A Beginner’s Guide to Cleaning Your PWC
Every time you take your personal watercraft (PWC) out on the water, it returns to the dock with a little grime. Over time, your craft will become dirtier with algae, salt residue, sand, and other debris. Leaving the gunk can actually corrode away your craft, making it vulnerable to extensive damage that will need costly repairs. That's why proper cleaning is such a crucial step in PWC maintenance. We have created a beginner's guide to help you clean your PWC. For more information or if you need any assistance, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
Gather Your Cleaning Supplies
Before you get started, it’s useful to gather everything you’ll need in one place so you’re not trying to find something in the middle of the process. You will need a soft brush, a hose tapping freshwater, an environmentally-friendly washing solution, wax, a bucket, some sponges, and a chamois cloth. Choose some gentle cleaners, instead of using harsh chemicals as they can be extremely corrosive.
Rinse Your Craft
Before you start cleaning your PWC, remove personal items, and take anything that doesn’t need to be on the craft into your house or garage. Next, use a hose hooked up to a clean water source and spray down the entire watercraft, allowing all the residue to run off the PWC. Rinse it again with the seats off and all lids and storage places open. The dirtiest part of the watercraft will be the foot-wells, so make sure you clear away all of it.
Spray & Scrub
Your next step will be to spray your watercraft with a marine wash. You could use car wash soap if you don’t have anything else on hand, but marine-specific products are ideal to keep your craft in good shape. Use a soft-bristle brush in small sections so you can rinse off soap residue before it dries and leaves streaks. Pay extra attention to cleaning the foot-wells since this is where the sludge builds up the most.
Apply Wax
Once everything is dry, you should protect your PWC from corrosion and the elements by waxing it. The wax will create a protective layer that keeps your craft from cracking or fading. Wax once at the start of the season and then at the end, before you winterize your craft.
We hope this guide helps you to thoroughly clean your PWC and make it ready for your next adventure! If you’re still in search of a perfect watercraft, give us a call or visit Nielsen Enterprises in Lake Villa, IL. We proudly serve all our patrons visiting us from Chicago, IL, and Milwaukee, WI.