How to Clean Fiberglass Boats

By Ris Lexington Updated September 26, 2017

The first rule in caring for your fiberglass boat is to clean it often. The second rule is to clean from top to bottom. There are many boat cleaning products designed for specific surfaces. Using a product meant for one surface on another surface can sometimes cause damage. Always try a gentle cleaner first, and, for tough jobs, a biodegradable degreaser. Here are a few tips on cleaning a fiberglass boat.

Clean Fiberglass Boats

Fill a pail with hot water and add 1/4 cup of an all purpose cleaner. Use a scrub brush to remove dirt, grime and dried blood from fishing trips.
Use a degreaser to remove bird droppings from your fiberglass boat. Allow the degreaser to sit for a few moments, then scrub the soiled area with a scrub brush.
Remove stubborn fiberglass stains with 600-grit sandpaper. Wet the sandpaper and gently scrub the stain.
Apply wax to your fibgerlass boat to make the next cleaning easier.

Things You Will Need

Rubber gloves
Pail
All purpose cleaner
Nylon bristle scrub brush
Biodegradable degreaser
600-grit sandpaper

Warnings

Use caution if you clean your boat with a sponge or mop. Grit that's collected in a sponge or mop may scratch your boat. The flexible bristles of nylon brushes will not grind foreign matter into the surface of your boat.
Do not use dry sandpaper to remove stubborn stains. Dry sandpaper is very abrasive and may scratch your boat. Wet your sandpaper prior to use.

About the Author

Ris Lexington, a New York-based editor, has more than a decade of experience in newspaper, magazine and book publishing. Before becoming a professional writer online in 2007, she served as the editor of a Canadian health and wellness magazine. She holds a bachelor's degree in English.

Photo Credits

seaislandmarinellc.com

How to Clean Fiberglass Boats

Things You Will Need

Warnings

About the Author

Photo Credits

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