Boat cleaning: hull, deck, teak and interior
Quick answer
Professional boat cleaning covers washing deck and hull with marine products, gentle teak cleaning without a pressure washer, rinsing stainless steel and cleaning interiors. The bottom can be cleaned in the water by a diver between haul-outs to keep performance up.
What gets cleaned on a boat
- Hull and topsides: salt, fender marks and bow yellowing.
- Deck and teak: with a soft brush, across the grain. See how to clean boat teak.
- Stainless steel: freshwater rinse and protectant to prevent tea-staining.
- Interiors: upholstery, galley, heads and bilges. See interior cleaning professionals.
- Bottom: by a diver in the water or during haul-out. See divers.
Read the complete hull guide in how to clean a boat hull.
Why hire a cleaning service
A clean boat deteriorates less: salt build-up speeds up corrosion, dulls gelcoat and dries out teak. If you charter or plan to sell, first impressions matter. Many owners combine regular cleaning with an annual polish and wax.
Frequently asked questions
Can I pressure wash my boat?
On the hull and non-skid deck, yes, at moderate pressure. Never on teak: it tears out the soft grain and speeds up wear.
How often should a diver clean the hull?
In summer in warm waters, every 1–3 months depending on antifouling and use. It keeps speed up and fuel consumption down between haul-outs.
Boat cleaning by port
Boat cleaning: professionals by area
Related guides
How to clean a boat hull: topsides and bottom
Products, technique and frequency for cleaning the hull, removing bow yellowing and keeping the bottom clean between haul-outs.
How to clean boat teak without damaging it
Salt water, a soft brush and always across the grain: the basic rules for cleaning teak without wearing it out, plus how to tackle tough stains.
Boat maintenance calendar: what to do each season
A simple annual plan to keep your boat ready: what to check before, during and after the season.
Other maintenance services
Polishing & waxing
Polishing a boat removes the oxidised layer and fine scratches from the gelcoat using a rotary or dual-action polisher and abrasive compounds, followed by wax or sealant for protection. In the Mediterranean, polish once a year and wax twice a season.
View serviceAntifouling & haul-out
Antifouling is the paint applied below the waterline to stop algae, barnacles and other organisms sticking to the hull. In the Mediterranean it is usually renewed once a year during haul-out, when the bottom is also cleaned and anodes, propeller and through-hulls are checked.
View serviceTeak deck replacement
Replacing a boat teak deck means removing the worn timber, repairing and preparing the substrate, then bonding and caulking new natural or synthetic teak planks. It is usually needed when the wood is thinner than 4–5 mm, plugs keep popping out or water is leaking below. In Spain it typically costs €600–1,200 per m² for natural teak and €250–550 per m² for synthetic teak, depending on the boat and deck complexity.
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