How to Remove Algae From Boats
- 1). Remove the boat from the water and move it to a storage shed for over the winter, if possible. This will kill off any algae clinging to the hull of the boat, which can then be removed with a hull cleaner.
- 2). Rinse off the boat hull immediately after use with a garden hose and sprayer. This works best if you are storing the boat in an off-water location, such as a storage shed. After the boat is out of the water, but before you put it away, give the hull a rinse with fresh water. This will wash away any algae clinging to the surface.
- 3). Spray the boat hull with an aluminum cleaner for aluminum boats and hulls. Applications differ, depending on the manufacturer, but typically the cleaner is applied and allowed to stand for a certain amount of time. The algae can then be removed with a nylon brush.
- 4). Spray the hull with a specially formulated hull cleaner. These are designed to remove algae, dirt, scum and even barnacles. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to properly remove the algae from your boat.
- 5). Use a plastic putty knife to scrape away the algae. Don't use a metal putty knife, which can damage the hull surface. Scrape away the algae with the knife, then a standard hull cleaner.
- 6). Use a power washer to wash away as much of the algae as possible. Mix up the soap solution according to the manufacturer's instructions for the washer. Set the washer on a medium setting and begin powering away the algae. Adjust the power washer's settings, if needed, for a higher-velocity stream. Take care not to damage the hull as you work.
