How To Clean A Kayak: What You Need To Know

Why is Kayak Maintenance Important?

Kayaking is an extremely popular water sport around the world, due in large part to the wide range of activities and uses, and for the ease of access to most bodies of water. If you’ve gone through the process of purchasing a kayak you quickly realized that there are vessels designed for individuals or tandem kayaking, for beginners or those seeking the challenge of whitewater, for anglers or simply those wanting a leisurely paddle on a lake.  

The versatility offered by kayaks make them a great choice for almost everyone.  However, if you’ve gone to the effort and expense of purchasing a kayak, you need to protect your investment and maximize its longevity and performance levels by making the effort to maintain your kayak. Not only will performing proper kayak maintenance ensure you get the most bang for your buck, but it will also ensure that you’re safe while exploring on the water.

Kayak Maintenance

The general feeling is that kayaks require minimal maintenance.  When compared to a motor boat this take is probably true. Kayaks don’t have motors that break or other components associated with the more complex vessels.  Kayaks do however often have skegs, a rudder, hatches, bungies, tow lines, paddles, hooks, anchors, etc. Failing to clean and take care of your kayak and it’s components will result in your investment sliding into a state of disrepair.  With a little effort these issues can be avoided.  

Cleaning

The cleaning of your kayak after a day out on the water can be as simple as a quick spraying down of the inside and outside of your vessel.  Doing so will remove any built up dirt, mud, sand or salt that has accumulated on the hull. You may want to take the additional step of scrubbing your kayak with a mild soap and water to ensure any build up is removed.  

You should consider, at least a couple times a year, doing a more substantial cleaning of the entire kayak.  We would also recommend a more thorough cleaning when you go from paddling on one body of water and the next time out, kayaking on a different waterway.  In doing so we would offer the following suggestions based on your individual kayak:

• Rinse the hull down with clean, freshwater after every trip, a habit that will also save your metal and rubber parts from damaging salt corrosion.
• Use a bucket and mix fresh clean water and a small amount of bleach or vinegar and use a sponge or terry cloth or microfiber cloth to scrub the hull. This will help to thoroughly remove any salt buildup or sand that can cause corrosion, especially to metal parts, if not removed.  
• Alternatively, use a solution specifically designed for washing a car or boat that is clear or gel coat safe.  Most waterways will contain microbes, bacteria, or invasive species that can attach to your hull.  For the maintenance of your kayak, as well as ensuring you don’t transfer these little tagalongs from one body of water to another, a thorough cleaning is strongly recommended.
• If you plan to store your kayak under a tarp, you will need to ensure it is completely dry before covering to avoid any mold or mildew.  
• Use a fiberglass stain remover when you need to remove build up of rock snot or pond scum, or if you have surface stains developing on the fiberglass.  Although this remover is non-abrasive, it is a strong chemical and as such should only be used on a limited basis and only on gel coated finishes.  
• Steer clear of solvents or abrasives that likely will damage your kayak’s hull.  Soapy water and a lot of elbow grease will remove most stains.  

Process

Developing a simple routine for cleaning your kayak should just be part of your kayak outings.  A simple process you can follow:

• Position the kayak on a clean, flat area (use kayak cradles if you have them available)
• Rinse the kayak with a hose to remove any dirt, sand, salt or debris on the hull surface.
• Fill a bucket with freshwater and an ounce of soap (commercial cleaner, vinegar or bleach for a more thorough cleaning).
• Take your sponge or cloth and soak in your soapy solution and wash down the entire kayak.  Removing any buildup that did not come off when you rinsed with the hose.
• Dry with a soft towel or microfiber cloth and allow to dry completely before storing.

Sun Protection

You are obviously going to spend many days paddling under sunny conditions.  This can’t be avoided and nor should it be, it’s part of the enjoyment of kayaking.  Yet there are some steps and measures you should take to protect your kayak from the harmful Ultraviolet Rays (UV) of the sun:

Protectant Spray

• Use a protectant spray to limit UV damage and degradation.  303 UV Protectant Spray acts as a sunscreen for your kayak, providing UV protection for any rubber, plastic, vinyl, PVC, gel coat and/or fiberglass surfaces.  
• Simply apply protectant spray and buff with a clean cloth.  Application will be dependent on how often you are using your kayak.  If water is no longer beading up on your kayak’s hull, you should reapply.  The protectant will not undo damage that has already occurred, so it’s important you apply early and often.  This spray can be used on a variety of surfaces to protect from sun exposure.
• If you have a composite kayak, consider applying a car wax that is recommended for fiberglass surfaces.  How often is dependent on the amount of usage. 

Kayak Cover

A kayak cover is a good investment to protect your vessel from sun damage,  It also will help to keep the inside of your kayak dry and clean. Covers are designed to shelter the entire kayak.  Also available are cockpit covers to protect the interior of the kayak.