How do you maintain your boat’s synthetic deck covering? The different types of flooring available have different characteristics, but what they have in common is that they are quick and easy to maintain. Synthetic decking has a number of advantages: it’s perfectly waterproof, easy to install and provides satisfactory thermal and acoustic insulation.
But it’s above all its ease of maintenance that makes it a major asset for boat owners. Composite or synthetic teak is much easier to maintain than a real teak deck. The latter requires a great deal of care and products to protect it, while synthetic decking can be cleaned with water, soap or a high-pressure cleaner in the case of stubborn dirt.
Boat carpets are another type of flooring with special properties that require special care.
General maintenance
Whether your boat’s deck is covered with composite planks, carpet or any other synthetic covering, maintenance is particularly simple. That’s the beauty of these materials, which are less durable but easier to maintain. All you need to do is wash the deck with a basic cleaning product, although the karcher is sometimes the only effective cleaner for non-slip areas.
Maintenance of synthetic teak flooring
Synthetic teak decking is easy to maintain. Simply use soap and water, and brush the floor of your deck. However, some stains require more thorough cleaning, such as those left by birds… In the latter case, we recommend using a high-pressure cleaner.
For the most stubborn stains, synthetic teak can be scratched with a sanding block and #40 sandpaper, following the fibers of the synthetic teak.
Marine carpet care
Marine carpets are also very popular with boat owners. But its care requires special attention:
Firstly, the best way to maintain it is to vacuum regularly. Vacuuming removes dust and other foreign elements, but also lifts the fiber, improving durability. In the case of unglued installation, regular cleaning of the carpet underneath the surface is essential.
Secondly, the carpet must be regularly and thoroughly cleaned: usually a quick blast of fresh water is sufficient for cleaning; periodically, clean with lukewarm water and a mild detergent, soaking the carpet in the solution for a few minutes, then rinsing with fresh, clean water on both sides of the carpet; finally, the carpet must be allowed to dry in the open air.
In the case of stains, it’s important to act quickly to achieve good results. If the carpet can be wetted, use a mild detergent and water, rub the stained surface lightly to penetrate the solution, leave for two or three minutes, then rinse thoroughly with fresh water. Leave to dry in the open air. For dry cleaning, use a carpet stain remover and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
