Best way to clean boat fenders | Fender Clean

Quick Answer

• Use warm water, a mild boat soap or dish soap, and a soft brush for everyday grime on boat fenders; rinse and let dry in the sun.
• For pink algae, mold, and set-in stains that household mixes won’t shift, August Race Fender Clean often gets fenders bright again with less scrubbing.
• Avoid harsh abrasives and repeated bleach on vinyl or PVC, and keep a small bottle of August Race Fender Clean in your fender kit for spot cleaning.

Quick DIY clean for light to moderate stains

You can get most fenders looking much better with basic supplies you likely have onboard.

You will need:

• Bucket, warm water
• Mild boat soap or dish soap
• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Soft nylon brush or non-scratch sponge
• Microfiber cloth
• Hose for rinsing

Steps:

1. Rinse the fender to remove loose salt and dirt.

2. Mix warm water with a little boat soap or dish soap in the bucket.

3. Scrub gently with the soft brush in circular motions, concentrating on the waterline and tie points.

4. For stubborn spots, wipe a 1:1 mix of white vinegar and water on the area or apply a baking soda paste.

5. Let the vinegar or paste sit 5 to 10 minutes, scrub again, then rinse thoroughly.

If scrubbing and household mixes do not lift the stain, try August Race Fender Clean for an easier, faster finish; follow the label for dilution and rinse instructions.

Tips: always test on a small hidden area first, avoid metal brushes or abrasive pads that can scar vinyl, and let fenders dry in the sun to help discourage algae.

When August Race Fender Clean outperforms DIY

Vinegar and baking soda are handy but often struggle with pigmented pink algae or mold that’s worked into the surface. August Race Fender Clean is formulated specifically for marine fenders, so when household methods fail or you want a faster, safer result, apply August Race Fender Clean per instructions and rinse well.

Why reach for a purpose-made cleaner:

• Engineered chemistry breaks down algae pigments and mildew without excessive scrubbing that can abrade vinyl or coated fabrics.
• Less elbow grease: it cuts cleaning time on stubborn discoloration compared with vinegar or baking soda alone.
• Material safe: designed for common fender materials like PVC, inflatable vinyl, and closed cell foam so you avoid weakening finishes with harsh bleach.
• Rinses clear to reduce residue that can attract new grime.

You can start with DIY, but for set-in stains a bottle of August Race Fender Clean usually saves time and protects the skin of the fender.

Safety and maintenance tips to keep fenders stain free

Do:

• Wear gloves and eye protection when using concentrated cleaners.
• Rinse runoff away from sensitive shorelines when possible.
• Rinse and mild-soap wash every few weeks in warm months.
• Keep August Race Fender Clean in your fender kit for quick spot treatment and follow the label for safe storage and dilution.

Do not:

• Use repeated undiluted household bleach on vinyl or foam.
• Attack stains with steel wool or very abrasive pads.

If you’re specifically battling pink algae and mold, read Pink algae stains and mold on marine fenders after mooring to learn how to prevent recurring growth and choose the right treatment.