Ahoy mateys! Yer dock be locking a wee bit dirty.
Alright, we are being a little dramatic. If your dock is dirty, you might hear some version of this line from your friends.
Having a boat is a huge responsibility. When it is docked at a marina, you don’t need to worry about cleaning it or the surrounding. However, when the boat is docked outside your lake house, you need to maintain it and the platform. We will discuss the former some other time. Right now, let’s talk about how to clean your dock.
Depending on what type of material your dock is made of, you need to avoid a few commercial cleaning products. They will compromise the durability of your dock and are an environmental health hazard.
Avoid using cleaning products that have the following ingredients:
- Disinfectants and antibacterial
- Ammonia
- Chlorine bleach
- Monobutyl, ethylene glycol, and butyl glycol
- Phthalates
- Phosphates and phosphorous
- Petroleum solvents
Now that you know what not to use when cleaning your dock, let’s take a look at a DIY cleaning solution you can try:
Cleaning Your Dock
A simple mixture of baking soda and white vinegar will help you remove dirt from your dock and stop mold growth. However, the cleaning process is not as simple as spraying this DIY solution. Here’s what you need to do:
Apply the DIY Solution All Over the Dock
In a bucket, add baking powder and vinegar, along with water. Use a small plastic container to splash this solution all over the dock. Let it sit for five minutes, and then get to scrubbing.
Scrub Like Your Life Depends on It
Use a broom to scrub away any dirt stuck on the platform. If the stains are stubborn, get down on your hands and knees and put in some elbow grease.
Pressure Wash the Dock
Pressure-wash the dock once you have thoroughly cleaned the dock with the broom and a scrubber. If you are working with a delicate material, keep the pressure setting between 1,200 PSI and 1,500 PSI. Use a wider nozzle with 65 degrees to prevent any undue damage.
Apply a Weatherproofing Sealant
After pressure washing the dock, let the surface dry. The next and final step is to apply a weatherproofing sealant. This will prevent the dock from developing mold and the fixtures from rusting. The cleaner the dock, the better the sealant will adhere to it.
Your dock is a huge investment that adds value to your house. Hence, you need to clean it at least twice a year. Don’t forget to use an environment-friendly solution, as mentioned above, rather than store-bought chemicals.
If you are looking for quality floating docks or do-it-yourself docks, visit the Nor Col EZ Dock website. They offer different types of plastic docks in Manitoba for residential, commercial, and industrial use. For more information, call on (800) 654-8168.