Boat Cleaning and Maintenance

Save major boat repairs and cleaning for the boat yard where toxic wastewater is collected for treatment and proper disposal.

Tips for the Bottom-Side:

Conventional anti-fouling paints release biocides containing copper and other pollutants that inhibit marine growth. Look for alternative paints and coatings designed to prevent the release of copper and other pollutants. Depending on boat use, consider a hard non-ablative, paint that may be longer lasting.
Avoid abrasive in-water bottom-side cleaning that results in the release of a colored paint plume. Frequent unabrasive in-water bottom-side cleaning can minimize the marine growth and extend the life of bottom paint.
When not in use, keep your boat in dry storage to prevent marine growth and minimize bottom paint discharges.
Conduct hull scraping, sanding and stripping ashore, over a drop cloth and sweep or vacuum to collect debris.
For painting, use a high density, low volume paint sprayer.

Contain spills and debris using tarps and collect using vacuums or brooms.
Reduce the need for boat soaps by scrubbing and rinsing your boat with freshwater after each trip.
Choose phosphate-free, chlorine-free, and biodegradable products. Minimize use of products that contain ammonia, lye, or petroleum distillates.
Use household alternatives to harsh cleaning products, such as baking soda, lemon juice, and vinegar.
To reduce the need for harsh and caustic topside cleaners, scrub your boat (using elbow grease) and rinse with freshwater after each trip.
To prevent spills of cleaning and maintenance products, keep bottles and containers tightly closed.
Prepare the surface with dustless vacuum sanders. They help to prevent emissions of sanding debris that coat other boats, contaminate the water, and become airborne pollution.

Earth911 is an environmental services company that addresses solutions for products' end-of-life for both businesses and consumers.