How to Clean Pontoon Boats

Person steering a pontoon boat in water.

Jenny from South Carolina, our third CLR Brands™ 101 Uses contest winner, says that she uses CLR Brands™ to clean the water stains off of our pontoons. “We just spray it on and let it sit for about an hour and then wash it off with a pressure washer.”

Cleaning and maintaining pontoon boats can be tricky. Moisture, plus time sitting in storage can cause mold, rust, and calcium to build up on the many surfaces of a Pontoon boat. Fortunately, CLR Brands™ has safe and effective cleaning solutions that can restore your entire pleasure craft to almost new condition.


Pontoon Boat Seats and Fabric Coverings:

Use Mold & Mildew Clear A safer and more effective cleaner than bleach, you can use it after every outing on your vinyl and fabric surfaces. The foam sprayer was designed to give you a more direct application preventing splashback as well as mold spores from spreading in the air—just spray and wipe. 


Pontoon Boat Deck Carpet:

Use Stain-Free Carpet, Floor and Fabric—An all-purpose, multi-surface stain remover composed of an eco-friendly formula removes tough water stains and spots. And when you're done with your boat, you can use Stain-Free Carpet, Floor and Fabric for your home. It’s great for painted walls, hardwood floors, baseboards, glass, metal, brick, concrete, marble, laminated countertops, and more.

Regularly checking your pontoon tubes for any visible damages or accumulated dirt can help in prolonging their lifespan. Before applying any cleaner, it's a good practice to lightly scrub the tubes with a soft cloth to remove any loose debris.


Pontoon Boat Stainless Steel Parts:

Use Calcium, Lime & Rust Remover— for gunk that can build-up on stainless steel components like your boat ladder, cup holders, and connector flanges.


Essential Cleaning Supplies for Pontoon Boats:

  • The Products above
  • Pressure washer (not necessary, put helpful)
  • Brush, cloth or sponge
  • Rubber or latex gloves
  • Warm Water and a bucket


Post-Cleaning Care:

After cleaning your pontoon boat, ensure to store it in a shaded area or use a boat cover to protect it from direct sunlight and weather elements. Regular inspections for signs of wear and tear can help in timely maintenance.