Cleaning an inflatable boat: how to keep your Zodiac in top condition
Cleaning an inflatable boat may seem straightforward, but using the wrong products can cause permanent damage. Many so-called “inflatable boat cleaners” contain aggressive substances that attack the boat’s PVC material. (not applicable to boats made from Neoprene Hypalon material) The result?
Discoloured, dried-out or even sticky surfaces. With the right products and method, you keep your Zodiac boat safe, clean and protected against sun, salt and dirt.
Why cleaning an inflatable boat is important
After a day on the water, your boat is often covered in sand, salt and deposits. This not only affects the appearance, but also shortens the service life of your inflatable boat. Regular cleaning and protection is therefore essential for both PVC inflatable boats and Hypalon RIB’s.
Which cleaner should you use for an inflatable boat?
Only use a product that has been proven safe by manufacturers of inflatable boats and RIB’s. Our recommendation is the Blue Marine New Magic Inflatable Boat Cleaner. New Magic is officially approved by the manufacturers.
- Suitable for PVC and Hypalon
- Officially recommended by brands such as Zodiac and Capelli
- Removes dirt and deposits without affecting the material
How to clean a PVC or Hypalon inflatable boat
Step 1 - Rinse off
Rinse the boat thoroughly with clean water to remove sand and salt.
Step 2 - Cleaning
Use Blue Marine New Magic with a soft sponge or brush. Scrub gently and pay extra attention to seams and valves.
Step 3 - Rinse and dry
Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry the boat with a soft cloth.
Step 4 - Protect
After cleaning, protect your boat with Blue Marine New Gum Cream, New Gum Spray or Gumemp 100. These products provide protection against UV radiation, yellowing, salt and weathering.
Step 5 - Remove mould (if necessary)
For mould spots, use Shmuffex after cleaning with New Magic. This is specially developed for PVC and Hypalon and removes mould safely. If you have mould in the material of your inflatable boat, you should do this step after cleaning.
When your inflatable boat becomes "sticky"
Sometimes a sticky top layer develops on the material of the inflatable boat. We call this sticky. It only occurs on PVC boats, because the plasticiser comes to the surface. Unfortunately, this process cannot be reversed.
You can temporarily reduce the effect with NO-Sticky from Blue Marine. Please note that this is not a permanent solution: the treatment must be repeated periodically.
Frequently asked questions about cleaning an inflatable boat
How do I clean a PVC inflatable boat?
Always use a dedicated inflatable boat cleaner such as Blue Marine New Magic. Avoid aggressive all-purpose cleaners; they can damage the PVC.
How do I clean a Hypalon boat?
Hypalon is stronger than PVC, but the same applies here: only use recognised products such as the New Magic cleaner.
What can I do about a sticky inflatable boat?
A sticky surface is caused by plasticisers released from PVC. This is permanent damage, but with NO-Sticky you can treat the boat temporarily.
How often should I clean my inflatable boat?
Rinse briefly with water after every trip, and at least once a month clean and protect it thoroughly.
Prevention is better than cure!
By cleaning and protecting your boat regularly, you prevent permanent damage and significantly extend its service life. That way, your Zodiac not only continues to look like new, but you can also enjoy it for longer.
Discover the complete range of Blue Marine cleaning and maintenance products in our Zodiac Onlineshop and keep your inflatable boat in top condition.
