If you're a boat owner, you know how important it is to keep your gear in good shape.

Boat fenders might not be the first thing you think about when it comes to cleaning, but they take a beating every time you dock. Over time, they can get dirty, scuffed, and covered in saltwater residue.

But don’t worry! Cleaning them is easier than you might think, and it only takes a few simple steps to get them looking great again.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to clean boat fenders step by step.

#1 Gather Your Cleaning Supplies

Before you start, let’s make sure you’ve got everything you need. This isn’t a huge list, but it’ll make things easier. You’ll need:

A bucket
A soft sponge or scrub brush
Mild soap (dish soap works great)
Diluted bleach or a Magic Eraser for tougher stains
Water source (hose or a big container)
Towels or a cloth to dry
Silicone-based protectant spray (optional but recommended)

That’s pretty much it! You don’t need anything fancy. If you don’t have one of these, don’t stress—just improvise. You just need the right tools to scrub and rinse.

Also Read: Can I Use A Magic Eraser On Leather?

#2 Rinse Off Loose Dirt

First things first— grab your hose or water container and give your fenders a good rinse.

This will help you remove any big pieces of dirt, leaves, or debris that have settled on the fender. Plus, it’ll make your actual cleaning job way easier.

Make sure you get into the grooves and corners. Those spots tend to trap grime, and we don’t want to scrub harder than we need to.

If your fenders are still attached to the boat, that’s fine. Just focus on getting as much gunk off as possible. If you can detach the fenders, even better. Lay them out on the dock or grass so you can really see what you’re working with.

Sometimes just rinsing them will make a big difference.

#3 Scrub With Soap

Next, it’s time to grab that sponge or scrub brush and start scrubbing.

Just add a little bit of mild soap to your sponge, and start gently scrubbing the fender. Focus on one section at a time, and make sure to go all around the fender.

Don’t forget the tops and the bottoms. You’d be surprised how much gunk can build up in the nooks.

Work in circular motions for the best results. This helps lift the dirt and grime without pushing it into the fender. It’ll feel nice and smooth as you clean.

If you notice a tough spot that’s giving you trouble, you can go over it a couple of times, but don’t go too hard. You don’t want to damage the fender.

The idea here is to get rid of all the surface dirt without over-scrubbing.

Also Read: Can mold grow on stainless steel

#4 Removing Stubborn Stains

Sometimes, despite all your efforts, certain stains just won’t budge. If that’s the case, you’ve got a couple of options.

You can mix up a small amount of bleach with water and apply it directly to the stain. The bleach will help break down stubborn marks like mildew or algae that regular soap just can’t handle.

Pro tip: Dilute the bleach—one part bleach, 10 parts water—so it’s not too harsh on the fender.

Let it sit on the stain for a couple of minutes, then scrub again with your sponge.

If you’re not into using bleach, a Magic Eraser can be a great alternative. It works wonders on tough stains like scuff marks or other residue that sticks on like glue.

Just get it a little wet, and gently rub the stained areas.

It’s kind of like magic, honestly. The stains just disappear!

#5 Rinse Thoroughly

Once your fender is looking good, don’t forget to rinse it all off.

All the soap, bleach, or Magic Eraser residue needs to be washed away. It’s important to do this step thoroughly, so there’s no leftover cleaner on the surface.

If you leave soap or bleach behind, it could cause new spots or even damage your fender in the long run.

Just give it a good rinse with clean water. Make sure the whole fender gets a thorough wash—top, bottom, and all the little areas that might have cleaner leftover.

If you’re working with detached fenders, you can even dunk them in a bucket of clean water for a final rinse.

Also Read: How To Clean A Sticky Steering Wheel

#6 Dry And Protect

Now that your fenders are clean, it’s time to dry them off.

You can use a towel to wipe it down, but if you’ve got time, letting it air-dry is ideal. Air drying helps prevent water spots and gives the fender a nice finish. If you’re in a rush, a quick towel dry will do the trick.

Now, if you want to take things a step further and really protect your fender, you can apply a vinyl or plastic protectant.

This adds an extra layer of protection against UV rays, saltwater, and general wear and tear. It’s not a must-do, but it’s a nice touch if you want your fenders to stay looking fresh for longer.

Plus, it makes future cleanings a little easier.

Just spray it on, wipe off the excess, and you’re good to go.

#7 Clean Attachments

While you’re at it, don’t forget to clean the fender’s attachments. The ropes, clips, or anything else that keeps the fender in place can get pretty grimy too.

Give the ropes a rinse and clean off any gunk with soap and water. You don’t need to overdo it, but you definitely want to make sure everything is free of dirt and saltwater.

If the clips are looking rusty or dirty, give them a little scrub with a brush. You can even use a bit of vinegar or a rust remover if they’re extra grimy.

The goal is to keep everything functioning smoothly and looking nice.

Bottom Line

And there you have it—a simple, straightforward guide to cleaning your boat fenders.

It’s not rocket science, but it does make a big difference. Regular cleaning keeps your fenders looking great and performing their best. Plus, it’s a nice way to show a little love to your boat.

The best part? This whole process doesn’t take long at all. With the right supplies and a little elbow grease, you can have sparkling clean fenders in no time.

How To Clean Boat Fenders (Easy Guide)