Fitting Out Series – Spring Cleaning for Boat Interiors

As the 2025 boating season draws near, it’s time to turn your attention to getting your vessel in prime condition for the on-water adventures ahead. While much of the focus during the fitting-out period revolves around hull maintenance and exterior work, refreshing your boat’s interior is just as important for a comfortable and enjoyable season.

In this edition of our Fitting Out series, Chris Stokes, Director of GR Pro-Clean at Penton Hook Marina, shares his expert advice and offers some practical tips to help you achieve a fresh start in your living spaces to ensure your boat feels like a home away from home.

Declutter and Organise

“The first step to a clean and inviting interior is decluttering. Over the course of the year, it’s easy for unnecessary items to accumulate. Here are some of the key jobs that you’ll find useful to tackle first:"

• Empty storage areas: Remove all items from lockers, cupboards and drawers. Sort them into “keep,” “donate” and “discard” piles.
• Optimise space: Use vacuum-seal bags for linens and clothing to save room. Install additional hooks or racks for better organisation.
• Label everything: Clearly labelled containers or bins will help keep items easily accessible throughout the season.

Chris’ Top Tip: “Keep an inventory of all items on board, including a note of any servicing and testing dates for all technical and safety gear.”

Deep clean soft furnishings

“Boat interiors are exposed to damp conditions, making it essential to clean and protect upholstery, carpets and mattresses:"

• Vacuum and shampoo: Use a handheld vacuum to remove debris, followed by a fabric cleaner suitable for marine environments.
• Protect against mildew: Apply an anti-mould spray or fabric protector to cushions and mattresses. Consider using moisture-absorbing products in closed spaces.
• Replace if necessary: Worn or damaged cushions and carpets can make your boat feel dated – now is a great time to consider upgrading.

Chris’ Top Tip: “Refresh your carpets. Depending on the space available inside the boat we will either use a ‘George wet vac’ or ‘The Big Green Machine’ from Bissell. We use ‘Prochem Prespray Gold’ as a pre-spray and then ‘Prochem Extraction plus’ and ‘Prochem defoamer’ as the solution for the wet vac machine.

“You can use the same process on soft furnishing but always read the dilution and application instructions and test on an inconspicuous area first!”

Revitalise the galley

“A clean and well-organised galley makes onboard cooking a pleasure. We recommend:"

• Clean appliances: Scrub the stovetop, microwave and fridge with marine-safe cleaning products.
• Declutter cabinets: Discard expired food and unused items. Restock with non-perishables and condiments for the season.
• Upgrade tools: Consider investing in space-saving cookware and utensils designed for boat use.

Chris’ Top Tip: “Ensearch sell a concentrated ‘All Over Boat Cleaner’. Whilst this is predominantly used on the outside of the boat, this versatile product can be used inside too. Mix 1:10 in a trigger spray and it becomes a great, all round multi surface cleaner. It can also be used as a pre-spray for carpets and soft furnishings and for heavy staining, just add more product to the mix to increase the strength.”

Freshen up the head

“The boat’s head needs special attention to ensure it remains hygienic and odour-free. Some of our top tips include:"

• • Sanitise all surfaces: Use marine-safe cleaners to disinfect sinks, toilets and showers.
• • Check plumbing: Inspect hoses and connections for leaks or blockages. Replace worn seals and use descaling products to keep the system running smoothly.
• • Install ventilation aids: Improve airflow with vents or dehumidifiers to reduce odours.

Chris’ Top Tip: “Use Yachticon Head Lube. It lubricates and protects all rubber seals for on-board toilets, removes salt deposits, lubricates the inner walls of the pump cylinder and the piston bar, and prevents the pump valves from clogging. Available at lindonlewismarine.co.uk.”

General tips for a polished interior

“For a superyacht-level shine, it’s worth paying a bit more attention to the high traffic areas in the boat’s interior. Not only will it increase the longevity of the materials, whether that’s wood, marble, stainless or glass, but will add a sparkle to your interior that you can be proud of. Some of the key areas include:"

• Polish woodwork: Use a suitable wood cleaner and polish to bring cabinetry and trim back to life.
• Buff the stainless: Using a good quality metal cleaner, polish and buff any stainless areas to create a high-end finish.
• Clean windows and hatches: Remove salt residue and grime with glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth for clear views.
• Air it out: Leave windows and hatches open (weather permitting) to let fresh air circulate and reduce dampness.”

Chris’ Top Tip: “Prevention is better than cure! Boat interiors and cockpits can get very damp over winter due to condensation. Using a dehumidifier and low-level heating will reduce the chance of mould, although these shouldn’t be left on unattended. It’s worth visiting your boat on a bi-weekly or monthly basis to give the boat a general wipe around and check the interior for leaks, signs of damp or mould and any water ingress.

“Check out the ‘Stor-Dry by Caframo’, dual action air dryer, which uses a low wattage heating element and internal fan to both heat and circulate the air. This is also available at Lindon Lewis Marine.”

Other relevant, recommended products:

• For interior cleaners, anti-mould spray and fabric protectors: www.gtechniq.co.uk/marine
• For head and holding tank solutions: https://marine-hygiene.com
• For external, specialised and professional use boat cleaning products: www.ensearch.co.uk

For more information on GR Pro Clean and professional boat valeting services located in several Thames-based marinas, including our Bray, Penton Hook and Windsor marinas, visit www.grpro-clean.co.uk.

Planning to handle your own winter maintenance this year? We have ten fully serviced boatyards spanning from Devon to Kent. Equipped with lifting services, ample storage ashore, and skilled boatyard teams, you’ll find everything you need to get your boat in top shape for 2025. Find out more at www.mdlboatyards.co.uk.