Keeping your boat deck clean can be a challenging and time-consuming task. But it doesn't have to be like that! There are professional products available on the market, which will shorten the time you lose scrubbing your boat and make sure you don't create any damage.
Once you're ready, you have to make sure you know what you’re doing, and we’re here to help. Below is an in-depth guide to finding the best deck cleaners for you, with specific recommendations on the options that we think are the best deck cleaners available on the market.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Star brite Non-Skid Deck Cleaner & Protectant | Best Overall |  |
| Simple Green Marine All-Purpose Boat Cleaner | Budget Pick |  |
| Boating Accessories Non Skid Deck Cleaner-Gallon | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Star brite Non-Skid Deck Cleaner & Protectant
Pros:
- Low odor
- Safe to use on a wide variety of surfaces
- Doesn’t create slippery surfaces, so it’s great for boating
- Works on fiberglass, vinyl, gelcoat, wood, and more
- No hard scrubbing is needed
Cons:
- Harsh on skin
- It might not be efficient against mildew
The Star Brite Non-Skid Deck Cleaner & Protectant gets the job done without you having to scrub away. You can use it on any boat deck to clean and protect from future stains. You can use it any time of the year, and won’t make the boat slippery.
If you’re wondering if it will work on your boat deck, the answer is yes. It’s safe to use on a wide variety of surfaces, including fiberglass, vinyl, gelcoat, and wood.
2. Boat Deck Cleaner Marine Grade
Pros:
- Versatile product – works on many surfaces
- Can be used indoors or outdoors
- Safe enough to use on wooden boat decks
- Mildew and corrosion inhibitors
Cons:
- This product can cause staining on some surfaces if left for some time
The Boat Deck Cleaner by Better Boat Store is an efficient product to clean your boat with. Its powerful formula removes stubborn stains and leaves your deck looking all nice and shiny. Even more, it doesn't make your surfaces sticky or slippery. Overall, it's a smart investment for you and your boat.
3. Boating Accessories Non Skid Deck Cleaner-Gallon
Pros:
- Versatile uses
- Removes mildew from your deck
- Super affordable
- All buyers were impressed
If you are looking for a cheaper boat deck cleaner, then we recommend the Boating Accessories Deck Cleaner. This one comes in a 1-gallon container, which is enough to clean your entire boat several times. Every previous buyer was impressed with the quality of this cleaner, so it might be time to give it a go!
4. Spray Nine 26901S Marine Cleaner
Pros:
- 2-in-1 cleaner and disinfectant
- Fast-drying formula
- Keeps mold and mildew away from vinyl, carpets, and hard surfaces
- Efficient all-around boat cleaner
Cons:
- Requires scrubbing
- Not efficient on removing mooring fiberglass stains
The Spray Nine 26901S is a solvent-based cleaner that’s suitable for boat cleaning. It’s been specially developed for the marine environment to ensure that it’s safe to use. The solvent in this cleaner quickly evaporates, making it a perfect cleaner for your boat. It doesn’t produce residue, nor does it leave behind a film, so you won’t have to worry about it altering the laminate, paint or varnish.
The Spray Nine cleaner is the best option for cleaning boats with synthetic materials. These materials can be quite delicate, so using certain products on them may cause damage. However, the Spray Nine cleaner doesn’t pose a risk, which is why we’ve included it in our list of boat deck cleaners.
5. RMR-86 Instant Mold and Mildew Stain Remover Spray
Pros:
- Has a strong cleaning power
- Available in various quantities
- Works for tile, grout, and walls
- Cleans well
- Fixes almost any mold and mildew problem in a matter of minutes
- Long-lasting cleanliness
- Quick and effective
Cons:
- It might stain certain surfaces, as porcelain
The Instant Mold and Mildew Stain Remover Spray from RMR Brands is a powerful cleaner, suitable for those areas that are never really getting the spark they deserved. Use this spray with caution on porcelain, but do put your trust in it when cleaning your bathtub, deck, wooden surfaces, vinyl siding, drywall, concrete floor, brick walls, kitchen, and bathroom tiles.
6. Star Brite Ultimate Pontoon Deck Cleaner
Pros:
- Cleans and protects all types of decks, carpets, and vinyl
- UV damage blocker
- Neutralizes odors
- Biodegradable and safe to use around lakes and water flows
- Made in the USA
This is a highly effective pontoon deck cleaner, great for cleaning almost any pontoon. It cleans the boat without damaging the environment, thanks to the biodegradable formula. It cleans up mold, mildew, algae, spots, and more. It also incorporates UV blockers to protect your investment in the long run.
7. Simple Green Marine All-Purpose Boat Cleaner
Pros:
- Great for cleaning both fiberglass and vinyl
- Non-abrasive and non-flammable
- Biodegradable formula
- Safe to use on any surface of your boat
Cons:
- Not efficient on heavier stains
This is a great product for any boat owner. Simple Green Marine All-Purpose Cleaner is an excellent cleaner for fiberglass and vinyl. One of the best features is its ability to clean the hull without damaging the boat. The product is not especially corrosive like many boat cleaners, so it shouldn’t hurt your boat, regardless of how often you choose to use it.
8. Rejuvenate RM32DC Non-Skid Deck Cleaner
Pros:
- No scrubbing required
- Easy spray-on, rinse off usage
- Efficient on fiberglass, gelcoat, synthetic teak, and painted deck surfaces
- Made in the USA
The Rejuvenate RM32DC Non-Skid Deck Cleaner doesn’t slip, doesn’t stain, and is non-flammable. It’s designed to clean and condition all areas of your boat, and not just the deck. The rejuvenate can be applied directly to fiberglass, gelcoat, vinyl, aluminum, and painted surfaces.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What can I use to clean my boat deck?
The two most common materials used for boat decks are vinyl and fiberglass. Cleaning these types of decks requires unique cleaners.
Vinyl tops can deteriorate if you clean them with harsh cleaners, such as bleach. Fiberglass cannot be cleaned with bleach-based cleaners either, but it's easier to keep looking nice. A lot of companies have developed vinyl-friendly cleaners that are acceptable.
Use a dedicated cleaner, as the Star Brite Non-Skid Deck Cleaner & Protectant, or the Star Brite Ultimate Pontoon Deck Cleaner, if you're on a budget.
What is the best boat cleaner?
There are many types of boat cleaners available. They will all do the job but, depending on what you need from your cleaner, one type may fit your needs better than the others. The first thing to look for is a cleaner that contains a protectant to help shield your deck. This helps preserve the original finish of the boat.
How do I make my boat deck white again?
Similar to a car, it is important to keep your boat deck clean if you want it to stay looking beautiful. The problem is that saltwater is terrible for getting any surface clean because it can cause cracks and make the paint come off your deck.
Luckily, you don’t have to clean your boat deck with plain water by hand. You can use a boat deck cleaner instead and get the job done quickly and easily. For example, the Boating Accessories Non-Skid Deck Cleaner can and will support you in making your boat deck white again.
Conclusion
Yes, cleaning your boat, and especially its deck is a mission in itself. Luckily, you don't have to do it by trial and error. We have reviewed the best dedicated cleaning products on the market, so you can choose directly the one that fulfills your needs. Have a look, consider what elements are essential for you and your boat, and purchase the cleaner that suits you best. Of course, after all that cleaning, it's time to take the boat out and enjoy some quality time on the water.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Star brite Non-Skid Deck Cleaner & Protectant | Best Overall | |
| Simple Green Marine All-Purpose Boat Cleaner | Budget Pick | |
| Boating Accessories Non Skid Deck Cleaner-Gallon | Upgrade Pick | |