Looking after your jet ski is about preventing salt damage, corrosion, and wear that builds up fast after a few sessions on the water. A good wash-down with the right products doesn’t take long, but it goes a long way in keeping your ski running like new.
Here’s how to properly clean and maintain your jet ski using Salt Shift’s marine-grade gear.
Watch the tutorial: The BEST way to CLEAN your Jet Ski and Engine
Step 1: Apply Salt Shift Marine Salt Wash
Fill your snow foam gun with Salt Shift Marine Salt Wash using approximately 50ml, or a 20:1 mix ratio. Spray the entire ski evenly, starting from the top and working your way down. Focus on high-build areas like the footwells, jet pump area, and the trailer. The formula begins breaking down salt within 30 seconds, so there’s no need to scrub or use a mitt, meaning less chance of scratching your ski and takes only half the time.
Don’t forget to target underneath the trailer, around the wheels, and any metal components. Salt and grime love to hide in the jet pump area, so be sure to get in there properly with the hose. Work through the footwells and even under the bonnet. If you can chock the wheels and tilt the jet ski slightly back, let the water run through the footwells to help flush everything out the rear drainage points.
Step 2: Rinse the Jet Ski and Trailer Thoroughly
Once the Salt Wash has done its job, rinse the entire ski and trailer with fresh water. Make sure none of the product dries on the surface, especially in direct sunlight. Start again from the top and move your way down. Pay attention to high-salt areas like the jet pump, trailer frame, and contact points between the ski and trailer. A proper rinse ensures all dissolved salt is fully removed and nothing is left behind to cause streaking or build-up. This step helps prevent water spots and ensures a smooth, clean finish.
Step 3: Dry the Ski
Once everything’s rinsed off, grab a clean microfibre towel and dry the ski completely. Work in long, even motions from top to bottom. This helps prevent water spots and also stops water from dripping in your garage or storage area. Drying your ski also leaves it with a polished, clean finish and makes it easier to spot any remaining grime.
Step 4: Remove and Air Out the Seats
Remove the seats and stand them upright. The foam inside your seats can soak up water, making them heavier and holding moisture. If you throw the seat straight back on and store the ski, all that heat and humidity gets trapped inside. Your engine will still be warm, and a bit of water will always remain in the hull. Giving everything time to breathe and cool down will help reduce corrosion and protect your engine bay components long-term.
If you’re storing the ski at home, leave the seats off or prop them open to let air circulate. Moisture and trapped heat in a sealed space are the perfect combo for corrosion, so keeping things ventilated is key. If it's going under a cover, use a breathable one to avoid damp build-up.
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Step 5: Check the Engine Bay
You don’t need to rinse the engine bay every single time, but if you’ve been out in rough conditions or you can see salt build-up, it’s a good idea to give it a quick clean. Look around the front of the bay and under the seat. If you see crystallised salt, use your hose gently from the side and rinse it out. You’re not trying to pressure wash it—just a soft rinse to flush out any sand or salt.
Step 6: Flush the Cooling System with Salt Shift Engine Flush
Add about 50ml of Salt Shift Engine Flush into your flushing canister, then connect it to your ski’s cooling inlet. Start your engine first, then turn the water on. Let it flush for a few minutes, or as recommended in your owner’s manual, to remove any salt and calcium build-up inside the cooling system.
Once done, turn the water off first then the engine, it is always best to leave salt shift engine flush in the cooling system as the formula is formulated with corrosion inhibitors that will prevent corrosion from forming. This helps protect internal components.
Step 7: Spray with Salt Shift Lano Spray
When everything is dry, spray Salt Shift Lanolin Spray across your engine bay, exposed metal, and the jet pump area. This lanolin-based protective coating helps prevent corrosion and is safe to use around plastic, rubber, and seals. Unlike petroleum-based sprays, it won’t break down or damage rubber components.
Ready to get started?
Salt Shift formulas include corrosion inhibitors that help slow down the rate of rust and extend the life of your trailer, jet ski, and engine. It’s not just about cleaning—it’s about preserving your gear for the long haul.
The Boat & PWC Wash Kit is your launchpad for fast, effective, no-scrub cleaning. Designed for those who’d rather be riding than scrubbing, this all-in-one starter pack gives you everything you need to blast salt off your PWC without breaking a sweat. Trusted by marine legends to dissolve salt in seconds. No mitts, no scratches, no dramas.
Perfect for anyone who owns or uses a PWC and wants to extend its life. Or gift it to that mate who’s always borrowing your gear.
Let’s look after your ski and make shift happen. Grab the Boat & PWC Wash Kit here and kick off your cleaning game the right way.
