Nothing says “brand-new boat” like a clean, shiny deck. But it doesn’t take long for your boat’s gleaming walkways to get dirty and worn down. Non-skid decks are especially tough to maintain, since dirt tends to get trapped in all the little crevices. Heavy foot traffic may also erode the grippy surface, creating a major fall hazard.
If your boat deck is looking a little rough, don’t stress! With the right equipment, it’s easy to clean and restore your non-skid surfaces. In this guide, we’ll cover boat deck cleaning tips to keep your high-traffic areas spotless, safe and looking good for years to come.
Table of Contents
1. Why Deck Maintenance Matters
2. A Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning a Non-Skid Boat Deck
3. How To Restore Your Non-Skid Boat Deck
4. Non-Skid Deck Maintenance Tips
5. Stay on Solid Footing With Proper Deck Care
Why Deck Maintenance Matters
Your boat’s deck is similar to the floor of your house or garage… except that your deck gets exposed to a lot more sketchy stuff. Mud, grime, seaweed, fish debris, and lake or salt water residue can quickly build up on deck areas. Since boat decks are high moisture zones, mildew is also a concern. Keeping your deck in good condition helps to prevent damage and extend the longevity of your investment.
Routine deck care is also essential for maintaining a safe environment on your boat. Many owners don’t know that slips, trips and falls are among the leading causes of maritime injuries. When non-skid walking surfaces lose their traction, they become smooth and slippery (especially when wet). This is an accident waiting to happen, and it’s 100% preventable. Maintaining your non-skid areas means a safer vessel and more fun for you, your family and your friends.
And we don’t need to tell you that boats with clean, well-maintained decks just look better. If you’re tired of being embarrassed by your deck’s condition, read on to learn how to restore your boat deck.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning a Non-Skid Boat Deck
Cleaning and maintaining your non-skid deck shouldn’t be a constant battle. The key is to use the right supplies. Many “marine” cleaners aren’t actually designed for boat decks, which means you have to use more elbow grease to achieve the results you want. The right cleaner makes the job much quicker and easier.
For the purposes of these instructions, we’ll be using our high-foaming, pH-balanced boat cleanserPoli Wash™. It delivers a professional-level clean on your hull, deck and exterior surfaces without stripping the finish. No need to shell out big bucks to the detailer!
Step One: Get Ready
Start by gathering all the necessary tools to clean your boat deck:
- Rubber gloves
- Poli Wash™ boat soap
- Hose
- 5-gallon bucket
- Soft brush
- Broom and/or mop
Before you start scrubbing, take a few minutes to clear your deck of loose items. Put away personal belongings, secure any ropes or sails, and close the cabin doors to prevent water intrusion. If needed, sweep the deck with a broom to remove large debris pieces.
This is a good time to inspect your deck for early signs of damage, such as chips or cracks. It’s always best to stay on top of minor repairs before they turn into major ones.
Step Two: Wash Your Deck
Grab a hose and rinse your deck with fresh water to remove loose dirt and debris. Next, fill a bucket with a mild detergent and warm water. Use a soft brush to scrub the muck and grime off your deck.
Don’t worry about detailing yet– this first round of cleaning is just to get rid of the worst mess. Once you’ve done that, rinse your deck again with the hose.
Step Three: Deep Clean With Poli Wash™
If you want a spotless deck but don’t enjoy endless scrubbing, Poli Wash™ boat soap is the ideal choice. The high-foaming surfactants gently remove baked-on crud from your deck so it looks “like new” again. Here’s how to use it to deep clean your boat’s deck:
- Pour 1-2 ounces of Poli Wash™ into a 5-gallon bucket. Use the water pressure from your faucet or hose to create suds.
- Apply Poli Wash™ to the deck using a mop or brush.
- Take a break and let the product sit on your deck for 3-5 minutes.
- Scrub any stubborn spots with a soft brush to remove stains, dirt and grime.
- Rinse the deck thoroughly with fresh water. Do not allow the product to dry on the surface.
- Buff your deck dry with a microfiber towel or allow it to air dry.
Once your deck is sparkling-clean, it’s time to move on to the next part of the process: restoring texture, grip and shine. In the next section, we’ll cover how you can easily handle this step yourself.
How To Restore Your Non-Skid Boat Deck
If parts of your non-skid deck feel slick and slippery rather than gritty, it’s essential to restore those areas for optimal safety and performance.
OurPoli Grit™ Non-Skid Deck Sealer Kit contains everything you need to add traction, grip, protection and high-gloss shine to your non-skid surfaces. Here’s what comes in the kit:
- Poli Grit™ Bottle A (deck texture enhancer)
- Poli Grit™ Bottle B (deck sealant)
- 1 roller handle
- 2 short nap roller covers
- 1 tray
You can complete this project in an afternoon (once you’ve washed and prepped your surfaces) and the results will last for up to six years with annual maintenance. Follow these simple steps to restore your non-skid boat deck with Poli Grit™:
- Prep your non-skid areas withPoli Prep™ to remove light stains and create a uniform surface for the application of Poli Grit™. UsePoli Ox™ on any areas with tougher stains or oxidation.
- Dampen a nap roller cover with water. Wring out the excess so that the roller cover is damp but not soaked. Insert onto the roller handle.
- Shake Poli Grit™ Bottle A well and pour several ounces into the tray.
- Moisten the roller with the solution. Do not soak.
- Apply one coat to the surface of your deck. If bubbles appear, go back over the area lightly with the roller. Refill the tray with solution as needed.
- Let the coat dry for 10-15 minutes. Apply a second coat if more texture is desired.
- Wash the tray with warm water to remove any remaining solution and drain.
- Dampen the second nap roller cover, wring out excess water and insert onto the roller handle.
- Shake Poli Grit™ Bottle B well and pour several ounces into the tray.
- Moisten the roller with the solution. Do not soak.
- Apply 10 thin coats to the surface of your deck, allowing several minutes for each coat to dry between applications. Refill the tray with solution as needed.
- Let the Poli Grit™ cure for 48 hours before use.
You can expect your DIY deck restoration to deliver up to 12 months of protection before a touch-up is needed. Be ready for lots of compliments when people visit your boat!
Non-Skid Deck Maintenance Tips
Boat decks can deteriorate quickly if they’re not properly cared for, leaving the owner stuck with a shocking repair bill or an all-day cleaning job. Proactive maintenance is key! Here are a few easy tips to keep your deck in pristine condition for many adventures to come.
Clean Consistently
Get in the habit of sweeping, hosing down and drying your deck at the end of every boating day. If you stay on top of deck care, this task should only take you 10-15 minutes. Regular cleaning will prevent nasty stuff from building up on your deck and causing damage. It’s especially important to remove fish debris from your deck areas to avoid eroding your gelcoat. (Not to mention the smell!)
Avoid Harsh Chemicals and Tools
Scraping dried-on debris from your deck probably isn’t your idea of a good time. It’s tempting to resort to steel wool, harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning products to get the gunk off. The problem is that overly aggressive methods can wear down your deck areas and make them harder to clean.
Quality marine-specific cleaners (paired with a soft brush or cloth) will effectively remove the junk without wrecking your gelcoat. We recommend Poli Wash™ boat soap for deck cleaning andPoli Super Spray™ Waterless Boat Wash for quick touch-ups. For heavy stains,Poli Wash Pro™ Boat Stain Remover delivers the cleaning power you need to get stubborn dirt off your deck.
Mildew can be cleaned with a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water. Stay away from bleach, which may make your deck surfaces more porous and susceptible to damage.
Opt for Covered Storage
Constant sun exposure is one of the biggest sources of damage to boat decks. If possible, consider protecting your deck with a boat cover or putting your boat in a covered dry storage space (at least during the off-season).
Don’t Skip Yearly Maintenance
Even if your deck looks absolutely flawless, it’s a good idea to make time for an annual touch-up. The walkways and non-skid surfaces get a lot of wear and tear that may not be visible right away. The end of summer boating season is an ideal time to deep clean your deck, check for potential damage and maintain your Poli Grit™ deck restoration work.
Stay on Solid Footing With Proper Deck Care
Non-skid decks are a critical part of your boat’s design, and it’s worth the extra effort to keep them in good condition. Dirty or worn-down decks pose a serious safety hazard to everyone on board your vessel. Not to mention, they just look awful and detract from the overall condition of your boat.
It’s much better to keep up with routine deck care than to deal with a possible accident or a big repair bill due to neglect. And the good news is that it’s surprisingly simple to clean and restore your non-skid decks yourself.
