The Best Boat Washes

First impressions always last, and that goes for boats as well as people. The way your boat appears, smells, and performs reflects who you are as a boat owner. A challenging task you need to integrate into your regular routine is taking care of your boat. To do this effectively, you will need the best boat wash.

Read on to find the most boat wash soap in the market to ease your marine experience. There is also a guide towards the end to provide you with practical tips in choosing among these bestsellers for your boat cleaning. Let these trusted boat wash reviews give your boat a brand new appearance.

Top 1

Aero Cosmetics 777GK

• Non-stick UV-protective coating
• Safe formula
• High-quality cleaner

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Top 2

MEGUIAR’S M4364

• Contains rich conditioners
• Biodegradable cleaner
• Economy-size non-streaking formula

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Top 3

SALT-AWAY Products SA128

• Water-based components
• Safely removes salt deposits
• Helps extend life span

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Best Boat Wash Reviews

1. Aero Cosmetics 777GK Wash Wax Kit

The wet or waterless wash wax kit is best for cars, aircrafts, marine and RV surfaces. It is a guaranteed aircraft-grade spray and wipe-dry product that you can use anywhere and anytime. It comes as a 144-fluid ounces kit including a 16-fluid ounce spray-bottle and4 microfiber soft aero towels.

This biodegradable wash is best for gentle waterless treatments, anti-static, and non-stick UV-protective clear coating on exterior surfaces. It is a high-quality boat cleaner that works for waxes, sealants, ceramic coatings, as well as painted surfaces.

I like this water-based solution because it helps me conserve water. Apart from my vehicles’ surfaces, it is also safe for the environment. The product has an alcohol and ammonia-free formula, so it can be used to spray, clean, and protect surfaces regardless of whether they are wet or dry.

I would suggest leaving it for about 5 minutes for the best results concerning waterless dirt removal. I also tried spraying the solution to the microfiber for a follow-through wipe on the soaked surface and it worked well. You can use a dry microfiber towel to wipe it before the fluid gets dry for best finish. I’ve been using it for years, and I can say with confidence that it’s hassle-free.

2. MEGUIAR’S M4364 Marine RV Boat Wash

The first on our review is Meguiar’s M4364 marine/RV boat wash with an economy pack of 64-fluid ounces formula. You’d surely love its beige color and handy container bottle measuring 3.2×10.2×5.4 inches for easy maneuverability. I’ve been using this marine wash for about 5 years now without worrying about finding other products for my boat’s maintenance.

If you follow its directions closely, you will be able to use it for an efficient mixing and preservation of wax protectant even on larger surfaces. Meguiar’s boat wash is a biodegradable solution that includes rich conditioners and a refreshing scent for convenient washing. I love this item’s non-streaking formula, which provides a sparkling finish for all my vehicles.

The best thing about this product is that it also has long-lasting sudsing or foaming actions that gently clean, wash, and safely remove scum, grime, and dirt. You do not even have to continuously stir-up the foaming in the bucket with the hose like you would have to with other washes. Moreover, this wash is really safe in that it does not strip away wax protection from your boat’s surface.

3. SALT-AWAY Products SA128 Cleanser Concentrate

Another bestseller, the Salt-Away Products cleanser concentrate is a motor flush packed in a 1-gallon bottle made in the USA. It has a 100% biodegradable formula that is water-based and serves as a good salt remover for inboard, outboard, jet, and watercraft motor surfaces. With repeated use of this product, you can effectively break down and remove old salt and rust buildup.

The product delivers exactly what it promises on the product description. Words can’t even fully describe the wonders that its cleaning capability achieves with my closed motor-engine boat inclusive of a water-cooled exhaust manifold. I like how it doubles the life of my manifolds despite my area’s saline level. It’s amazing in that aspect alone, but it’s also helpful in keeping my boat’s shine for years.

Your worry for product safety ends with this. You can even use this product on surfaces exposed to salt. The best wash, however, is on aluminum, fiberglass, metal, rubber, plastic, glass, chrome, and painted surfaces. It keeps any wax coatings while also protecting surfaces from rust formation.

4. MEGUIAR’S M4232 Flagship Premium Wash-and-Wax

Another bestseller, MEGUIAR’S wash-n-wax comes in a 32-ounce packaging as a flagship premium boat wash. With an exclusively blending technology for synthetic polymers and carnauba wax, it’s incredibly effective in removing fresh contaminants while adding layers of wax protectants to boat exterior surfaces.

Best for use on fiberglass, metal, gel coat, glass, vinyl, clear plastics, canvas, and many more marine exterior surfaces, this is an amazingly versatile product.

It has a biodegradable and safe solution that effectively deals with hard spots as well as tougher and non-skid areas without requiring extra scrubbing. I like how this M4232 model disperses salt & dirt deposits, bird droppings, and water scums on my watercrafts.

It is, without a doubt, one of the best boat wash and wax products in the market. I’ve been using it for about 10 years, and it has never disappointed me in preventing salt corrosions and ultraviolet damage on the exterior of my boat.

I chose this non-detergent marine RV wash to mix with freshwater and gently clean my boat surfaces. Needless to say, it is the best boat soap and wax in the sense that it takes only one quick step for a bright sheen of any boat.

5. Star Brite 080416P Boat Wash

From the top-rated brand Starbrite, this 16-ounce boat wash leaves boat surfaces, including decks, cabin, hulls, chrome rails, and fittings with a bright finish and refreshing blueberry scent. It is manufactured in the U.S and contains gentle, biodegradable agents, making it the best option for washing boats, trailers, tow vehicles, and personal watercrafts.

This is a seasafe boat wash containing phosphate-free agents that keeps wax protection on your boat’s surfaces, and an economical product featuring concentrated heavy-duty formula that works for any boat surface, like vinyl, fiberglass, and seat upholsteries. However, you should make sure that you always rinse it well after application as it needs to be wiped dry at all times.

I suggest using this Starbrite boat wash to enjoy a refreshing blueberry scent on your boat exteriors. Blended with special cleaning components, it can remove tar, gas stains, scum lines, smudge, and fish blood from boat exteriors. You can use this efficient boat cleaner to cover the entire boat surface with only a few cap-fulls to mix into a bucket of freshwater.

6. TR Industries SWS-128 Seapower Marine Boat Soap

This Seapower marine boat soap by TR Industries comes in a 1-gallon plastic bottle containing a biodegradable solution. It is a highly-concentrated formula that is environment-friendly and effective in lifting dirt, streaks, stains, spots, and salt buildup. In addition, it protects the surface of aluminum, fiberglass, rubber, poly, and metal finish with its 3-dimensional components and color conditioners.

The good thing about this product, when used to wash your boat regularly, is that it makes cleaning effortless. I believe it is fitting for any boat as long as you follow its directions for use. I felt great seeing my boat clean and neat using this solution in a foam gun. It works well and leaves a very refreshing scent after application.

For several years, I only used this 11.9-pounds product for my boat exteriors. I tend to pair it with a soft-bristle brush, microfiber milts, and a 5-gallon bucket for ease of use. I applied it in a cool shade and it worked splendidly in mixing and scrubbing my boat. I like how it only takes a few ounces to make my boat’s surfaces spotless.

7. Star Brite 089732PW Sea Safe Boat Wash

This 31-ounce StarBrite boat wash is a powerful concentrated formula that is economical to use. It is a biodegradable and non-phosphate solution, so it is safe to users, the environment, and surfaces.

Proven to easily remove fresh dirt, grime, stains, oil/grease, and salt build ups without removing wax or polish, this product doesn’t require hard scrubbing and can clean an entire 25-feet boat with just 3 caps of the solution! As such, it conserves water with its low sudsing action.

You can use this all-purpose cleaner for fiberglass, glass, metal, painted, plastic, rubber, wood, and vinyl surfaces. Apply with microfibers, cloth, sponge, and a medium-bristle brush and follow directions for best use. Rinse the washed area well with freshwater, wipe and allow it to dry. With this, you don[‘t even have to do a final wipe down except for areas with hard water or water with harsh chemicals.

One minor aspect that I dislike about this soap is its weak functionality in removing tough yellowing stains on a boat’s exteriors. I would have to repeat the application, add more ounces of the product, and scrub vigorously to get rid of the tough stains. It may even require more than one cleaning.

8. Better Boat Premium Grade Boat Soap

This premium grade boat soap concentrate by Better Boat is a marine-quality formula for all surfaces. It takes away dirt and grime from surfaces exposed to fresh and saltwater, in addition to sludges or mud on boat surfaces. It’s safe on aluminum, fiberglass, paint, and vinyl boat interiors and exteriors including seat upholstery to disperse salt spray.

I like this all-purpose cleaner because it lasts for several uses with its full 32-ounces bottle. In addition, I am fond of the way it works when used with Better Boat cleaning tools. Using a deck brush, foam gun or sponge set for this powerful concentrate quickly turns surfaces into a residue-free finish. I suggest having this USA-made, 100% biodegradable, and eco-friendly solution in your marine kit.

Regularly brush or wipe using this boat soap while contaminants are fresh or mildly staining your boat or car. I enjoyed it for years without any issues harming animals, waterways, or plants. It comes with a good price and purchase refund guarantee for your satisfaction. Use it to spend more time boating and less time cleaning!

9. Camco 40922 Marine Armada Carnauba Wash & Wax

This Camco Armada carnauba wash and wax cleans, protects, and shines your boat in one easy step. It is the premium-grade cleaner you’ve been looking for! Packing 31-ounces of purple-colored concentrated formula with 100% carnauba wax in a bottle, it offers effortless cleaning and a refreshing scent to finish. Its purple color helps track scrubbing coverage on light-colored surfaces. I am amazed by its odorants that kill stinky fish smell as well.

Safe on metal, fiberglass, and painted boat surfaces as a toxic-free cleaner that is friendly to living organisms and the environment. This is highly favored by boaters because of its proven results. It leaves boat surfaces, including travel trailers, with a mirror-like finish.

I love how this marine cleaner works in removing marine buildups and taking away dirt to optimize my boat’s appearance and life span. Its functionality makes it a good choice for any boat owners in need of a boat wash.

10. Woody Wax Ultra Pine Wash and Wax Boat Soap

A bestseller, this Woody Wax ultra pine boat soap is a powerful gel packed in a 34-ounces plastic bottle. It offers great value for a little solution as it lasts for several cleaning of molds and mildews. This product even makes it easy to clean the fish box, deck, floors and other exteriors of a boat. It also does a great job in taking care of stinky smells on plastic, fiberglass, and metal surfaces or floors.

Get this marine cleaner to remove black marks and enjoy a great wax finish on your boat. For years it aided me in eliminating fish blood and mud, thanks to its high wash quality. It is so useful on my boat, and even on my truck compared to other cleaners that I’ve gone through.

The product utilizes an active powerful cleaning and wax formulation that is safe for any boat. It is really great at dealing with dirt, grime, and scum while preventing damage to the wax layers of the treated surfaces, unlike other cleaning products that are mostly too tough and rips out gel coating or wax layers on the surface.

11. Gold Eagle 30586 Marine Boat Wash with UV Protectant

From a top-rated brand, 303’s boat wash with UV protectant provides a deep clean, spot-free, and shiny finish. It has an ultra-concentrated, pH-neutral, and 100% biodegradable wash formula that provides 30-day UV protection while removing dirt, salt, grime, and stains. It is safe for the environment and waterways and maintains anyboat’s sheen.

I suggest using a foam gun to wash off dirt and contaminants quickly and easily. I like how it cleans boat surfaces without stripping any wax leaving a mirror-like finish. It prevents cracking, fading, and discoloration that other brands miss to address. It helps keep your boat looking great and lasting long. I think it’s a solid choice for responsible boaters.

It is specifically designed as an ultra-concentrated formula that lasts even after several applications for fiberglass, painted surfaces, and gel-coats. Thanks to this USA-made premium-grade marine wash providing a great brand new sheen. Plus, it’s reasonably priced for a product originating from a premium-quality brand.

12. 3M 09035 Perfect-It Boat Wash

This 3M perfect-it boat wash is packed in a 1-quart plastic bottle for a dozen washes and gel-coating polish. Boaters choose this with high-grade sudsing action to remove even the most stubborn marine debris and buildups. It works great in taking off contaminants while also protecting a layer of wax finish on the surface.

Get every surface of your boat washed, cleaned, and shined with this concentrated finishing solution. I’ve used it with a pressurized foam gun and it washed away debris or contaminants easily. But, I would not encourage it to be used that way as it can reduce the sudsing action. Instead, you should follow the directions printed on its packaging for proper use and a desirable finish.

Overall, I am amazed by its professional-grade compounds to economically clean all areas including non-skid sections of my boat. I had an ounce of its formula easily mixed with a gallon of fresh water. It effectively dissolved stubborn dirt, stains, grime, and marine buildups like algae from my RV exteriors.

13. YachtGUARD Marine Wash & Wax

Quickly clean your boat with this superb YachtGuard’s marine wash and wax concentrated-formula in a 64-ounce bottle. It is a biodegradable boat wash containing corrosion blockers which are tough on dirt but safe for the environment.

This is a versatile product that is made in the USA with superior cleaning and rinsing formulation. Needless to say, it is one of the best boat wash and wax items in the market.

A specially-formulated boat cleaner that has premium-grade ingredients for use on fiberglass, isinglass, gelcoat, non-skid decks, and more. This boat cleaner also protects delicate or fragile finishes, clear-coat surfaces with a super glossy and mirror-like shine.

Indeed, it is a total boat cleaner with neutral acidity components that has no harsh chemicals and is phosphate-free. I like its corrosion inhibitors, which makes it suitable on aluminum, metal, and other surfaces of my marine vehicles.

A safe, economical, and total action formula for cleaning, washing, protecting, rinsing and polishing multi-surfaces – what more can you ask for? It is so efficient that a few ounces of the product can make a gallon of warm freshwater.

14. Mothers 91532 Marine Wash and Wax

This bestseller, the Mothers marine wash and wax is a concentrated formula that comes in a 32-ounces container bottle. It is a biodegradable and environment-friendly boat soap product that works best for boat and RV exteriors. Providing a hassle-free rinsing and bright glossy sheen while also applying wax protection to the surface’s finish.

I’ve stirred and mixed in a bucket of freshwater to easily dip a medium-bristle brush. Scrubbing it on my boat exteriors leaves the surfaces with a blemish-free shine. The product even works well to clean normal dirts and oil stains from my cars, boat trailer, and trucks. I suggest that you always follow its directions for use to get the best results.

I have never encountered any adverse effects on the wax finish of my vehicles while using this wash. Undoubtedly, it is a strong cleaner. I’m also amazed that it did no harm to my hands after washing my vehicles. I recommend using it but always ensure that you tighten its cap carefully and store it upright to avoid leaks.

15. H&H OPW2 OrPine Boat Soap and Wax

This OrPine boat soap and wax contains 32-ounce of strong concentrated formulation with superior wash and wax actions, providing a clean and protective glossy wax coating on all your watercraft exteriors. An ounce of this intense formula can mix around three gallons of water to wash an average-sized boat.

This amazingly cleans and waxes my boat’s cabin, fishbox, fishing poles, and cars. It has a biodegradable formula that is safe for the environment but works excellently on eliminating fish smell and mildew odors.

It works great on fiberglass, woods, metals, plastics, and painted surfaces. According to many other OrPine boat soap reviews, this product cleans while also protecting cowls, windows, and enclosures from water spots.

I applied it on my boat’s outboards and can easily rinse as well as shine without any issues. From experience, I suggest wetting the surface before using a soft-bristle brush to apply it and thoroughly scrubbing with clean rags.

It effectively removes saltwater deposits and shields the tuna towers, outriggers, bow rails, and metal surfaces of my boat. I will definitely buy this OrPine boat wash again for its effective cleaning and lasting boat sheen.

16. DITEC Marine Boat Soap

This DITEC marine boat soap that comes in a 1-quart plastic bottle is a high-performance and streak-free boat wash concentrate. A boat soap with easy rinse formula for everyday cleaning, removal of tough grime, grease and dirt.

Using this advanced formulation lifts dirt for a mirror-like clean surface. What’s more, it is an eco-safe clean-in-purpose brand made in the USA that you can discharge into rivers and waterways.

I like this versatile marine boat soap that is a fit for all surfaces especially those with gel-coating. It is a low-cost and highly-concentrated marine wash I’ve used for years that is safe on plastic, painted, glass, and wood surfaces. Indeed a cost-efficient and effective cleaner that provides superior results in removing dirt, soot, grease, and grime.

This product has readily biodegradable and environment-friendly ingredients that pose no harm to human and marine life. I highly suggest using this as it is free from nitrates, phosphate, and other harsh chemicals and optical brighteners. In the 1 year I’ve been using it, I did not have to worry about it causing any harm. This multi-surface cleaner truly optimized my boat appearance and lifespan.

Factors To Consider When Choosing Boat Wash

Securing a superior boat wash is tedious but essential to care for your boat. Reach the wisest decision with these key buyer guide factors to step-up your choice of the optimum boat wash products. Take time to understand these practical steps that you can use to wash, clean, polish, protect, and maintain your boat.

How does a boat wash work?

You have to know the type of surface materials that you are going to wash on any section of your boat. Do this to prioritize where to clean first and come to next. Check the best marine wash for each boat surface and exteriors, which are listed in this review. Be sure to check what kind of stains or marks you are about to wash to utilize the right product.

The easiest tasks can be done by all-purpose boat washes, which deals with surface or new dirt and contaminants. While the difficulty hangs on old penetrating stains like grease and grime. These need powerful concentrated cleaners. As for new and old salt accumulation, choose specifically designed salt-away cleaners.

Essentially, know your marine environment factors for effective results. Another often overlooked factor is the scent that accompanies each cleaner. The ones with pine and blueberry odorants, among others, works wonder in removing nasty smells. Lastly, read the label or contact your sellers to understand how each product works.

The different types of boat washes

The primary types of boat wash formulations are liquid and concentrated. The liquid boat washes have easier and quicker steps for prompt applications on stained surfaces. The concentrated washes need to be mixed with freshwater, but users will have to strictly follow directions. The most preferred type by boaters or boat owners are the concentrated formula as they can last for several washes.

There are also two types of boat wash efficacy, which are the plain boat soap and the wash & wax soap. Both remove all kinds of stains, but the wash & wax soap protects and shines the gel coats and surface finish. Some products have surfactant and protectants to provide layers of resistant coatings for stains and marine deposits as well.

Benefits and drawbacks of using a boat wash

Boat owners have always affirmed the importance of a boat wash in keeping their boat’s shape and performance. Although there are a few disadvantages, the advantages that boat washes offer are superior. Here are the benefits and drawbacks for you to consider before buying.

• Pros

Boat washes excellently wash, clean, and protect without damaging the boat’s surfaces. Their specific and specialized formulation that includes surfactant, protectant, and cleaner features ensure subsequent shiny surfaces and longer life spans. It is even easier and quicker to apply in one one application, which would, in turn, save time, money, and effort.

The best feature you will benefit from is the fact that you don’t have to spend more money for boat wax. Toxic-free and biodegradable products reduce repairs and allow you to not worry about indirectly causing any harm for others and the marine environment.

• Cons

It’s true that there are boat cleaners that contain harmful chemicals which can pose threats to human health and the environment. Those are heavy-duty boat washes with toxic and caustic substances.

Choose only the best biodegradable and toxic-free cleaners and avoid using non-biodegradable boat washes as well as detergents. They effectively cut through the toughest of stubborn stains but will harm your boat. In the end, all that’s left would be a dull appearance that degrades your boat’s performance and life span.

Care and Maintenance

Taking care of your boat does not only optimize its appearance but ensures both safety and longer lifespan. Though it’s not that easy as it goes beyond cleaning and washing, it can grant you the best mileage.

Make it a habit to inspect your boat and do it regularly to spot issues early for cleaning and washing. Get expert advice annually for rigorous maintenance requirements to help you prevent unexpected breakdowns and repairs as well.

How Do You Wash Your Boat

Wash your boat before and after every boating trip to keep it clean and avoid corrosion or rust formation. Clean and wash your boat whenever you can using marine cleaning products to protect its exterior surfaces and original sheen. It is highly recommended that you keep your boat washed as part of a preventive maintenance procedure and as a regular routine.

Use compatible tools like brush, microfibers, foam, and sponge to remove stains, molds, deposits, and mildew from boat surfaces. Be sure to wipe dry all of your boat’s exteriors and interior parts, including upholstery, canopy, and cowlings.

How Often Should You Wash Your Boat

You can wash your boat after each trip, or regularly every 2 to 3 months. It is better, however, to check for more in-depth advice from online marine or boating communities, such as the hull truth forum site, which offers up-to-date insights by expert boaters and professionals.

Can I Use Dishwashing Soap Or Detergent As An Alternative For Boat Wash

You need to use the best boat wash to get rid of dirt, stains, and spots on your boat. Hence, products like dishwashing liquid or detergent are no good. They are not strong enough as alternatives for boat wash and they are not safe because they can strip wax and marine materials off your boat surfaces. Plus, they aren’t friendly for human and marine life.

Can I Use Car Wash Soap On My Boat

You can only use a pinch of any car wash soap to clean your boat, like the plentiful mount you can use with marine boat soap that uniquely protects the boat’s surface while lifting the toughest marine stains. So, instead of using a car wash soap, you should choose to use one of the products mentioned above!

You can also search for similar features from trusted sites or sellers not mentioned here. Like the Thetford boat wash by Wolf’s Marine that takes out the toughest dirt, dried-on bugs, and bird droppings. Use only wash soap that is safe on both cars and boats to avoid harming any metallic paints and decals.

Can I Use Dawn To Wash My Boat

You can use Dawn products, such as a mild, ivory dishwashing soap, or commercial detergents for a marine wash. Dawn products are effective grease and oil spill removers and can prevent damage from occurring on the gel coat of your boat surfaces.

Conclusion

Keep your boat at its optimum condition by investing time and effort in choosing the best marine wash. By now, I suppose you’ve gained enough insights on the benefits and drawbacks of using boat wash, as well as critical factors of consideration.

Understanding these boating essentials is your responsibility as a boat owner. Rest assured that these best boat wash reviews show you the easy way of making your best choice.

Harmonizing proper washing, cleaning, rinsing, protection, and brilliant shine are key to a lasting boat care for your watercrafts. Select from these top-picks of boat wash and marine care products to satisfy your boat maintenance needs.

Just remember, even though it can be tough to remove stubborn stains, your cleaning duty will be eased significantly if you have a handy boat wash!

James Harvey

“I am James Harvey – founder of Boating Basics Online. It is established with the drive to help out first-time boaters, which are those desiring to explore their way through the water. So if you are new to boating, start from here with me. “