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 lasting damage. Many so-called ‘inflatable boat cleaners’ contain harsh 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 its appearance, but also shortens the service life of your inflatable boat. Regular cleaning and protection are therefore essential for both PVC inflatable boats and Hypalon RIB’s.
Which cleaner should you use for an inflatable boat?
Use only a product that has been found 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 attacking the material
How to clean a PVC or Hypalon inflatable boat
Step 1 - Rinse off
Rinse the boat well with clean water to remove sand and salt.
Step 2 - Cleaning
Use the 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 weather influences.
Step 5 - Remove mould (if necessary)
For mould spots, use the product 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 must do this step after cleaning.
When your inflatable boat becomes "sticky"
Sometimes a sticky top layer forms on the material of the inflatable boat. We call this sticky. It occurs only on boats made of PVC, 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 harsh all-purpose cleaners; they can attack the PVC.
How do I clean a Hypalon boat?
Hypalon is stronger than PVC, but the same applies here: use only 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 lasting damage, but with NO-Sticky you can treat the boat temporarily.
How often should I clean my inflatable boat?
After each trip, rinse briefly with water and, at least once a month, clean and protect thoroughly.
Prevention is better than cure!
By cleaning and protecting your boat regularly, you prevent lasting damage and significantly extend its service life. That way, your Zodiac will not only look like new, but you will 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.
