Home >> Toys >> Other Toys

How to Clean a Boat Hull in the Water With Pressure Washing

Washing your boat regularly prevents residue and dirt buildup on the outer hull. Elements such as bird feces, ozone exposure, smog, salt, water scum and hard water can damage the protective paint layer on the boat over time. A good wash helps preserve the boat's paint job and restores that new-boat shine. A boat should be washed down at least once a week or after every use. The most effective cleaning method is with high-pressured water from a pressure washer.

Things You'll Need

Boat
Pressure washer
Water source
All-purpose vehicle cleaner (environmentally friendly solution recommended)

Instructions

Preparation
- 1
  Clean the dock to which your boat is moored to prevent tracking dirt onto the boat. Plug the pressure washer into an electrical outlet and connect the reservoir hose to a water source.
- 2
  Spray the dock on a vertical angle to maximize pressure and to remove all dirt. Clean in small sections 3- to 4-feet wide.
- 3
  Close all windows and hatches along the boat hull to prevent water from entering the inner compartments.
Cleaning the Hull
- 4
  Apply all-purpose vehicle cleaner to the boat, using a low-pressure setting on your pressure washer, and allow the detergent to soak for one to two minutes.
- 5
  Start cleaning the boat from the highest point so that the dirty water drains away from the portion of the boat you just cleaned. Spray the surface at a perpendicular angle to remove stubborn grit and maximize water pressure.
- 6
  Rinse the boat in 3- to 4-feet wide sections to remove the cleanser. Spray each section slowly to ensure all dirt and residue are removed. Use available sunlight to determine areas on the hull that are still dirty or contain soap residue.

Other Toys