Blog

We've said it many times before, and we'll keep saying it: Boat docks are an investment. Whether you own an aluminum or wood dock, it’s important to take proper care of it to keep it looking its best and safely usable.

But how? Let's go through some of our best practices for properly maintaining your boat dock and keeping it clean. From common cleaners and tools needed for cleaning, to treating mildew, mold, and algae on boat docks, we’ve got you covered! Plus, we'll point you toward environmentally friendly options for cleaning your boat dock.

Common cleaners and tools you will need for cleaning boat docks

Keeping your boat dock clean and in good condition during the summer months is a must for all boat dock owners. However, you need to have the right cleaners and tools on hand.

Brushes, sponges, and scrubbers: These are essential cleaning implements. They can be used to remove dirt, grime, algae, and other debris from your aluminum or wood boat dock.

Pressure washer: For larger scale projects, such as removing built up residue or algae from an entire boat dock. Pressure washers use high powered water streams to blast away dirt, debris, and even mildew.

Mild detergent or cleaner: It’s important to find a mild detergent or cleaner that is rated safe for use on aluminum or wood boat docks so that it won’t cause any damage to your dock’s surface over time or harm the environment. Read labels carefully before purchasing any type of cleaner for your boat dock.

Protective gloves: Wear protective gloves in order to avoid skin irritation.

Now, let's talk about tackling the job at hand.

Cleaning the surface of aluminum or wood boat docks

To make sure your dock looks its best over the summer, here are some simple steps to follow.

Begin by rinsing all loose dirt and debris from the surface with a hose. Then, use a solution with equal parts water and white vinegar or baking soda and scrub with a soft brush or cloth in circular motions. For tougher spots, try using an appropriate, environmentally friendly boat cleaner or dock cleaner as directed on the packaging.

Once you’ve finished cleaning your aluminum or wood boat dock, rinse thoroughly with clean water.

Treating mildew, mold, and algae on boat docks

When it comes to mildew and algae, baking soda or white vinegar can be used in equal parts with water to create a solution that will help break down these organisms. For tougher cases of mildew or mold, specialized cleaners may be necessary to get rid of the problem. Pressure washing may also be an option for removing stubborn growths of algae, mildew, and mold.

Once the surface has been cleaned of any organic growths, we recommend applying a sealant to prevent further growth from occurring. There are several types of sealants available for different materials such as wood or aluminum boat docks. Make sure to read and follow the instructions carefully when choosing a sealant.

Be careful if you choose to use a pressure washer, as they can cause damage if used improperly, especially on wood docks. Keep in mind that power washing can cause erosion over time if done too often so make sure you only use it as needed.

Boat dock maintenance tips and checklist

Maintaining and cleaning your wood or aluminum boat dock increases its longevity and keeps its users safe. Here are some essential tips and tricks for wood or aluminum boat dock maintenance, as well as a checklist of what you should be checking before use:

1. Check for any loose boards, screws, or nails: It’s important to check the dock for any signs of wear or damage that could potentially cause injury when used. If you notice any loose boards, screws, or nails on your dock, take the time to replace them right away.

2. Examine the legs of your dock: If your dock is anchored to the shore by legs, then check these periodically for signs of corrosion or damage. Replace if damaged.

3. Clean off all debris: Dirt and leaves tend to build up over time on boat docks due to foot traffic and outdoor elements such as wind and rain.

4. Use environmentally friendly cleaners: Many traditional cleaning products contain harsh chemicals which can be damaging not only to your wood or aluminum boat dock but also the environment around it.

5. Apply sealant periodically: Reapplying sealants can protect wood docks from weathering caused by prolonged exposure in water.

Environmentally friendly cleaning options for boat docks

When it comes to keeping your boat dock clean and looking its best, environmentally friendly cleaning options are the way to go. There are many cleaning products on the market that are biodegradable and free from harsh chemicals, making them a safe choice for use around water. Natural ingredients like baking soda, white vinegar, and lemon juice can also be used to clean the dock without any negative effects on the environment.

Using a pressure washer is another great option for removing dirt and grime from your boat dock in an eco-friendly way. Pressure washers can be very effective when it comes to removing stubborn stains or dirt buildup on wood or aluminum docks. Just make sure not to set the pressure too high, as this could lead to erosion over time if done too often. For added protection against future staining, consider using a sealant after pressure washing your boat dock.

To avoid any environmental damage due to runoff of cleaning products into waterways, you should also use non-toxic cleaners whenever possible when cleaning your boat dock. Eco-friendly alternatives such as plant-based detergents and citrus solvents are available in most stores and provide effective results without causing harm to nature's ecosystems. If you plan on using bleach or other chemicals for more heavy duty jobs, make sure they are diluted properly before being used around water sources.

Finally, another benefit of using environmentally friendly cleaning methods is that they tend to be less expensive than their chemical counterparts. This makes them ideal for those who want to save money while still taking care of their boat dock in an eco-friendly way.

By investing in some of these green cleaning solutions now, you can help reduce your environmental impact while still enjoying a clean and well maintained boat dock throughout the summer months!