How to Get Sand out of Your Boat’s Carpet

A toilet brush and shop vacuum work together to get sand out of marine carpet. Kevin Falvey

Keeping your boat’s carpet looking good is key to keeping your boat looking good. One of the more challenging boat-maintenance chores is extracting sand from your marine carpet. The same tight weave that makes marine carpet so suitable for boat use also allows fine grains of sand to get in there and resist the suction of even the most powerful vacuum. Here is a clever technique for removing sand from your boat’s carpet, plus other marine-carpet-maintenance tips.

De-Sand

To remove grains of sand and other debris that get embedded deep in the weave of boat carpet and often resist normal vacuuming, start with a toilet brush in one hand and your shop vacuum’s nozzle in the other. Begin dry-scrubbing with the toilet brush, which causes sand and debris to jump from the weave, while simultaneously using the vacuum’s ­nozzle in the other hand to suck up the sand and grit that pops out from the weave. You don’t need to scrub too hard: The right pressure is that which gets the sand jumping out of the weave. You’ll know you’re done when the amount of jumping grit is reduced.

Spot Clean

Blot wet stains and sweep or vacuum dry stains, such as chips that got crushed underfoot, as soon as possible. Also as soon as possible, use a dedicated carpet cleaner or dish soap and a brush and fresh water.

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A dedicated carpet cleaner can help keep things looking good. Courtesy Star brite Monthly/Annual ­Cleaning

Use a solution of Simple Green and water, or try a ­dedicated ­carpet cleaner such as Star brite ­Ultimate Carpet ­Cleaner ($13.09 for a 22-ounce spray bottle; defender​.com).

Tip: Regardless of the cleaning method, you must rinse thoroughly to rid the carpet completely of soap or cleaner and dirty rinse water, or it just won’t be clean.

Mold and ­Mildew

Carpet that shows mildew can be cleaned by scrubbing with a vinegar-­and-water solution. Mix 1 quart of white vinegar with 1 gallon of water. Spray on this solution, saturate the area to be cleaned, and then wait a minute or two. Scrub gently with a medium or stiff brush. Rinse thoroughly.

Rust Stains

Commercial rust ­removers often work well on rust-stained carpet. I have used a paste made from baking soda and water, mixed to the consistency of tile grout, with success. Blot the stain with a damp cloth first, then apply with a toothbrush, going in a ­circular motion.

Use A Shop Vac

A wet/dry shop vac can be used for ­initial cleaning—and for de-sanding, as described earlier. It’s also good for removing much of the soap prior to rinsing, plus it goes a long way toward drying your marine carpet.

Do Not Pressure-­Wash

If you pressure-wash, it might cause the carpet to pill or create lines, and it risks breaking the bond with the glue that holds it down. My advice: Leave the pressure washer in the garage and resist the urge to use it for this job.

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