How August Race Fender Clean Eliminates Fender Grime and Salt on Fenders

Walk any busy marina after a spring storm and you’ll see the same story written along the pontoons.

Fenders that were bright white at the start of last season are now streaked with black marks, coated in a crust of dried salt, and dulled to a tired yellow-grey. You can almost read the recent weather in the pattern of the grime: windward sides caked in spray, leeward fenders scuffed from a weekend of rafted boats.

When we arrive at our partner marinas, skippers often tell us the same thing:

• “I scrubbed for ages, the fender grime just comes back.”
• “I’m worried I’ll damage the rubber if I use anything stronger.”
• “I want something that works and is safe for the water.”

That combination of stubborn fender grime, salt on fenders, and owner frustration is exactly what led us to develop August Race Fender Clean. In this guide, we’ll explain what’s really causing that build-up, how our dedicated boat fender cleaner works, and how to build a simple, eco-safe maintenance routine that keeps your fenders looking and performing like new.

If you’d like a deeper technician-level workflow as you read, our article Boat Fender Cleaner: Pro Guide to August Race Fender Clean breaks down additional steps, safety notes, and pro tips.

A day on the docks: why fender grime is more than an eyesore

On a recent visit to a coastal marina, we walked down the pontoon after a week of strong onshore winds. Every other boat seemed to have the same problem: fenders streaked with black marks, a rough layer of salt, and a dull, flat look that didn’t match the care visible elsewhere on board.

Up close, the damage is easy to see:

• Black streaks where fenders have rubbed on pilings and dock walls
• Patchy yellowing on older vinyl and rubber bumpers
• Salt crust and tide lines left behind after spray evaporates

These are more than cosmetic issues. Left alone, that fender grime can mask early signs of wear. Salt on fenders can harden, trap dirt, and make the surface more abrasive. Oil and pollutants can slowly degrade the outer layer of vinyl or rubber.

Owners tell us they’re caught in a cycle:

• Cleaning takes too long
• Household products don’t really remove the grime
• Strong chemicals risk damaging the fender and the environment

That’s why we set out to create a dedicated, eco-conscious solution and a routine anyone can follow dockside in minutes. Before we get to the solution, it helps to understand what’s actually attacking your fenders.

For more detail on identifying different types of staining and marina fallout, you can also explore our guide Remove Fender Grime & Pink Stains | August Race.

What's causing black streaks, fading and salt buildup on your fenders

Fenders live in the harshest microclimate around your boat: right where water, sun, and dock meet. A lot is going on at that interface.

Environmental stress

• UV exposure gradually breaks down the outer layer of vinyl and rubber. Over time this leads to fading, chalking, and a rougher surface that holds onto dirt.
• Salt spray leaves microscopic crystals behind. As water evaporates, these crystals can embed into the surface. That’s why salt on fenders often feels gritty and stubborn.
• Pollution and mildew add staining and a light film that dulls the original colour.

Mechanical abrasion

Every time your fenders do their job, they’re taking a hit for your topsides:

• Rubbing against pilings, pontoon edges, and other boats transfers rubber, tyre residue, and paint onto the fender.
• Dock lines and lazy jacks can create linear chafe marks.
• Oil and grease from neighbouring vessels or dock structures leave those deep, dark streaks that make removing black streaks from rubber bumpers feel impossible.

The role of salt crystallisation

Salt crystals don’t just sit on the surface. On textured or slightly porous fenders they can work into microscopic pores, effectively locking fender grime in place. That’s why a quick rinse alone rarely restores the original look.

Many owners naturally reach for whatever cleaner is on hand at home. Unfortunately:

• Household cleaners are rarely designed for marine rubber and vinyl.
• Harsh solvents can dry and crack the material over time.
• Abrasive powders can scour away the protective outer layer and leave the fender more vulnerable.

We designed our solution specifically around these challenges: something powerful on grime but kind to materials and the marine environment.

Introducing August Race Fender Clean: lab-tested, marine-ready

August Race Fender Clean is our dedicated boat fender cleaner, formulated from the ground up for modern marine fenders and dock bumpers.

Our goals were clear from day one:

• Effective on tough grime, salt, and black streaks
• Suitable for common fender materials (rubber and vinyl)
• Non-toxic and biodegradable
• Practical to use dockside in real-world conditions

Developed with the water in mind

We put every new formulation through in-house testing and intensive marina trials with our partners. That means:

• Use on boats berthed in saltwater coastal marinas and estuaries
• Repeated cleaning sessions over a season, not just a one-off demo
• Feedback from professional skippers, boatyard teams, and berth holders

In those conditions, Fender Clean is designed to:

• Dissolve embedded salt so it rinses away instead of re-crystallising
• Lift oil, rubber transfer, and scuff marks that cause black streaks
• Cut through general film and grime to reveal a fresher, more even surface

We’ve also been careful about what Fender Clean doesn’t do. It is formulated without harsh bleaching agents or aggressive solvents that can strip colour or harden the surface. That makes it a trusted option for eco-safe fender maintenance after mooring, especially in sensitive coastal areas.

In short, it’s not just a cleaner; it’s a purpose-built marine fender restorer for busy marinas and working boats.

For a closer look at how marina teams integrate Fender Clean into high-throughput workflows, see August Race Fender Clean: Pro Boat Fender Cleaner.

Step-by-step: how to use August Race Fender Clean (quick dockside routine)

You don’t need a workshop to get pro-level results. Here’s a straightforward routine you can follow alongside your usual washdown.

What you’ll need

• August Race Fender Clean
• Soft brush or sponge
• Bucket or hose with freshwater
• Microfiber cloths or soft towels
• Lightweight gloves (optional)

The cleaning sequence

1. Pre-rinse the fenders
   Use freshwater to wash away loose salt and surface dirt. This prevents unnecessary abrasion.

2. Apply Fender Clean
   Spray or apply the cleaner evenly onto the fender surface. For vertical fenders, work from the bottom up to reduce run marks.

3. Gently agitate
   Use a soft brush or sponge to work the product in, focusing on:

   • Black streaks

   • Tide lines

   • Areas with heavy salt on fenders

4. Allow a short dwell time

   • Light grime: a brief dwell is often enough.

   • Heavier or older staining: leave it on a little longer so the product can work into embedded grime.

5. Rinse thoroughly
   Use plenty of freshwater to remove both the product and lifted dirt. This step is key to preventing streaking.

6. Dry and buff
   Wipe down with a microfiber cloth to remove remaining moisture and lightly buff the surface. This helps reveal the restored finish.

Timing and frequency

For boats kept in coastal marinas:

• Light use: clean fenders every 4–6 weeks or after particularly rough weather
• Heavy use or charter: consider a quick clean every 2–3 weeks

If you’re dealing with long-neglected fenders, you may see an immediate improvement but need multiple treatments over several weeks to revive the appearance as fully as possible.

Troubleshooting stubborn marks

• Stubborn black streaks: Reapply Fender Clean to the affected area and agitate with a soft nylon brush. Avoid overly stiff brushes that can scratch.
• Older, faded fenders: Cleaning removes grime and improves colour, but very deep UV damage may not fully reverse. Regular use will, however, keep them looking their best and slow further fading.

How to revive faded dock fenders in coastal areas

If you’re wondering how to revive faded dock fenders in coastal areas, start by returning them to a truly clean baseline. Use Fender Clean to remove salt, film, and scuff marks, then rinse and dry thoroughly. Once the surface is clean, you’ll have a clear view of what’s cosmetic grime versus permanent UV damage, and you can decide whether ongoing cleaning, UV covers, or eventual replacement is the right path.

Safety and environmental notes

As part of our commitment to the water:

• Use only as much product as you need.
• Rinse in areas where runoff is managed where possible (e.g. boatyards with drainage systems).
• Avoid cleaning directly over sensitive habitats such as marsh grass or oyster beds.

Used this way, Fender Clean is a practical, best non-toxic cleaner for dirty boat fenders in everyday marina life.

Proof in the marina: test results and before/after case studies

We don’t just develop products in the lab and hope for the best. We work with marinas, yards, and professional crews to see how our cleaners perform in the real world.

How we test in practice

Our internal and partner testing typically includes:

• Different fender types – from compact round fenders to heavy-duty dock bumpers
• Exposure to saline environments and typical marina pollutants
• Multiple cleaning cycles over a season

We monitor how well Fender Clean tackles removing black streaks from rubber bumpers, salt deposits, and general film, and we look at how the surface feels and looks after repeated use.

Dockside case examples

• Charter fleet in a tidal estuary: A group of heavily used boats showed severe black streaking and salt build-up mid-season. After a careful clean with Fender Clean, skippers reported that fenders were noticeably brighter and easier to keep clean on subsequent washes.

• Long-term berth in a busy coastal marina: A cruiser with older white fenders had obvious yellowing and tide lines. Fender Clean helped remove the surface grime and salt, softening the contrast and making the fenders visually align better with the rest of the boat.

• Commercial RIB berth: Heavy scuffing from frequent docking had left dark marks across rubber fenders. Fender Clean helped break down the transferred rubber and grime, improving the appearance while keeping the material supple.

Honest expectations

Fender Clean is designed as an effective marine fender restorer for soiled and weathered surfaces, but it does have realistic limits:

• Surface grime, salt, and many black streaks: Often respond very well to cleaning.
• Deep-set UV damage or permanent staining: May not fully reverse. In these cases, cleaning will improve appearance, but replacement may be the only way to achieve an as-new look.

Our aim is to give you the best possible result from the fenders you already own, while helping you decide clearly when it’s time to renew.

Maintenance checklist: eco-safe fender care after mooring

Consistent, light-touch care keeps your fenders looking better for longer and makes every deep clean easier.

After heavy spray or a rough passage

• Rinse fenders thoroughly with freshwater to remove salt and grit.
• Check for new scuffs or chafe points.

Weekly (during the season)

• Spot-clean any new black streaks with a small amount of Fender Clean.
• Wipe away bird droppings or other organic stains promptly.

Monthly (in high-salinity areas)

• Give each fender a full clean with Fender Clean as described above.
• Inspect attachment points, eyes, and lines for chafing or wear.

This routine forms the basis of eco-safe fender maintenance after mooring, especially in busy coastal marinas.

Storage and protection tips

• Rotate fender positions periodically to even out UV exposure and wear.
• Allow fenders to dry completely before long-term storage to discourage mildew.
• Consider UV covers or socks for prolonged lay-up.
• Use non-marking chafe guards or sleeves where fenders routinely rub on sharp or rough surfaces.

And when you’re cleaning on hardstands or in boatyards, follow local guidelines for runoff and disposal. It’s a simple way to protect both your equipment and the places we all enjoy boating.

Where to buy, product variants, and warranty details

You can purchase August Race Fender Clean through:

• The official August Race website
• Authorized marina and boatyard partners
• Selected marine chandlers and retailers

Many outlets offer bundle options with our other marine care products, ideal if you’re planning a wider detailing session.

Choosing the right format

Depending on availability in your region, Fender Clean may be offered in:

• Ready-to-use spray – perfect for quick dockside cleans
• Larger refill or workshop sizes – suited to boatyards, fleets, and professionals

Check the product page for specific size and format details to match how and where you clean.

Warranty, support, and partnerships

We stand behind our products with a customer-focused satisfaction policy. If you’re unsure whether Fender Clean is right for your fenders, our support team is available via email, phone, or contact form to help.

Through our marina partnerships, we also support:

• Local product demonstrations
• Bulk procurement for yards and fleets
• Training sessions on best-practice fender and hull care

You’ll also find how-to videos and usage guides on our August Race shop, helping you get the very best from this boat fender cleaner and marine fender restorer alongside the rest of your detailing kit.

Ready to revive your dock fenders? Try August Race Fender Clean

If you’re tired of scrubbing at fender grime with little to show for it, August Race Fender Clean is designed to change the experience. It’s a best non-toxic cleaner for dirty boat fenders, created specifically to cut through salt, scuffs, and black streaks, while being kind to your fenders and the water they float in.

You get:

• A dedicated, marine-ready formulation
• Proven performance in busy coastal marinas
• An eco-conscious approach to ongoing fender maintenance

Ready to see the difference for yourself? Visit our website to order a trial bottle or bundle, and check for current offers or guides available with purchase. Many of our partner marinas also host live demos, so you can see Fender Clean in action and ask our team questions on the dock.

Thank you for considering August Race as part of your boat-care routine. If you’d like more detail before you decide, explore the FAQs below or contact our support team directly.

FAQs: quick answers to common Fender Clean questions

We’ve gathered some of the questions we hear most often from boat owners and marina staff about fender care and Fender Clean. If you don’t see your question here, our team will be happy to help you directly.

Is August Race Fender Clean the best non-toxic cleaner for dirty boat fenders?

August Race Fender Clean is formulated specifically for marine fenders and dock bumpers, using non-toxic, biodegradable ingredients and tested in real marina environments. While “best” can vary with individual needs, it is designed to deliver strong cleaning performance on grime and salt without harsh solvents or bleaches, making it an excellent option for eco-conscious boat owners.

How do I remove black streaks from rubber bumpers without damaging the material?

Rinse the fender first to remove loose salt and grit, then apply August Race Fender Clean directly to the black streaks. Gently work the area with a soft sponge or nylon brush, allow a short dwell time, and rinse thoroughly; this method helps lift the transferred rubber and grime while protecting the underlying material.

Can Fender Clean safely remove salt on fenders after coastal mooring?

Yes. August Race Fender Clean is designed to help dissolve and lift salt residues that accumulate on fenders after time in coastal moorings or marinas. Used according to the instructions, it removes dried salt and associated grime without requiring harsh scrubbing or aggressive chemicals.

How often should I use a marine fender restorer to keep fenders from fading?

For boats kept in saltwater marinas, using a marine fender restorer like August Race Fender Clean every 4–6 weeks is a good starting point, with extra spot-cleans during periods of heavy use. Combining this with regular freshwater rinsing and sensible UV protection will help slow fading and keep fenders looking their best.

Will Fender Clean revive deeply faded dock fenders or only surface grime?

August Race Fender Clean is very effective at removing surface grime, salt deposits, and many stains, which often makes fenders look noticeably brighter and cleaner. However, if the material is deeply UV-damaged or discoloured throughout, cleaning can only improve the surface appearance; in such cases, full colour restoration may not be possible and replacement might eventually be needed.