If you own a boat, you know that taking care of it yourself is time-consuming and hard work. However, you can also trust me that there’s nothing more depressing than a poorly taken care of boat.
So instead of spending most of your weekend washing your boat, you could save time and just use a powerful and reliable boat cleaner. But here’s the problem: how can you know which cleaner is the best? How to choose the most suitable product for your boat care?
After you have read this, you will be able to make an educated decision on your next purchase.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| H&M Orpine Boat Soap & Wax | Best Overall |  |
| MEGUIAR'S Marine/RV Boat Wash | Budget Pick |  |
| Wet or Waterless Car Wash Wax Kit 144 Ounces. Aircraft Quality | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. H&M Orpine Boat Soap & Wax
Pros:
- Leaves a protecting wax-coating
- Highly concentrated – lasts a long time
- Biodegradable and environmentally friendly formula
Cons:
- Might not remove mold and mildew
With the H&M OPW2 Orpine Boat Soap & Wax you can successfully clean all the fiberglass, epoxy paints, all metals, wood, and plastics surfaces on your boat. This boat soap and wax comes in a plastic bottle and is highly concentrated, so you will need to dilute it before using it.
2. MEGUIAR'S Marine/RV Boat Wash
Pros:
- Removes contaminants
- Gentle on sensitive surfaces
- Avaialble in 4 quantities
Cons:
- Poor delivery
This vessel wash by Meguiar is gentle on the most sensitive surfaces, including fiberglass and gel coat. It’s great for those fiberglass boats that are so popular nowadays. MEGUIAR’s is also gentle on the environment. If you’re looking for a boat wash that smells great and does a great job, this is our top pick.
3. MEGUIAR'S Flagship Premium Wash-N-Wax
Pros:
- Biodegradable
- Leaves a protective wax layer
- Protects against corrosion and UV damage
Cons:
- Poor packaging – some received a leaking product
Meguiar's Flagship Premium Wash & Wax is an outstanding all-purpose boat wash that delivers high-end results. This biodegradable formula shields your boat against environmental elements. It leaves your boat nice and shiny while also protecting it against salt air corrosion and UV damage.
4. Woody Wax BOAT SOAP ULTRA PINE
Pros:
- Works great on cleaning off dirt, mold, and mildew
- Protects against saltwater
- Can also be used on cars and trucks
If you don’t want to spend a huge amount of money on a cleaner, then the Woody Wax Boat Soap Ultra Pine does an amazing job that will go a long way for your boat. Many reviewers like that the power washer was able to wash off all of the dirt, mold, and mildew that had accumulated on their hull. Many people also pointed out the pleasant pine smell after being cleaned with the boat soap.
5. Wet or Waterless Car Wash Wax Kit 144 Ounces. Aircraft Quality
Pros:
- Alcohol & Ammonia free
- Biodegradable plant-based formula
- All-surface, non-stick cleaner
- Available in various quantities
Cons:
- Some reported that it damaged the paint on their cars
This water-based cleaning solution is a biodegradable and plant-based choice, suitable to use on almost any surface on your boat. If you also plan to use it on cars, do it with caution, as some previous buyers experienced paint scratches. It is recommended to do some test surfaces. Overall, it is a good value for your buck and a high-quality cleaner.
6. Star brite Super Orange Citrus Boat Wash
Pros:
- Brightens boats quickly
- Leaves a pleasant orange scent
- Cleans surface off well
- Biodegradable
Cons:
- Poor packaging – some received a defective product due to delivery
The Star Brite Super Orange Citrus Boat Wash is a citrus-based boat wash that is designed to give your boat an instant shine. It is a powerful cleaning product that can break down dirt and grime and make your boat look new again. One of the best features of this boat wash is that it is biodegradable and environmentally safe. This preserves water quality and minimizes the runoff affecting your waterways and your ocean.
7. Smoove Purpleicious Ultimate Boat Wash
Pros:
- Safe on upholstery
- Removes even the most difficult stains
- Environmentally friendly
- Biodegradable
Cons:
- Does not lather well
The Smoove did a fantastic job removing dirt and even seawater stains on our boat. It is a high-quality cleaner that reduces water spots and gives your boat its sheen back. Even more, is affordable and lasts a long time, as it has a concentrated formula.
8. TotalBoat Biodegradable Boat Soap
Pros:
- Suitable for decks, hulls, bilges, cockpits, cabins, engines & sails
- Doesn't remove wax
- Ok to use in any waters – warm or cold, fresh or saltwater
Cons:
- Some considered it less concentrated than ideal
TotalBoat Biodegradable can be used all around your boat. It easily removes dirt and debris, while leaving behind a brilliant shine. The soap releases foamy bubbles that help scrub the hull. The formula is fully biodegradable and leaves no residue. The soap is pH balanced and will not strip off the shine or the top layer of your boat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best boat wash?
Of course, no one likes cleaning their boat, but it's a necessity. To have a nice and clean boat, you need to wash it quite often and with diligence. It is great to choose a product that's biodegradable and environmentally friendly, so you don't have to worry if you spill it.
The best of the best is the H&M Orpine Boat Soap & Wax, as it also leaves a protecting wax-coating, and it lasts for a long time. It's a strong and reliable cleaner, with a highly concentrated formula.
Can you use dish soap to wash a boat?
Dish soap would probably not be a wise choice to bring a boat back into boating shape.
However, you can use dish soap to wash your boat on the interior, where your guests will be. If they are taking out food or drink, they will touch and rub your boat, so a bit of dish soap might be just what it needs to be clean again. Of course, this only works if your boat has only slight traces of dirt. Otherwise, I suggest using a dedicated product. Is a much better choice, also in the long run.
Can you use car wash on boats?
If you are an avid watercraft owner who maintains your vessel well, you might be looking around for the best products to use. This is where a dedicated boat wash is great. It will remove all the grit and grime and leave the boat looking clean and shiny.
Some cleaning products are suitable for boats and cars, like the Woody Wax BOAT SOAP ULTRA PINE. That would indeed work. However, I would never try to use a random cleaner.
Conclusion
Boating it’s probably one of the best ways to enjoy the ocean. Make sure that you clean your boat before you launch, though. A dirty boat is a boat prone to corrosion due to exposure to the elements. It’s so much worse in warm, salty areas. A clean boat is a happy boat. Make sure you know which products to use, whether commercial or DIY, to make that boat shine. Use our reviews to choose the most suitable for you and enjoy your time on the water, on a nice, shiny boat!
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| H&M Orpine Boat Soap & Wax | Best Overall | |
| MEGUIAR'S Marine/RV Boat Wash | Budget Pick | |
| Wet or Waterless Car Wash Wax Kit 144 Ounces. Aircraft Quality | Upgrade Pick | |