How do I clean my inflatable boat?
Cleaning your inflatable boat: how to keep your Zodiac in top condition
Cleaning an inflatable boat may seem simple, but using the wrong products can cause permanent damage. Many so-called "inflatable boat cleaners" contain harsh chemicals that damage the boat's PVC material. (Not applicable to boats made of Neoprene Hypalon material.) The result?
Discolored, dried-out, or even sticky surfaces. With the right products and methods, you can keep your Zodiac boat safe, clean, and protected from sun, salt, and dirt.
Why cleaning an inflatable boat is important
After a day on the water, your boat is often covered in sand, salt, and grime. This not only damages its appearance but also shortens its lifespan. Regular cleaning and protection is therefore essential for both PVC inflatables and Hypalon RIBs.
What cleaner do you use for an inflatable boat?
Only use a product that has been approved as safe by inflatable boat and RIB manufacturers. We recommend Blue Marine New Magic Inflatable Boat Cleaner. New Magic is officially approved by the manufacturers.
- Suitable for PVC and Hypalon
- Officially recommended by brands such as Zodiac and Capelli
- Removes dirt and grime without damaging the material
How to clean a PVC or Hypalon inflatable boat
Step 1 - Rinse
Rinse the boat thoroughly with clean water to remove sand and salt.
Step 2 - Cleaning
Use the Blue Marine New Magic with a soft sponge or brush. Scrub gently, paying extra attention to seams and valves.
Step 3 - Rinse and dry
Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry the boat with a soft cloth.
Step 4 - Protect
After cleaning, protect your boat with Blue Marine New Gum Cream , New Gum Spray , or Gumemp 100. These products offer protection against UV rays, yellowing, salt, and weather.
Step 5 - Remove mold (if necessary)
For mold spots, use Shmuffex after cleaning with New Magic. This product is specially formulated for PVC and Hypalon and safely removes mold. If you have mold in the material of your inflatable boat, you should perform this step after cleaning.
When your dinghy gets sticky
Sometimes a sticky surface forms on the inflatable boat's material. We call this "sticky." It only occurs on PVC boats because the plasticizer rises to the surface. Unfortunately, this process cannot be reversed.
You can temporarily reduce the effect with Blue Marine NO-Sticky . Keep in mind that this isn't a permanent solution: the treatment must be repeated periodically.
Frequently asked questions about cleaning an inflatable boat
How do I clean a PVC inflatable boat?
Always use a specialized inflatable boat cleaner such as Blue Marine New Magic . Avoid harsh all-purpose cleaners, which can damage PVC.
How do I clean a Hypalon boat?
Hypalon is stronger than PVC, but the same applies here: only use approved products such as the New Magic cleaner.
What can I do about a sticky rubber boat?
A sticky surface is caused by plasticizers released from PVC. This is permanent damage, but with NO-Sticky you can treat the boat temporarily.
How often should I clean my inflatable boat?
Rinse briefly with water after each boat trip and clean and protect thoroughly at least once a month.
Prevention is better than cure!
By regularly cleaning and protecting your boat, you prevent permanent damage and significantly extend its lifespan. This way, your Zodiac will not only look like new but you'll also enjoy it longer.
Discover the complete range of Blue Marine cleaning and maintenance products in our Zodiac Online Shop now and keep your inflatable boat in top condition.
