Your boat serves as a gateway to fun and recreation out on the water. Don’t let a dirty and slippery boat dock prevent you from having a well-deserved water adventure. Here’s why it’s important to clean your boat dock — and how pressure washing can help you accomplish that.
Why You Need to Clean Your Boat Dock
Boats are a valuable investment so owners make sure to keep them clean and well-maintained. However, many boat aficionados forget about the boat dock. Cleaning boat docks are just as important. Here’s why.
1. Creates Numerous Safety Hazards
As people come and go, your boat dock will accumulate dirt, dust, mud, debris, rust stains, and unwanted substances. Proximity to the water also leads to the growth of mold, mildew, algae, and other aquatic wildlife. These contaminants can create safety hazards, such as tripping and falling, which can then hinder you from enjoying your boat. Accumulated dirt and grime likewise opens you up to liabilities in case other people get into an accident on your boat dock.
2. Maintains Boat Dock Appearance
Boat dock cleaning is also crucial in maintaining the appearance of your waterfront property. A worn-out dock is also an eyesore and takes the attention away from your beautiful boat. If you want to maintain the value of your boat and your property, make sure that the boat dock is regularly cleaned and maintained as well.
3. Saves Time and Money
Dirt, grime, and biological growth can impact the structural integrity of your boat dock. That means you’ll end up spending more time and money on significant repairs and replacements. Regular boat dock cleaning is much cheaper and effective in protecting your investments.
How to Clean a Boat Dock: Is Pressure Washing the Way to Go?
There are many ways to clean your boat dock. However, instead of spending hours and hours manually scrubbing the surface or using harsh boat dock cleaners that harm the environment, consider the benefits of pressure washing your boat dock. It’s a quick, convenient, and efficient cleaning method that also uses cleaning products that are safe for the environment.
If you’re interested in learning more, here’s how to pressure wash your boat dock.
1. Conduct a Pre-Inspection
Before cleaning your boat dock, make sure to inspect the area thoroughly. Check if there are loose, splintered, or rotting boards, as well as rusted or corroded nails and screws. You need to address these issues first to prevent high-pressure water from creating even more damage.
A primary inspection can also help you determine which pressure washing techniques and attachments to use. For instance, a gentler approach like soft washing is more appropriate for boat docks with softwoods and hardwoods.
Pressure-treated wood, composite, and concrete are more durable so they can withstand higher levels of water pressure. Meanwhile, if your boat dock has mold and mildew overgrowth, hot water pressure washing — also known as power washing — ensures that these microorganisms do not grow back.
2. Apply an Eco-Friendly Cleaning Solution
A boat dock cleaner will help loosen up the accumulated dirt, dust, and debris on your boat dock. The great thing about pressure washing is that a gentle, eco-friendly soap can get the job done. You don’t have to use commercial cleaning products that contain harsh chemicals like ammonia, phthalates, and phosphorus that cause water pollution and are harmful to aquatic organisms. Professional pressure washers will use proprietary cleaning solutions that are safe for the environment.
3. Use a Brush or Scrubber to Clean the Surface
Depending on the condition of your boat dock, you can use a manual brush or a scrub attachment to clean the surface. This is a perfect complement for the soft washing technique since you are using low-pressure water.
4. Pressure Wash Your Boat Dock
After prepping your boat dock surfaces, it’s time to pressure wash them clean. If you’re working with more delicate woods or materials use a setting of about 1,200 to 1,500 PSI. You should also use a wider 45-degree or 65-degree nozzle to prevent any kind of undue damage.
However, with more durable surfaces like composite and concrete, water pressure is enough to blast away all the unwanted substances. You can use 2,000 to 3,000 PSI, along with a 15-degree or 25-degree nozzle, to clean your boat dock.
Regardless of what material you are working with, make sure to proceed with caution. Pressure washing can cause damage and/or injury if used incorrectly. Make sure to start with low water pressure and aim the pressure washer 6 to 12 inches above the surface. You should also wear proper protective gear to prevent serious injury caused by water pressure.
5. Apply Wood Stain or Weatherproofing Sealant
A wood stain can have your boat dock looking like new again while a sealant will better protect your boat dock from dirt and damage.
Make Cleaning Your Boat Dock a Priority
Just like how you treasure your boat, treat your boat dock as an investment as well. After all, it’s the boat dock that creates the path to your boat and the water. Now that you know why it’s important to clean your boat dock, you can make pressure washing a regular part of your boat maintenance plan. This will keep you, your family, and your property investments safe from damage.
Looking for professionals to clean your boat dock? Washh is a pressure washing company that you can trust! Call us today at 704.321.8000 or email us at clean@washh.com to learn more about our boat dock cleaning services or to receive a free quote.
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