Keeping your boat’s carpet clean not only makes it look nicer, but also extends its life. boat carpet takes a beating from wet, muddy shoes, dirt, debris, and spills. Follow this guide to learn how to clean boat carpet and keep it looking new.
You might also be interested in our article: Salt Gone vs. Salt-Away.
Table of Contents
Supplies You’ll Need
- Wet/dry shop vacuum
- Soft bristle scrub brush
- 5 gallon bucket
- Boat carpet cleaner or dish soap
- Terry cloth towels
- Garden hose
- Fan or shop vac to dry carpet
Tips Before You Start
- Read cleaner labels for safety – wear gloves if using industrial cleaners
- Vacuum first to remove loose debris
- Work in sections for thorough cleaning
- Scrub gently, especially on older carpet
- Rinse away all soap residue
- Allow carpet to dry completely before using
Step-By-Step Cleaning Process
- Vacuum Thoroughly – Use a wet/dry shop vacuum to pick up loose dirt, sand, and debris. This makes scrubbing easier.
- Mix Cleaner – For a non-toxic option, mix a few tablespoons of dish soap in a bucket of water. Or use a boat carpet cleaner diluted per instructions.
- Wet Section – Use a garden hose on a low setting to thoroughly wet a section of carpet.
- Apply Cleaner – Apply cleaner to the wet section using a scrub brush or sponge. Let it soak in for a few minutes.
- Scrub – Use a soft bristle scrub brush to gently agitate the carpet and lift stains.
- Rinse – Use the hose on a low setting to rinse away all soap residue.
- Blot – Use terry cloth towels to blot and absorb excess moisture.
- Dry Thoroughly – Allow carpet to air dry completely before using. Place a fan to speed drying.
- Repeat For other sections until all carpet is cleaned.
- Fluff Fibers – When totally dry, brush fibers up with a scrub brush.
Comparison of Boat Carpet Cleaners
| Product | Type | Price | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dish Soap | Liquid soap | $ | Non-toxic, inexpensive | Not a heavy duty cleaner |
| Sprayon Degreaser | Aerosol spray | $$ | Removes tough oily stains | Harsh chemicals require protection |
| Tuff Stuff | Liquid with brush | $ | Good for stains, built-in scrubber | Not as heavy duty as sprays |
| Elite Series Eraser | Liquid | $$ | Specialized for marine stains | On the pricier side |
Tips for Stubborn Stains
For tough grease, oil, or tar stains:
- Try a heavy duty stain remover like Sprayon Citrus Degreaser. Spot test first.
- Use a stain remover with a bristled scrubber like Tuff Stuff Cleaner.
- Consider a specialty stain eraser like Elite Series Eraser.
Keeping Boat Carpet Clean
- Vacuum after every use to prevent buildup
- Blot spills quickly and clean ASAP
- Deep clean monthly or as needed based on use
- Consider carpet protectants to repel liquids
- Park under cover to avoid UV and weathering
- Replace carpet if it becomes excessively worn
Summary
Keeping boat carpet fresh and clean takes some elbow grease but is easy with the right supplies and techniques. Regular deep cleaning removes stains, restores fluffiness, and keeps boat carpet looking new for longer.
