Boat Cleaning Plan 101
This post will help you understand why it is important to have a regular boat cleaning schedule and when you should plan to do certain cleaning tasks. We have vast experience in planning cleaning schedules for large superyachts so we hope this blog post will help you with your boat cleaning.
This post is all about how often your boat cleaning should take place!
The importance of regular boat cleaning
Regular boat maintenance is essential to preserving the longevity and appearance of any vessel. Implementing a consistent cleaning schedule can help prevent common issues such as mold, rust, and paint deterioration. Beyond its practical benefits, maintaining a clean boat is incredibly rewarding, leaving your vessel looking pristine and well cared for.
One of the most significant advantages of a structured cleaning routine is the cost savings it provides. By addressing dirt, rust, and mold before they accumulate, you can avoid expensive repairs and extensive maintenance work in the future. Staying proactive not only enhances the boat’s overall condition but also reduces the time and effort needed for upkeep.
We recognize that not everyone has the luxury of living aboard full-time, and time constraints can make regular cleaning challenging. With that in mind, this guide is designed to fit into a manageable schedule—requiring just one dedicated day every two weeks, depending on the size of your yacht. On superyachts, maintenance routines operate differently, typically involving a team of five crew members dedicating two full days per week to cleaning.
By following a structured cleaning plan, you can ensure your boat remains in top condition while minimizing long-term maintenance costs.
Our 6 week plan to boat cleaning
First Day - Initial Clean
General Wash & Dry – Perform a thorough rinse, ensuring all surfaces are washed with marine-safe boat soap using a soft brush or wool pad/mitt.
Polish & Protect – Polish all stainless steel and apply a protective wax coating to preserve the finish.
Week 2 - Teak Maintenance & Routine Cleaning
General Wash & Dry – Conduct a full wash as usual.
Light Teak Scrub – Use Eco100 Teak Cleaning Powder or a suitable teak cleaner to gently scrub and refresh teak surfaces.
Week 4 - Hull Focus & General Maintenance
General Wash & Dry – Conduct a full wash as usual.
Hull Cleaning – Pay extra attention to the hull and hull fittings, ensuring it is thoroughly washed and dried to prevent buildup.
Week 6 - Uncover Areas & Full Refresh
General Wash & Dry – Conduct a full wash as usual.
Cover Removal & Cleaning – Remove any protective covers and clean the areas beneath them to prevent trapped moisture and mildew.
Ongoing Maintenance
Repeat this schedule every six weeks to maintain your yacht’s pristine condition.
Adjust based on environmental factors, heavy use, or unexpected conditions.
Incorporate any additional cleaning or maintenance tasks specific to your vessel’s needs.
Additional Cleaning Events
In certain situations, it’s important to adjust the cleaning schedule and conduct an immediate wash to prevent damage:
🌊 After Going Out to Sea – Rinse the boat thoroughly with fresh water to remove salt and prevent corrosion. Pay extra attention to metal fittings, windows, and deck surfaces.
🌧 After Dirty Rain (e.g., Red Rain in the Mediterranean) – Wash the entire vessel as soon as possible to remove any sand, dust, or mineral deposits that could stain surfaces and cause long-term damage.
By following this structured cleaning routine, your yacht will remain in top shape, ensuring a sleek appearance and long-term durability. 🚤✨
We hope this guide has furthered the maintenance knowledge on your boat cleaning.
