Boat Cleaning

INSPECT, CLEAN, DRAIN, and DRY to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species

Aquatic invasives can be found in bilge and ballast water, bait buckets and livewells, and can adhere to boats, trailers, motors, anchors and ropes, paddles, hipwaders, apparel, and fishing tackle.

Help stop their spread by cleaning all recreational equipment that comes in contact with the water.

  • INSPECT and REMOVE all visible mud, plants, fish/ animals from your boat, trailer, clothing, dogs or other equipment and dispose of in a suitable trash container on dry land. Use the Watercraft Check Points guide below to help you inspect your boat.

  • CLEAN your boat and equipment with hot water greater than 140 degrees F. If hot water is not available, spray your boat, trailer, and equipment with high-pressure water.

  • DRAIN water from boat, hatches, bilge, live wells, transom wells and any other locations with water on land before leaving the launch site.

  • DRY your boat, trailer, and all equipment completely. Drying times vary depending on the weather and the type of material. At least five days is recommended.

Eco-Friendly Boat Cleaning Products

Taken from Lake George Lake website

Many cleaners used on boats contain toxic chemicals that can enter the lake during boat cleaning and harm the lake’s aquatic life. Eco-friendly boat cleaning practices include the following:

  • Do not use detergents containing ammonia, sodium hypochlorite, chlorinated solvents, petroleum distillates or lye.

  • Wash your boat frequently with a sponge and plain water to avoid the buildup that calls for harsh cleaners.

  • Use phosphate-free, biodegradable and non-toxic cleaners. Though much less harmful, these cleaners can still cause damage to local aquatic life and should be used only on land when possible.

  • Wax your boat – a good coat of wax prevents surface dirt from becoming ingrained.

  • Regular use of your boat is one of the best ways to keep the bottom clean.

  • Do not scrape the hull of your boat on our own. Take your boat to a marina with an approved boat cleaning facility.

Remember: It is unlawful for any person to discharge or allow the discharge into the lake or its tributaries any foul, noxious or deleterious solid or liquid waste including boat cleaners and detergents.

The best way to keep toxic chemicals out of the water is to not use them at all.

Toxic Product Safer Alternative

All-Purpose Cleaner Mix one cup white vinegar with two gallons water.

Aluminum Cleaner 2 Tablespoons cream of tartar in 1 quart hot water

Ammonia-Based Cleaners Vinegar, salt, and water

Bleach Borax or hydrogen peroxide

Bronze Cleaner Lemon juice and baking soda or equal parts of flour and salt with enough vinegar to make a paste.

Chrome Cleaner/ Polish Apple cider vinegar to clean; baby oil to polish.

Fiberglass Stain Remover Baking soda paste.

Floor Cleaner One cup vinegar in 2 gallons water.

General Cleaner Baking soda and vinegar. Or lemon juice combined with borax paste.

Head Cleaner Put in baking soda and use a brush.

Mildew Remover Paste using equal parts of lemon juice and salt or white vinegar and salt.

Rug/ Upholstery Cleaner Sprinkle on dry cornstarch and then vacuum.

Scouring Powders Baking soda or salt. Or rub area with one-half of a lemon dipped in borax, then rinse.

Stainless Steel Cleaner Baking soda or mineral oil for polishing, vinegar to remove spots.

Varnish Cleaner Wipe with 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/2 cup water solution

Window Cleaner Mix 2 tablespoons vinegar in one quart of water or rub glass with newspaper.