How to Clean a Boat Cover

A quality boat cover is one of the best investments you can make to protect your boat from Australia’s harsh marine environment. Whether your custom boat cover is made from WeatherMAX®, Sunbrella® or another premium marine fabric, regular cleaning and maintenance will help extend its lifespan and keep it performing at its best.

Many boat owners ask how to clean a boat cover or whether they should use a pressure cleaner. The good news is that keeping marine canvas clean is simple. By following the correct cleaning process every 3 to 6 months, you can remove salt, dirt and bird droppings while preserving the fabric’s water repellency and appearance.

How Often Should You Clean a Boat Cover?

We recommend cleaning your boat cover every 3 to 6 months.

If your boat is stored outdoors, near the water or beneath trees, it may require more frequent cleaning due to salt, pollen, tree sap and bird droppings.

Regular boat cover maintenance prevents dirt from becoming embedded in the fabric and helps maximise the life of your custom boat cover.

Step 1 – Rinse the Boat Cover

Before washing your marine canvas, thoroughly rinse the entire boat cover with fresh water.

This removes loose dirt, salt and surface debris before cleaning, helping prevent contaminants from being rubbed deeper into the fabric.

Step 2 – Wash with Mild Soapy Water

Fill a bucket with warm water and add a small amount of Palmolive® Hand Wash or another mild soap suitable for marine fabrics.

Using a soft bristle brush, gently clean the surface of the boat cover, paying particular attention to bird droppings, salt deposits, tree sap and other stubborn marks.

Bird droppings should always be removed as soon as possible, as they can stain and damage marine fabrics if left for extended periods.

Step 3 – Rinse Thoroughly

After washing, thoroughly rinse the boat cover with fresh water to remove all soap residue.

Leaving detergent on the fabric can attract dirt and reduce the effectiveness of the fabric’s protective finish.

Never Pressure Clean a Boat Cover

Never pressure clean or gurney a boat cover.

High-pressure water can force dirt deeper into the weave of the marine fabric rather than removing it. It may also damage the fabric’s protective finish, reducing water repellency and shortening the life of your boat cover.

A gentle wash with mild soapy water is a safer and more effective method for cleaning marine canvas.

Restore Water Repellency

Once the boat cover has completely dried, apply a quality fabric protector such as 303® Fabric Guard.

This helps restore the fabric’s water repellency while maintaining breathability, allowing rain to bead off the surface while moisture vapour can continue to escape.

Reapplying a fabric guard after cleaning will help keep your boat cover performing at its best.

Keep Your Boat Cover Looking Its Best

Regular boat cover maintenance is one of the easiest ways to protect your investment.

By cleaning your boat cover every 3 to 6 months, avoiding pressure cleaners and reapplying a quality fabric protector, you’ll help maximise the life of your marine canvas and ensure it continues protecting your boat for years to come.