6 of the Best Boat Cleaners: The Lazy Person's Way to a Sparkling Clean Boat
Introduction
Boat cleaners are essential for maintaining the appearance and longevity of your vessel. With a plethora of options available, finding the right one can be overwhelming. This guide highlights six of the best boat cleaners on the market, focusing on ease of use, effectiveness, and environmental impact. Whether you're dealing with fiberglass, gel coat, or other boat surfaces, these cleaners offer a convenient way to achieve a sparkling clean boat with minimal effort. Let’s dive into some products that won't give off toxic fumes, harm the environment, or pose risks to your health while cleaning your boat.

The cleaning is just a spray and wipe away.
1. Grunt Boat Cleaner
Grunt Boat Cleaner is a powerful, versatile cleaner suitable for fiberglass, gel coat, metal, and painted surfaces. Its biodegradable formula makes it an environmentally friendly choice. Simply apply the gel-like consistency cleaner neat onto any surface for a deep clean using a paintbrush, leave it for a few minutes, and wipe or sponge it away. Surfaces come up clean and visibly stain-free. Some stubborn stains may need a few extra sessions with the cleaner to fade away, but mostly, it’s one and done. It efficiently removes stubborn stains, algae buildup, and grime from various boat surfaces. I’ve been using Grunt cleaner on a project boat (Rustler 31) that was absolutely filthy inside and out, so if it worked on there, I'm sure it'll work anywhere!
Specifications:
- Comes in 500ml and 1-litre bottles
- Suitable for use on fiberglass, gel coat, metal, and painted surfaces
- Can be applied using a spray bottle or brush
- Contains biodegradable ingredients

Grunt boat cleaner as mentioned in the article.
2. Star Brite Ultimate All-Purpose Boat Cleaner
Star Brite's Ultimate Xtreme Clean is designed to be a tough crud-buster, formulated with chelating agents that attack bug bits, bird deposits, and grease. It's safe for use on all metal, fiberglass, plastic, chrome, stainless, wrapped, leather, and rubber surfaces. To use, spray the area, spread evenly with a sponge or cloth, allow it to work for 15-30 seconds, and rinse. Stubborn stains may need a repeat application.
Specifications:
- Easy refill 22 fl. oz. spray container
- Cleans fiberglass, vinyl, plastic, metal, and inflatable boats
- Phosphate-free, safe for use on or near the water; runoff won’t harm sealife or cause algae blooms

This easy spray works wonders!
3. 303 Marine Multi-Surface Cleaner
303 Marine Multi-Surface Cleaner is safe for all types of upholstery and vinyl, delivering robust cleaning agents designed to counteract the damaging conditions of sea and sand. It is approved by Sunbrella as a suitable cleaner for canvas and vinyl. It can be used for various cleaning tasks, from spot cleaning upholstery to deep cleaning canvas covers, making it a convenient all-in-one solution for boat maintenance. It effectively lifts dirt, stains, and mildew without excessive scrubbing and is made with a non-toxic and biodegradable formula.
Specifications:
- Approved by Sunbrella as a suitable cleaner for canvas and vinyl
4. Shurhold Serious Marine Cleaner
Shurhold Serious Marine Cleaner is a versatile cleaner suitable for use on fiberglass, metal, plastic, and other hard surfaces. It features a biodegradable formula, safe for the environment. Yacht Brite Serious Marine Cleaner is safe and effective on fiberglass and gel coat, exterior surfaces, stainless steel and metal railings, teak, carpeting, interior cabin surfaces, vinyl seating, canvas canopies, engine, and bilge degreasing/cleaning. Despite its heavy-duty cleaning capabilities, it features a biodegradable formula. Spray or brush onto the surface, allow it to penetrate, and rinse it off with water. A little goes a long way with its concentrated formula.
Specifications:
- Available in various sizes, including spray bottles and larger containers for bulk use
- Suitable for use on fiberglass, metal, plastic, and other hard surfaces
- Can be applied using a spray bottle or brush
- Contains a biodegradable formula, safe for the environment

This cleaner offers UV protection as well.
5. International Super Cleaner
Manufactured by AkzoNobel, International Super Cleaner is engineered to tackle a broad spectrum of cleaning tasks. It almost effortlessly eliminates dirt, grime, grease, and salt residue from various boat surfaces and is compatible with a wide range of boat surfaces. Whether it’s the hull, deck, cockpit, or interior, the Super Cleaner is versatile. Its formula helps to give your boat a thorough clean without causing damage or abrasion to delicate materials. It contains biodegradable ingredients that pose no harm to marine ecosystems. To use, spray or brush the cleaner onto the surface, allow it to sit, then rinse it off with water. Minimal scrubbing is required.
Specifications:
- Bottle size: 500ml
6. Aurora Boat Cleaner
Aurora Boat Cleaner delivers impressive cleaning results, effectively removing dirt, grime, algae, and other tough stains from boat surfaces. Its potent formula ensures thorough cleaning without causing damage to gel coat, fiberglass, or painted surfaces. This cleaner is suitable for use on a variety of boat surfaces. Applying Aurora Boat Cleaner is a straightforward process. Simply spray or brush the cleaner onto the surface, allow it to penetrate, and then rinse it off with water. It also offers UV protection for boat surfaces, helping to prevent fading, oxidation, and deterioration caused by prolonged sun exposure.
Specifications:
- Bottle Size 450 ml or 1 gallon Jug
Conclusion
Choosing the right boat cleaner depends on your specific needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize environmental friendliness, versatility, or powerful cleaning action, these six options offer something for everyone. By selecting one of these top-rated boat cleaners, you can ensure that your vessel remains clean, protected, and ready for your next adventure on the water. Happy cleaning!