Happy Cleaning!
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Daniella has been passionate about travel, the sea, and nature for many years. As a child, she frequently traveled throughout the Mediterranean and continued with her journeys throughout her adult life.
Her experiences have created the desire within her to share her love for traveling with other passionate and adventurers who want to discover beautiful horizons and new cultures.
Hi there! I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed your article. It was truly informative, and I learned a lot about the importance of using the right cleaning products for my boat. Your insights have definitely made me more aware of what I should be using. By the way, I was wondering if you have any specific brand recommendations when it comes to the 303 protectant products. I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Hi Eric,
303 Fabric Guard is a great brand; that’s the one I recommend.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask. I’ll be more than happy to help.
Thank you for the comment, and I wish you a lovely day.
I have owned and used many inflatable products that were employed in the water Daniella and without exception they were always difficult to clean because of the way mold, moss or other waterborn organisms had attached themselves to the product and then dried to the point that you nearly always destroyed the rubber inflatable simply trying to clean it. This article will give folks a solid model to follow to get those items clean.
Do you think using protective spray in the first place would have kept me from having such a hard time cleaning inflatables in the past?
Hi Joseph,
Yes, I am sure a 303 protectant would have saved you a lot of work:) So use it!
If you have any other questions, please let me know. I am always happy to help.
Thank you for the comment, and I wish you a great day.