Cleaning products are necessary for dissolving and removing dirt, grime, allergens and germs. However, most cleaning products are not made to be directly released into our waterways. Ingredients in certain cleaners can damage fish tissues or persist in the environment and enter the food chain. Some products also contain phosphorous and nitrogen, which can put excess nutrients into the water causing algal blooms which can be harmful to coral reefs and coastal ecosystems. Instead, many cleaning products are created to go through wastewater treatment facilities, where the majority of contaminants and chemicals are removed before the water goes back into rivers, lakes and the ocean.
Being directly connected to our waterways, boaters can potentially have a negative impact on the local environment and wildlife when cleaning onboard. Here are simple eco-friendly boat cleaning tips to help minimize the impact:
Regularly rinse your boat or boat parts with freshwater. This can help reduce the need for harsh chemicals by preventing the buildup of salt, mildew and grime in the first place.
Choose cleaning products that are less harmful to the environment by purchasing eco-friendly products or making homemade cleaners.
If possible, use cleaning products sparingly and try to prevent cleaning products and wastewater from draining directly into the water. Utilize designated washdown areas at your marina or club, or wash items down on a grassy area which can help absorb runoff before it ends up in the ocean.
How to make eco-friendly homemade boat cleaners?
With the following seven products that you may already have in your kitchen cabinets, you can clean most of your boat and boating accessories in an eco-smart and cost-effective way.
Vinegar – acidic, strong cleaning agent that can dissolve dirt, debris and grime, kill or reduce certain types of pathogens (usually ones that cause common foodborne diseases), but is not a disinfectant
Lemon Juice – acidic, strong cleaning agent that can dissolve dirt, debris and grime, antibacterial, but is not a disinfectant, citrus smell
Baking Soda – mildly alkaline, slightly abrasive, strong cleaning agent that can help dissolve dirt and grease (be careful using around certain metals), and neutralize odors
Cream of Tartar – mildly acidic, similar to baking soda, but is slightly less abrasive
Borax – alkaline, strong cleaning agent that can get rid of stains, mold and mildew, and neutralize odors
Salt – effective gentle scouring agent, boost cleaning and deodorizing action of other ingredients
Hydrogen Peroxide – a natural disinfectant that is antibacterial and antiviral
All-purpose cleaner
White vinegar
Water
Bucket
Scrub brush and/or cloth
This simple mixture can be used for general cleaning purposes on your boat. In a bucket, add one cup of white vinegar to a gallon of water. Use a scrub brush or cloth to clean surfaces of dirt and grime. Rinse area with water.
Fiberglass stain remover
Baking soda
Water
Bowl
Spoon
Scrub brush and/or cloth
In a bowl, add a couple of tablespoons of baking soda. Slowly add a small amount of water and mix until you make a thick paste. Using a cloth, rub the paste on fiberglass to remove stains. Rinse area with water.
Aluminum cleaner
Cream of tartar
Water
Small bucket
Tablespoon
Cloth
In a small bucket, add two tablespoons of cream of tartar to one quart of hot water, and mix. Use a cloth dipped in the mixture to clean aluminum surfaces. Rinse area with water. Cream of tartar is used in this homemade cleaner instead of baking soda because if baking soda, an acidic substance, is left on the aluminum too long, it can cause the metal to oxidize.
Stainless steel cleaner
Baking soda
Water
White vinegar
Bowl
Spoon
Cloth
In a bowl, add a couple of tablespoons of baking soda. Slowly add a small amount of water and mix until you make a thick paste. Using a cloth, rub the paste on the stainless steel surface. Rinse area with water. To get rid of water spots on the stainless steel, wipe area with a new cloth that has been dipped in white vinegar.
Sail cleaner
Borax
Water
Bucket
Sponge
Scrub brush
Overly aggressive cleaning can weaken sails, so it is important to be careful about what types of cleaning products you apply to the fabric. It is always better to soak for a longer period of time rather than to use stronger chemicals. For general sail cleaning, add one to two cups of borax to a gallon of hot water. Rinse the sail with water and then use a sponge to apply ample amounts of the mixture to the sail. Use a soft scrub brush for stains. Let the mixture soak on the sail for two hours. Rinse the sail thoroughly with water. Dry the sail fully by hoisting it or drape the sail in a dry place outside in the sun.
Life jacket cleaner
White vinegar
Water
Hydrogen peroxide
Bucket
Scrub brush
In a bucket, add one cup of white vinegar to a gallon of water. Soak the lifejacket in the mixture for 30 minutes and use a soft scrub brush as necessary to get stains out. Rinse the lifejacket thoroughly with water. To sanitize the lifejacket, add one cup of hydrogen peroxide to a gallon of water in a bucket. Soak the lifejacket for 30 minutes. Rinse the lifejacket thoroughly with water. Let the lifejacket dry fully outside.
Mildew remover
Lemon juice
Salt
Bowl
Spoon
Scrub brush and/or cloth
For stubborn mildew stains on canvas or other cloth surfaces, mix together one part lemon juice and one part salt in a bowl. Using a scrub brush or cloth, apply the mixture to the mildew stain and scrub to remove. Rinse thoroughly with water. Let the cloth items dry fully outside in the sun.
