Washing and Cleaning Your Boat
By Long Island Marine
When washing a boat's deck and hull surface people often use products that contain toxic ingredients such as chlorine, phosphates, and ammonia.
Just as these chemicals act as degreasers on the boat, they also act as degreasers on fish- drying the natural - oil they need for their gills to take in oxygen- and as degreasers on human tissues - burning eyes and irritating skin.
To reduce your need for toxic products, follow these tips:
- Rinse your boat only with fresh water after each use. This will reduce your need for cleansers and heavy-duty products.
- Use old-fashioned cleaning methods, including baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, borax and "elbow grease."
If you must use soaps and cleaning products, make sure to:
- Purchase the least toxic product available to do the job.
- Look for the words "phosphate-free" and “biodegradable" on the product label.
- Buy only what you need. Remember: the smaller the product container, the smaller the spill!
- Do not allow open cleaning containers on deck.
- Do not wash spills into the water. Clean them up with a rag instead.
- Share your leftover supplies with other boaters or dispose of them properly at an onshore facility.
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