Owning a boat is a lot of fun, and one of the best things about it is the freedom to use it to go near & far and do so often. However, one of the biggest downsides to this lifestyle is how difficult it can be to keep a boat clean.
One of the things that can really make a boat hard to clean is the constant exposure to the elements. A boat is there to be used, but that also means it will get dirty quickly and often, no matter where you anchor or store it.
It’s up to you to decide how much effort you want to put into keeping your boat clean. If you purchase high-quality cleaning products, you will be rewarded with a place that is nice and shiny, anytime ready for a new adventure. Let's have a look at the best boat carpet cleaners for 2021!
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Star brite Carpet Clean & Protect | Best Overall |  |
| Boater's EDGE Carpet Clean | Budget Pick |  |
| Spray Nine Marine Cleaner | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Star brite Carpet Clean & Protect
Pros:
- Works great on grease, grime, and odors
- Suitable for carpet, rugs, and upholstery
- Easy to use
- Cleans boat carpet and seats
- Five-star professional cleaner
- Safe and non-toxic – biodegradable
Cons:
- The odor might be disturbing for some
Starbrite Carpet Clean & Protect 22 oz Spray is specially formulated to be efficient on even the toughest stains and protect your boat carpets and seats from wear and tear.
2. Simple Green Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner
Pros:
- Suitable for cleaning equipment such as floor scrubbers, carpet cleaners, pressure washers and parts washers
- Safer Choice Direct Release Certified
- Concentrated – it lasts a long time
Cons:
- Involves dilution
The Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner is a cleaning product that you can use for pretty much anything: from cleaning toilets to removing stubborn carpet stains.
The Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner has an impressive dilution ratio, which means that you’ll only need to use small amounts of it to get great cleaning results. This is something that we always look for when choosing a good cleaning product. Another great advantage of buying the Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner is the fact that it’s extremely versatile and not only works great on a variety of surfaces but can also be used for a variety of cleaning tasks.
3. Spray Nine Marine Cleaner
Pros:
- Suitable for vinyl
- Removes stains, eliminates bacteria and prevents mold and mildew
- It’s pretty affordable
Cons:
- Not efficient for removing mooring fiberglass stains
Spray Nine has come up with one of the best boat marine cleaners.
You can purchase 32oz or 1 gallon, which will last you for a long time. It covers any cleaning needs your boat has, hence making it easier for you to keep it clean.
4. Chemical Guys Fabric Clean Carpet & Upholstery Shampoo
Pros:
- Great for both home and professional use
- Removes regular stains and dirt
- Safe for all surfaces
- Super affordable
- No hard-rubbing required
- All you need in one bottle
Cons:
- Not the best for tough and old stains
The Chemical Guys Fabric Clean Carpet does an impressive job in cleaning your boat's indoor and outdoor fabric, upholstery and carpet. It doesn't request any scrubbing or hard rubbing and is also toxic chemicals-free. Overall, with its super affordable price, it's a great option for your boat.
5. Interior Cleaner
Pros:
- Carpet and fabric cleaner for boats, cars, RV
- Works equally well on carpets, seats, and upholstery
- Make furniture, vinyl, leather, and seats Shine
- Doesn’t harm synthetic and nylon fabrics
- Aviation grade product
Cons:
- The smell is unpleasant
This carpet and fabric cleaner is suitable for use on boats, cars, RVs and just about any other kind of vehicle or furniture. It’s a good interior cleaner that comes in a nice 32-ounce bottle. Just one bottle is enough for cleaning a big boat boat.
6. Carbona Oxy-Powered 2-in-1 Carpet Cleaner
Pros:
- The brand is well-known
- Available in packs of 2
- Works great to remove pet stains as well
- Suitable for microfibers
Cons:
- Some received an oxy-powered version of the product
Although it is a little messier to use than the other 2-in-1 carpet cleaning products, it’s still one of the most effective ones out there. It has a powerful formula that can remove the toughest of stains, including some old ones. Carbona’s 2-in-1 Carpet Cleaner does not contain any toxic chemicals, and it also dries up fast, making it more convenient to use.
7. Turtle Wax Carpet and Mats Cleaner
Pros:
- Eliminates odors caused by smoke, pets, and food
- Detachable micro scrub brush included
- Powerful stains removal
Cons:
- Not recommended to use on your boat seats
The Turtle Wax Carpet and Mast Cleaner have received really positive feedback on how well it cleans boats carpet and how the odor disappears. Customers have seen an improvement in the appearance of their boat carpet after using this spray. It comes with an affordable price tag, and it might be just what you need to keep your boat clean and shiny.
8. CarGuys Super Cleaner
Pros:
- Safe and effective cleaner
- Reaches small nooks and crannies
- Can be used on most surfaces
- Does not contain any ammonia
- Versatile multi-purpose cleaner
- Light and easy to use
- Cleans fast
Cons:
- May not work on harder stains or deeper problems
- Not recommended for glass and delicate instrument panel screens!
CarGuys Super Cleaner is one of the best carpet cleaners for boats. It provides a deep cleaning action by removing stains and spots and has a very low odor. It is safe to use on vinyl, rubber and all other upholstery without causing them any damage. The cleaner is tough on dirt yet gentle on the vehicle's surface. However, it might not be extremely efficient on old and deep stains but does an impeccable job in maintaining your boat's cleanliness.
9. Boater's EDGE Carpet Clean
Pros:
- Great for cars, boats, and homes
- Keeps up against tough stains
- Leaves a protective barrier
- Made in the USA
Cons:
- Strong and persistent smell
Boater’s EDGE carpet cleaner is a breakthrough in carpet cleaning. It consists of a combination of no caustic chemicals and foams out ground-in dirt and stains. This product effectively helps you get rid of unpleasant pet stains, coffee, mud, dirt, oil, grease, urine, paint and other tough stains.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best carpet for a boat?
Carpeting, in particular marine carpet, is a very underrated feature in a boat. Most people tend to opt for hard bottom floors instead of carpet, which is often smarter, but not easier to clean.
However, if you choose to install a carpet, there are many types of marine carpets to select from – you have to look for waterproof ones, fire-resistant, and durable.
Another great thing about carpeting in a boat is how easy it is to maintain by comparison to hard floors. Placing hard floors in a boat means you need to keep up with the cleaning, which can be a lot of work and not to mention potentially dangerous if it gets slippery.
What is the best way to clean boat carpet?
The best way to clean boat carpet is to only use products that are made specifically for carpeting in boats. Products made for regular carpeting might not clean your boat carpet properly.
Instead, the wrong product can stain your boat carpet and, if not cleaned off, this can lead to permanent damage. There are a ton of different boat carpet cleaners to choose from but, generally, the best boat carpet cleaners are made with enzymes to help break down stains and spots.
From our selection, the most recommended product is the Star Brite Carpet Clean & Protect. If you are looking for a budget alternative, choose the Chemical Guys Fabric Clean Carpet & Upholstery Shampoo instead.
Can you power wash the boat carpet?
Yes, boat carpet can be cleaned by particular power washers, as long as you check with the carpet's manufactures, as there might be specific instruction for each product. Too much pressure or the wrong setting on your pressure washer might damage your carpet and can cause stains. Use caution and only hand wash your boat carpet if you are not certain the fibers of the carpet can handle power washing. If you are unsure, have it cleaned professionally.
Conclusion
Boats are exposed to extremes of weather and several different kinds of environments, so regular and persistent cleaning and maintenance is something you should never neglect. Some elements of your boat come with inherent cleaning challenges, and some are easier to deal with. This article contains a collection of answers to all the questions you’re likely to have when talking about cleaning your boat's carpet.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Star brite Carpet Clean & Protect | Best Overall | |
| Boater's EDGE Carpet Clean | Budget Pick | |
| Spray Nine Marine Cleaner | Upgrade Pick | |