The benefits of using Riptide eco-friendly boat cleaning products

"Keeping the Blue Green"

Taking good care of your pride and joy doesn’t have to damage the environment, but it too often does. Your boat requires care and cleaning for more than just looks – keeping it clean preserves the woods and metals, and the life of your boat.

Unfortunately, many of the products commonly used to buff up your decks, hull and fittings are toxic to the environment. Phosphates and other detergent additives can encourage algae growth, deplete oxygen in the water, burn and irritate plant and animal life, and irrevocably change the aquatic environment.

Even the little bit of soapy water that sluices off your deck when your scrubbing contributes to water pollution that can completely destroy the eco-system of your favorite boating venues.

Fortunately, there are ways that you can keep your boat clean without damaging the environment – and as a boater and a human being, it really is your responsibility to do as little harm to the environment as possible.

When it’s time to scrub down your boat or polish the fittings, consider using an ecologically friendly product in place of your usual cleaner. Careful choices and following the tips below can help minimize the harmful impact your cleaning may have on the environment.

• Wax your boat if appropriate. A good coat of wax will prevent dirt from becoming ingrained and make it easier to wipe down and clean.
• Clean more frequently – with fresh water. Make it a point to wipe down and scrub surfaces with a sponge or pad and plain water frequently. Wiping down more often will prevent the buildup of dirt that requires stronger chemicals to remove. And remember that a little elbow grease goes a long way, and will never hurt the environment.
• If you must use a detergent, choose one that is phosphate free and biodegradable. Phosphates encourage the growth of algae, which use the oxygen supplies in the water. Over-vegetation can literally suffocate fish and other marine animals by depleting the oxygen available to them.
• Avoid detergents that contain ammonia, bleach, sodium hypochlorite, petroleum products or lye. These chemicals are toxic, and even a small amount of them discharged into the water can burn and kill plant and animal life.
• Learn which additives and ingredients are harmful to the environment – and read the labels when you buy products. If they contain toxic substances, DON’T BUY THEM. Instead, use a substitute cleaner and a little extra elbow grease.