10 Essential Tips for Washing Your Boat Before Storage


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August 16th, 2025


Extend your boat’s life with proper cleaning and prep. After a long day on the water, cleaning your boat may feel like a chore—but it’s one of the most important things you can do to protect your investment. Here are 10 simple but effective tips to help you prep your boat for storage:

  1. Plan Ahead Set aside time after each trip for a full rinse and scrub. It’s much easier (and more effective) when done immediately after use.
  2. Use Fresh Water Always rinse with clean, fresh water—never salt or brackish water. Salt left behind can lead to corrosion and long-term damage.
  3. Go Easy on the Soap Use gentle, boat-safe soap to protect your finish. Harsh cleaners can strip wax and damage paint.
  4. Don’t Skip the Wax Wax every 3–4 months to shield your boat’s exterior from sun and water damage. It takes effort but pays off over time.
  5. Use Acid-Based Cleaner Cautiously For tough stains or buildup, use muriatic acid carefully. Wear gloves and a mask, and only apply it to problem areas.
  6. Clean the Interior Wipe down all seating, flooring, and compartments. For fabric or cushions, follow manufacturer care guidelines and dry thoroughly.
  7. Maintain the Engine Rinse and clean your engine every 100 hours of use to avoid salt buildup and mechanical issues.
  8. Scrub Lightly Avoid harsh scrubbing, which can damage your boat’s surface. Let your cleaner do the heavy lifting.
  9. Tackle Hard Water Stains Mix baking soda with white toothpaste for a gentle stain remover. Apply with a sponge, let sit, then rinse off.
  10. Don’t Forget the Portlights Polish and clean your portlights for clear visibility—especially important for early morning or night boating.
Store With Confidence at Bon Voyage Storage
At Bon Voyage Storage, we make it easy to keep your boat safe and well-maintained. With secure, professional storage, you’ll have peace of mind all year long. We proudly serve not only our local community but also several surrounding areas such as Oglesby, Peru, Webster Park, Dalzell, La Salle, North Utica, Jonesville, Ottawa, Streator, Princeton, Mendota, Spring Valley, Marseilles, Granville, DePue, Hennepin, Ladd, Tonica, Lostant, and Naplate

Ready to give your boat the best care—on and off the water? Visit our website to learn more about our boat storage options today.

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