Last week, Leo received a question from a fan: "How do I properly clean my kayak?" This seems like a very simple question but it's actually very important. Proper cleaning can make kayak last a lot longer! So, as a product manager with 10 years of experience at marcellosports, let me share how I do it.
Why Cleaning Your Kayak Is Necessary?
- Keep your kayak free from seawater corrosion, fading or rusting parts. Simple rinsing after daily use can greatly extend the lifespan.
- Prevent mold and mildew. Put the uncleaned paddle boards in the storage room and next time you are going to go paddling with your family, you may see the hairy things. If your kayak is oak then the situation may be worse.
- Prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species . Before going to a new water space, please be sure to clean the kayak thoroughly, otherwise easy to carry some tiny organisms into the water, causing biological invasion.
Do I need to wash after every play?
Yes, but generally a light wash is enough. The process is very simple, put the kayak on the stand (or you can find two chairs of the same height, in short, just keep the kayak off the ground), and then rinse with water. It's best to remove the accessories first if you can, as they are generally not easy to clean in places where they sit, and put them back in when everything is completely dry.
Mild cleaning is easy, so what should deep cleaning do?
The frequency of deep cleaning needs to be determined according to the frequency of use of the kayak and the scene. Usually, we need to prepare: sponge brushes, towels, water pipes, buckets, kayak brackets (as above, two chairs can be used instead), large Absorbent towels, portable vacuum cleaners, and cleaners (due to the different effects of different brands of cleaners, the ratio of water to use is also different, please prepare according to the product instruction manual).
First , you need to remove all the accessories and then use a vacuum cleaner to deal with the sand or other small particles in the cabin; if you have a garden cleaning machine, you can skip this step, and the flushing of the pressure water gun can also easily remove the sand and stones.
Then you need to make sure there are no large stains on the kayak, such as bird droppings; spray the cleaning solution and use a sponge or rough towel to wipe off the surface dirt.
Mix a proportion of cleaner and water in a bucket and use a sponge brush to wipe down every corner of the kayak, this includes all molded footboards on the kayak, the inside of the storage box, any bungee cords on the deck under and around furniture, inside the cockpit and of course the entire length of the hull and sides.
Afterwards just hose down again and get out a big towel to blot the water out of the cabin.
Wooden Kayaks Need Extra Attention
If you are using a wooden kayak then I recommend that you avoid aggressive cleaners, avoid prolonged sun exposure, lightly sand the surface every 1-2 years, and apply a new stain or varnish.
Now that you've finished cleaning your kayaks, put them away for your next paddle!
