How to Clean Marine Carpet: A Step-by-Step Guide for Boat Owners

While designed to be durable, your boat’s carpet is still exposed to all kinds of weather conditions. From harsh UV rays and splashes of saltwater – and not to mention frequent foot traffic and accidental spills – your boat carpet has to withstand a lot of wear and tear. 

Keeping your marine carpet clean doesn’t just improve the appearance of your boat, it can also help extend the lifespan of your carpet.

Why Marine Carpet Requires Special Care

Snap-in boat carpet requires regular maintenance and cleaning to keep it looking its best. This is because over time, exposure to marine environments can cause everything from stains to mold and mildew growth. Proper maintenance will ensure long-lasting protection no matter how often you take your boat out on the water.

Fall is a great time to get your maintenance done since you’re wrapping up boating season and preparing to store everything away until next year. Understanding how to properly clean it ensures you’ll be able to protect and enjoy your investment for many years to come. 

Supplies You’ll Need to Clean Your Marine Flooring 

Luckily, you don’t need a lot of supplies to give your boat carpet a thorough clean and get it looking good as new again. To achieve a thorough clean, you’ll need to gather up these supplies: 

• Soft/ medium bristle brush.
• Mild detergent or marine carpet cleaner.
• Stain removal solution. 
• Hose with spray nozzle. 
• Wet/ dry vacuum. 

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Clean Marine Carpet 

Ready to get started? Check out this quick and easy step-by-step guide on how to clean marine flooring:

1. Remove the Snap-in Boat Carpet: For an easier and deeper clean, remove the snap-in carpet from your boat. Brush away any loose debris before getting started. 
2. Vacuum: Thoroughly vacuum the carpet to remove loose dirt, sand and remaining debris. You can use a wet/ dry vac to suck up all of the embedded particles that can stain the carpet once you start scrubbing it. 
3. Pre-treat stains and spot clean: Before you start deep cleaning, pre-treat any visible stains. You can use either a diluted vinegar mix or some marine carpet cleaner. Let it soak for 5-10 minutes to help lift the stain. 
4. Scrub your boat carpet: Take some warm water and a brush and work on small sections at a time. Gently scrub your boat carpet using circular motions to lift the stain.
5. Rinse: Once you've thoroughly scrubbed the carpet, rinse it well to remove all of the remaining dirt and soap so that it doesn't attract more dirt.
6. Completely dry: Make sure the carpet is completely dry before re-installing it to prevent mold and mildew growth. 

Boat Carpet Cleaning Tips

For the best results, avoid leaving spills or saltwater on your boat carpet flooring, which can result in staining. Remove and clean your boat carpet thoroughly at least once a season. Avoid using abrasive brushes or harsh cleaners and chemicals, which can damage the carpet.

During the off-season, consider storing it away to keep it clean and protected while your boat isn’t in use. 

Upgrade Your Boat With Custom Cockpit Carpet Sets

Even with the best care, your boat carpet isn’t designed to last forever. If you are starting to notice signs like permanent stains, lingering odors or backing separation, it’s time to start thinking about replacing your boat’s carpet. 

Matworks is your go-to for custom cockpit carpet sets. We have thousands of OEM boat templates on file from popular brands like Sea Ray, Formula, Bayliner, Baja and more. With custom material, edge/ binding color and embroidery options available, you’ll be able to create a personalized design that matches your boat’s specifications and style. 

Check out our available carpet templates and be sure to let us know if you’d like to receive up to 6 samples so you can see how each option would look like with your boat’s interior.