Boat carpet takes a beating. Whether it’s saltwater, fish scales, muddy boots, food crumbs, or spilled drinks, your White Pointer Boat or Quintrex Ocean Spirit boat’s flooring works hard to keep things comfy and safe underfoot. But just like the rest of your boat, your carpet needs regular cleaning and care to stay in good shape. A clean carpet not only looks better, but it also lasts longer and reduces mildew and odour. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you keep your boat carpet fresh and functional.

Clear the Deck

Before you get into cleaning mode, remove everything from the carpeted areas. That means fishing gear, coolers, seats (if removable), and any other items that might get in the way. This makes it easier to do a thorough clean and prevents damage to your gear.

Dry Bush and Vacuum

Start by brushing off loose debris like leaves, sand, dirt, or bait remnants. A stiff broom or handheld brush will do the job. After brushing, give the carpet a good vacuum to pull out any embedded grit or fine debris from the fibres.

Hose it Down

Once loose debris is out of the way, it’s time to rinse. Use a garden hose with moderate pressure (avoid high-pressure washers that could damage carpet fibres or glue) and give the carpet a good soaking. This helps loosen grime and prepare it for scrubbing.

Apply Carpet Cleaner

Use a marine-safe carpet cleaner or a mild mix of water and dish soap. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, which can damage the carpet’s backing or fade colours. Spray or pour the cleaner onto the carpet and let it sit for a few minutes to break down stains and grime. For fish blood or tough odours, you might want a cleaner specifically designed for marine use.

Scrub the Surface

Using a soft to medium bristle brush, work the cleaner into the carpet using circular motions. Focus on heavily soiled areas, but give the whole surface a once-over for an even clean. If you're dealing with a stubborn spot, let the cleaner sit a little longer before scrubbing again.

Rinse Thoroughly

Use your hose again to rinse away all the soap and dirt. Be thorough in rinsing as leftover cleaner can attract more grime or leave a sticky residue.

Extract Water

If you’ve got a wet/dry vacuum, use it now to suck up as much water as possible. The more moisture you remove, the quicker your carpet will dry and the less chance there is for mould or mildew to form.

Dry It Out

Let the carpet dry completely before putting anything back on it. Prop up compartments, open any hatches for airflow, and if possible, park your boat in the sun. Drying time varies, but drying them directly under the heat of the sun can dry them in a few hours.

Clean Regularly

A deep clean like this doesn’t need to happen after every outing, but doing it every few months (or more often if you fish frequently) will keep your boat smelling fresh, looking sharp, and ready for the next adventure.