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How to Clean Your Boat with Salt Shift: A Comprehensive Guide

How to Clean Your Boat with Salt Shift: A Comprehensive Guide

Maintaining your boat is crucial for longevity and performance. Saltwater, grime, and environmental contaminants can accelerate wear and corrosion. With Salt Shift's Ultimate Boat & PWC Wash Kit, you have everything needed to keep your vessel in pristine condition.

Exterior Cleaning

Man using a foam gun to wash a boat with Salt Shift cleaning solution, removing salt and grime for corrosion protection.Man using a foam gun to wash a boat with Salt Shift cleaning solution, removing salt and grime for corrosion protection.

Step 1: Prepare the Cleaning Solution
Mix Salt Shift Marine Wash with water at a 20:1 ratio in the Snow Foam Gun. This powerful, biodegradable formula is designed to break down salt and grime effectively whilst incorporating corrosion inhibitors to prevent corrosion and rust from forming or getting worse. 

Step 2: Apply the Foam
Attach the foam gun to your garden hose and spray down your boat, covering all exterior surfaces. The thick foam clings to surfaces, ensuring thorough coverage, especially in hard-to-reach areas.

Step 3: Agitate with the 2-in-1 Wash Mitt

For areas with stubborn grime or high traffic (like gunwales, decks, and grab rails), lightly scrub using the Salt Shift 2-in-1 Wash Mitt. It’s soft on surfaces but tough on build-up, helping ensure a deep, scratch-free clean.

Step 4: Let It Sit
Give the foam around 30s to break down contaminants before rinsing. This dwell time boosts effectiveness and makes rinsing off easier and more efficient.

Step 5: Rinse It Off
Disconnect the foam gun handle with the brass quick-release fitting, then rinse your vessel thoroughly from top to bottom with fresh water. Make sure you clear out all the foam and loosened debris, especially from salt-prone spots like the hull, cleats, and fittings.

Step 6: Dry with the Twist Pile Dry Towel
Once rinsed, use the Salt Shift Twist Pile Dry Towel to wipe down your boat. This ultra-absorbent towel quickly removes water without leaving streaks or lint, helping you finish with a clean, polished look. Drying also helps prevent watermarks and reduces the chance of corrosion on fittings and trims.


Engine Flushing

Step 1: Flush the Engine
Fill the Salt Shift Flusher Canister with 50-100ml of Engine Flush. This solution is formulated to remove salt deposits from your engine's cooling system and breakdown limescale. 

Step 2: Connect to Cooling System
Attach the flusher canister to your garden hose, then connect it to your boat's cooling system flush port.

Step 3: Set the Dial
Turn the flush canister dial to setting 3 (the larger circle). This ensures the correct flow rate for effective cleaning.

Step 4: Flush the Engine
Start the engine and let it run as per your manufacturer's guidelines. The Engine Flush will circulate through the cooling system, removing salt and preventing corrosion. Tip - Leave the formula in the engine, so before it completely runs through and out again, make sure formula is left in the engine cooling system to prevent corrosion from forming, it contains special corrosion fighting agents to do the hard for us, allowing the engine to run smoother and cooler for longer. 

Additional Tips for Comprehensive Boat Maintenance

Upholstery and Canvas Care: Use Salt Shift Marine Vinyl Protectant to clean and protect your boat’s upholstery. It removes grime while helping to prevent mold and mildew from setting in and to protect the fabric from UV. Regular upkeep not only keeps things looking tidy but also extends the life of your vinyl and canvas fittings.

Metal Fixtures: Apply the Salt Shift Anti-Corrosion Lanolin Spray to stainless steel, chrome, and brass fittings. It enhances shine and creates a protective barrier against rust and corrosion, especially in salt-heavy environments. Perfect for your engine and surrounding components. 

Deck Maintenance: For non-skid decks, use a medium-stiff deck brush paired with Salt Shift All Purpose Cleaner. This combo lifts dirt and grime without damaging the surface, helping maintain traction and a clean finish underfoot.

Hull Protection: Once your hull is clean and dry, finish the job with Salt Shift Show & Shine Detailer. This spray-on formula adds a high-gloss finish and protective barrier against UV rays and grime. It’s safe for use on gelcoat, fibreglass, and paint—perfect for keeping your hull looking brand new.

Why Choose Salt Shift?

Salt Shift products are designed with the marine environment in mind. Our formulas are biodegradable, Australian made and free from harsh chemicals, ensuring safety for both your boat and the waterways. Regular use of Salt Shift's cleaning solutions not only keeps your vessel looking its best but also extends its lifespan by preventing salt-induced corrosion.

Invest in the Salt Shift Ultimate Boat & PWC Wash Kit today and experience a hassle-free, effective cleaning process. Protect your boat from the harsh marine elements and ensure it's always ready for your next adventure.