The Best Boat Carpet Cleaner in 2024

Cleaning your boat’s carpet is probably not the most exciting activity you can do with your boat. However, regular carpet cleaning needs to get done if you want to keep your boat clean and fresh. It’s also a must if you want to preserve the integrity of your boat carpet’s fibers

So, if you’re looking for a way to make this laborious chore less tedious, then you are lucky to stumble upon this article.

In this review for the top boat carpet cleaners, we have not only narrowed down some of the top-rated boat carpet cleaners on the market but also added a helpful buying guide that can help you make a more informed purchasing decision.

Cleaning your boat carpet will become easier and quicker once you find the best boat carpet cleaner for you.

Best Boat Carpet Cleaner Reviews

In this section, I’ll be reviewing some of the top cleaning solutions for boat carpets available nowadays. It will highlight their different features as well as their pros and cons, therefore, aiding you in making a more informed decision.

Let’s begin.

1. Star Brite Carpet Clean

If you’re looking for a dedicated carpet cleaner that does its job well, then the Star Brite Carpet Clean and Protect cleaner is worth checking out.

I love Star Brite Carpet Clean & Protect because it works wonders in getting rid of foul odors, dirt, stain, and grease. It is not just formulated to be a tough cleaning solution but was also designed to protect your boat carpet from damage.

I like that it easily and rapidly dissolves impurities such as fish blood, oil, and grime. It even features PTEF polymers. The latter bonds to the carpet to protect it from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun and all kinds of dirt.

It’s also versatile enough that you can use it for different vehicles, not just boats. As such, it can serve as a multipurpose cleaner for every kind of carpet you own.

I highly recommend this product if you want something that’s easy to use. Just spray it on the target area/s and gently wipe off. You can immediately see that dirt comes off together with the product. You should try this if you are in a hurry or you do not want to spend too much time cleaning your boat.

The only thing that I dislike with this cleaner is it can be difficult to rinse out, especially when covering large areas.

2. Zep Oxy Carpet Cleaners

If you’re looking for a product that’s safe for both your carpet and the environment, then check out the Zep Advanced Oxy Carpet Cleaner.

I like that this product is formulated without bleach. It is designed to eliminate organic impurities, namely wine and juice, without the hassle of blotting or scrubbing. Just spray and the product can immediately work its odor and stain removal effects.

This is proven to work best on some fabrics and carpets. I can even testify that this worked well on an old stain on my lightweight carpet.

I was hesitant at first to use this Zep cleaner because it didn’t seem like it was efficient for thoroughly cleaning my carpet. However, this changed when it managed to clean hard to remove stains as well as the foul odor that can be common with carpeted floors.

It may be a bit difficult to remove those tough stains and foul odor the first time around. However, you only need to simply spray it again with the product and it will start to dissolve like magic. Bear in mind to never soak the area with the cleaner for long as it may leave a discolored ring after it dries.

One thing I did not like with this product is that it cannot be used on more delicate surfaces and materials like leather, suede, and silk even with its no-bleach formula.

3. Aero Cosmetics Interior Cleaners

If you want something that’s a little less abrasive, then the Aero Cosmetics Interior Cleaner can do the trick.

I admire how this cleaner is made to be very gentle and mild despite its effectiveness at removing stains. Aero Cosmetics Interior Cleaner is powerful in removing lotions, makeup marks, body oil, stains, and dirt. It can be applied to fabric, leather seats, carpets, and other interior surfaces.

Because of its versatility, it’s a great all-around cleaner for interiors, whether it’s a boat or something else. What’s more is it meets standards for aircraft interiors, therefore, solidifying its effectiveness as a cleaner.

Moreover, I like how it’s ready to use which means I no longer have to dilute it to use it for cleaning my carpet and other interior surfaces.

This is a spot-on solution which means that you simply spray it directly to areas you wish to clean. Then, gently rub the surface using a damp cloth until completely cleaned.

However, this solution isn’t strong enough to remove unwanted odors from surfaces like carpets. This can be an issue as carpets, especially boat carpets, can emit unwanted odors and a carpet cleaner should be able to remove that.

4. Star Brite Pontoon Deck Cleaners

For pontoon boat owners, this cleaner from Star Brite is a multipurpose solution for your cleaning needs.

I love how Star Brite Ultimate Pontoon Boat Deck Cleaner can be used to clean carpets as well as boat decks. Because of its multipurpose nature, you can maximize its use to clean not just your carpets but also vinyl surfaces and your pontoon boat’s deck.

This is because it is composed of special chelating agents that can lift stains, grime, and dirt from your boat’s surfaces. Despite this, it’s still safe enough to use even for the delicate surfaces of your boat like carpets and vinyl.

Furthermore, I like how it is formulated to clean without the need for heavy scrubbing. This makes cleaning your boat carpet so much easier.

Another feature I admire about this cleaner is that it comes with a polymer coating that protects against UV rays, dirt, and stains. This means it acts as both a cleaner and protective coating for your carpet, ensuring its longer lifespan. It’s also made from lake-safe and biodegradable ingredients thus, you need not worry about contributing to water pollution.

The only downside I found was it wasn’t nearly strong enough to handle heavier cleaning jobs despite its more concentrated formula.

5. Boat Juice Interior Cleaners

For a more versatile interior cleaner, I recommend checking out the Boat Juice Interior Cleaner. I like how this Boat Juice Interior Cleaner can rapidly penetrate fabric to remove ground-in dirt, mildew, food spills, stains, oils, pollutants, etc.

As such, it’s a great choice if you’re looking for a carpet cleaner that can effectively remove most stains. It is the best cleaning solution for RVs, motorcycles, cars, watercraft, and boats. This can be a great go-to cleaning agent for when there are accidental spills or stains on your boat.

It also consists of a ceramic sealant that protects your boat from harmful substances while giving it an elegant shiny appearance at the same time. With this, it enables your various surfaces to last longer and endure the wear and tear of constant use.

Moreover, unlike other cleaners that give off a strong disinfectant smell, this gives off a more pleasant, juice-like scent.

I think the one disadvantage it has is that it doesn’t work as well with tough stains and dirt that’s been deeply embedded in the carpet’s fibers.

6. Chemical Guys Fabric Carpet Clean

Chemical Guys Foaming Citrus Fabric Clean can make the toughest dirt go away. It’s a multipurpose cleaner that can be used on several surfaces like fabrics, upholstery, and carpet floors. Because of this, I find it a great option for a deeper and more thorough cleaning of my boat carpet.

I also like how it’s an effective agent for removing foul odors. Instead, it replaces it with a more pleasant, citrus-y smell – a welcome change, especially in a marine environment.

However, what amazes me whenever I use this cleaner is that it has a highly concentrated formula that dissolves stains and impurities. One bottle can last you up to several bouts of cleaning which saves me not just on costs, but also time and effort as it does most of the work of cleaning the carpet.

Because of this, you don’t have to worry about running out of cleaning solution when dealing with larger areas on your boat. Moreover, it’s a cleaning solution you can use for both indoor and outdoor use, making it a highly versatile cleaner for your needs.

One minor disadvantage I found with this cleaner is that its effect on a surface’s appearance doesn’t last long.

7. OxiClean Carpet Cleaners

OxiClean Large Area Carpet Cleaner is a dedicated carpet cleaner that aids in removing stains and dirt. I highly recommend this boat carpet cleaner because of its use of environmentally-friendly ingredients for its solution. Because of this, there’s no need to worry about polluting the water whenever I clean my boat near or on the water.

Moreover, it’s less irritating to the skin due to the lack of chlorine in its formula. It can also be used with cleaning machines for a much more effective time cleaning your carpet. I also like how it manages to eliminate foul odor despite its no-chlorine formula.

However, what I disliked is that it’s not powerful enough to remove tough stains so you will need to exert more effort and use more of the solution if you want to thoroughly remove a deeply embedded stain.

8. Star Brite Mold Mildew Stain Cleaners

If you have problems with mold and mildew that leaves stains on your surfaces, then this dedicated cleaner for removing such stains from Star Brite might do the trick.

I love that Star Brite Mold and Mildew Stain Remover Plus Cleaner made it easier to remove spots and stains on boats. This is because it is made with the strongest and most effective triple-action and high-alkaline ingredients to eradicate dirt and mildew stains without the hassle of intense scrubbing.

Moreover, I like that it has a concentrated formulation which makes it perfect to apply on large boats, homes, and the like. This means you can save more on costs when using this product.

It even has a buffered bleach technology, making it very safe for outdoor, acrylic, and marine materials. Nevertheless, this doesn’t mean that it can’t be used indoors as its formula is safe even for indoor surfaces.

As such, it may also be applied to types of vinyl, roofs, tiles, awnings, and the like. It indeed has a multipurpose use which maximizes the money you spent buying this item.

Additionally, it can remove stains within 30 seconds of its application. It makes any cleaning routine easier and faster. Nevertheless, stubborn and old stains may need more applications with light scrubbing to make them go away.

The main disadvantage to this formula is that it can be too abrasive for painted surfaces, thus, making it incompatible for such use.

9. CarGuys Super Cleaners

Although the brand caters mostly to cars, this newly formulated cleaner from CarGuys is a versatile cleaner that can be used on almost any surface imaginable.

I like that CarGuys Super Cleaner can give your money the best value in the market because it is a multi-surface cleaner. It works against grease and dirt on various materials namely canvas, rubber, plastic, upholstery, vinyl, and leather.

Due to its use of nano-technology, it never fails to remove old stains on leather seats. In fact, it only took around 8-10 minutes for the cleaner to work its wonders. So, if you’re looking for an effective cleaner that takes only minutes to work, then this might be the option for you.

I also love that it does not contain ammonia or any harmful chemicals that might compromise the integrity of my boat carpet as well as the value of my boat. Moreover, this gives you the bonus of being more environmentally-conscious with your cleaning products.

The one downside I found with this product is that letting it dry completely on your surface can result in unsightly ring stains on it.

10. Boater’s EDGE MoldMildew Stain Cleaners

Another cleaner that’s meant to target mold and mildew stains from your surfaces, this cleaner from Boater’s EDGE is a versatile product that is tough on stains but safe for your interior.

I highly recommend this cleaner for those individuals who are looking for both an upholstery cleaner and protectant. It does not only eliminate stains but cleans grime, grease, and dirt on any vinyl material you apply it to.

Furthermore, I am drawn to its state-of-the-art buffered-beached technology. This makes the product safe for upholstery surfaces and fabrics. It will not damage the threads and stitching on your boat’s upholstery, thus, eliminating not just the stains but also your worries.

It’s also quite easy to use as you simply need to spray the product on the stain until it completely goes away. Wait for a couple of minutes before wiping and rinsing. Moreover, because it can be used on various surfaces like gutters, concrete, wood, and even fiberglass, this can be a great multipurpose cleaner for your boat.

The only disadvantage of using the Boater’s EDGE Mold and Mildew Stain Remover Plus Surface Cleaner is that you may need to do lots of scrubbing to remove old and stubborn stains. This might make you work on it for a longer time than planned.

11. Boat Bling VS-0032 Vinyl Sauce Cleaners

If you’re looking for a carpet cleaner that doesn’t just clean your carpet but other surfaces like vinyl and leather as well, then Boat Bling’s Vinyl Sauce is the one for you.

I love the Boat Bling Vinyl Sauce because it is effective in cleaning my vinyl and leather upholstery. It completely removes surface mildew, grime, and sunblock. It is also very safe to use on boats.

I like that it leaves a shiny but non-greasy look on boats after application. Moreover, due to its biodegradable ingredients, it’s also more environmentally-friendly which is a bonus. It’s also safe enough for use on carpets, leather, and even vinyl surfaces.

Despite it’s less abrasive formula, it still manages to eliminate dirt that may not be pleasing to the eyes such as food crumbs, attractants, sunscreen, oil, dirt, etc. It also prevents mold and mildew because it works as a de-waxing product as well.

However, I found that it’s not as effective at dealing with tough stains, hence, it’s less ideal if you’re looking for something that can handle heavy-duty cleaning jobs.

12. Turtle Wax T-244R1 Carpet and Mats Cleaners

Turtle Wax Power Out is an excellent option if you want something that’s great at eradicating the toughest stains on your boat carpet as it can remove dirt and stains. It also eliminates bad odors for up to 30 days. Furthermore, it is made with oxygenated cleaners to give your floor mats and carpets a brand new look after cleaning.

It can clean your surface and its quick-drying formula allows it to dry faster than other cleaners. Moreover, I love how it’s available at an affordable price which makes it easier for boat owners on a budget to buy it.

Another thing I like is the glossy effect it gives surfaces after the cleaning process. This look can stay for quite some time, giving your boat the elegance it deserves. Its formula also allows it to protect your hull from damages.

However, the only disadvantage with this is that it’s not effective at removing deeper scratches and other, more penetrating damages on your boat.

Who is This for?

Boat carpet cleaners are generally for boat owners who want to keep their boat carpets clean and odor-free. This is because, although most boat carpets are manufactured in a way that’s meant to withstand the harsh marine environment, this does not mean they are impervious to stains, dirt, and moisture.

Due to this, your boat carpets can end up stained, foul-smelling, and the dirt embedded in your carpet’s fibers can end up damaging not just your carpet, but the surface beneath it if your carpet is destroyed. Aside from this, your carpet will look unsightly as it can be difficult to remove dirt and stains from carpeting without the proper cleaner.

This is why it’s best for boat owners with carpeting on their boats to invest in a high-quality carpet cleaner that can remove the embedded dirt and stains from their carpets. This can restore them to their former glory and make them look brand-new again.

Some carpet cleaners are also great for other delicate surfaces and some even double as a protectant, making sure that an extra layer of protection is given to their surfaces. Moreover, cleaning your boat carpets yourself using a boat carpet cleaner can help save on costs of having it cleaned by a professional and it can even produce the same results.

Factors to Consider When Buying an Boat Carpet Cleaner

However, there are quite a number of boat carpet cleaners available which is why it can be difficult to choose the right one that best suits your needs.

Therefore, when shopping for a marine carpet cleaning solution, there are several factors you need to take into account such as:

The Formulation

Generally, carpet cleaners have two types of formulation – as a spray-on liquid or concentrated formula. Depending on the vastness of your carpet area and the toughness of stain or dirt that needs to be cleaned, you can choose either one of these formulation.

Generally, concentrated cleaners are ideal for cleaning large carpet areas because you will get more use out of one bottle. Spray-on cleaners, on the other hand, are ideal for spot-on cleaning of smaller carpet areas.

So, before you buy a carpet cleaner for your boat, take some time to assess just how much cleaning solution you will need to cover the entire carpeted area of your boat.

The Odor Elimination and Disinfection Properties

Unless you’re planning to simply display your boat, it is likely getting exposed to several types of contaminants such as mud, water, and more. Therefore, it is more likely to exude nasty odors due to bacteria embedded in the carpet’s fibers which you can’t see with the naked eye.

Thus, when shopping for a boat carpet cleaning product, make sure to opt for one with odor-elimination and disinfection properties. This won’t just help remove foul odors from your boat carpet but also eliminate the harmful microscopic bacteria embedded in its fibers.

Safety

When choosing a carpet cleaner for your boat, you must also consider your safety. Make sure to pick a cleaner that does not contain any harsh ingredients or solvents as they may irritate your skin.

Choosing a guaranteed safe to use boat carpeting cleaner is also extremely important, especially if you often take your pets on board. Moreover, also choose a cleaner that is guaranteed environment-safe and non-toxic to avoid harming aquatic life.

There are several cleaners that feature an environmentally-friendly formula that won’t harm you, your pets, or the environment.

Size and Quantity Options

The size and quantity of a boat cleaner are important, especially if your boat’s carpeting is quite large. If this is the case, then opting for a concentrated formula cleaner in larger quantities is a more practical option.

On the other hand, if you have smaller carpeting for your boat, you may opt for both spot-on or concentrated cleaners. In case you want a more straightforward and quicker cleaning process, a spot-on liquid that you can simply spray directly onto the carpet is a convenient option.

Scent Options

Carpet cleaners offer a wide range of scent options to choose from. The most common ones you can probably find are pine, lemon, and other citrus-y scents.

Nevertheless, some carpet cleaners also come unscented. If you prefer not to have a lingering scent in your boat’s carpeting, then a scent-free cleaner is the way to go. Unscented cleaners are great for those with allergies as well.

UV Protection

Certain carpet cleaners on the market are formulated to leave a layer of protection against UV or future stains. If your carpeting is often exposed to the sunlight, a boat cleaner with UV protection can be a great investment.

This is because UV rays can be harmful, not just to your boat carpet’s fibers but it can induce fading of the color as well, leaving it unsightly and less appealing.

The Price

Regularly cleaning boat carpet and upholstery can be unnoticeably expensive. If your boat is often subject to stains, impurities, and grime, you are bound to do carpet cleaning often. For this, it’s best to consider a more affordable carpet cleaner that does its job.

It might be even best to go with a concentrated formula as this can give you more value for money since it requires dilution, going a long way in terms of longevity.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Having a Boat Carpet Cleaner

To help you make a more informed decision about whether or not you should get a boat carpet cleaner, here are some of its advantages and disadvantages. These will help you gain a clearer idea of what such a product has to offer.

Advantages

Disadvantages

Care and Maintenance

Maintaining the quality of your boat carpet cleaner lies in how you store it. Even if you will use it regularly, it’s important to know how to properly store your carpet cleaner as not only will improper storage diminish its effectiveness as a cleaner, it can also make your cleaner become potentially toxic and harmful.

This is why keeping your cleaner tightly sealed in a proper container and away from extreme temperatures can help preserve its integrity and prevent it from becoming toxic to you, your children, and your pets when exposed.

Proper storage can also help it last longer so you can use it the next time you clean your boat carpets. This also means that you shouldn’t expose your cleaner to direct sunlight as heat can alter the chemical composition of your cleaner, potentially turning it toxic and harmful for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are The Most Trustworthy Boat Carpet Cleaner Brands?

Based on our research, we have found that the most popular boat carpet cleaners are from Star Brite, Chemical Guys, and Boater’s Edge. These brands offer some of the most top-rated spot-on and concentrated carpet cleaners.

Moreover, Zep, Boat Juice, and Car Guys also offer top-quality all-purpose cleaners that you can use in your boat carpeting, upholstery, and other surface areas.

What is The Best Way to Clean Boat Carpet?

The first step to cleaning your boat carpet is to find a good-quality carpet cleaner. If your boat’s carpeting is often subject to stubborn stains and impurities, you should opt for a heavy-duty cleaner that promises to remove deep-seated stains effectively.

It is also recommended to vacuum your carpeting before using the liquid cleaner to remove loose dust and dirt. After that, you can follow the cleaning instructions indicated in your chosen carpet cleaner.

Can You Pressure Wash Boat Carpet?

Yes, but make sure to use a pressure washer with a gentler attachment. It will help lift and remove dirt and stains from your boat’s carpet without tearing down the fibers. You can use the pressure washer along with your carpet cleaning product for more efficient cleaning.

However, be mindful that certain carpet types are not suggested to be used by more abrasive and harsh cleaners. Thus, determine the type of carpet your boat has first and know if you can use a power washer on it or not.

Where to Buy?

You can purchase carpet cleaners almost everywhere these days. Supermarkets, boat and car accessories shops, hardware stores, and even small convenience shops offer a wide range of carpet cleaners.

You can also conveniently order boat carpeting cleaning solutions online through eBay, Amazon, Walmart, and many other web retailers. Buying online also allows you to see other people’s experiences from a certain product through reviews. Thus, you get hindsight of whether a certain cleaner is good or not.

Are Boat Carpeting Cleaners Safe to Use?

The majority of boat carpet cleaning solutions on the market are safe to use. Top brands such as Star Brite, Boater’s Edge, and Chemical Guys are known for making cleaning products with no harsh and toxic solvents.

Certain cleaners are also specially formulated for people with sensitive skin. Moreover, if you have a sensitive nose to scents, there are unscented carpet cleaner options for you.

Can You Use Concentrated Carpet Cleaners without Diluting with Water?

Although it is advised to dilute concentrated cleaners with water first before using, using it directly on certain carpet areas is fine. If a certain area in your boat’s carpeting is stained, putting the concentrated cleaner directly on it will help in dissolving and lifting the stain faster. You can then use the diluted concentrate on areas that are not heavily stained.

Can I Use Carpet Cleaners on Upholstery and Fabric?

The majority of boat carpet cleaning products on the market can be used on other surface areas such as fabric and upholstery. If you plan on purchasing a cleaner to use on your boat’s carpeting, upholstery, and fabric materials, make sure to choose one that is guaranteed safe to use on all surfaces.

Can I use Bleach and Detergent to Clean My Boat Carpet?

Bleach and detergent can do the job of removing dirt and stains from your carpet. However, detergent can leave white spots on your carpet if not completely washed off. On the other hand, bleach will strip the colors of your carpet and potentially damage its fibers. For these reasons, it’s always better to choose a cleaner specifically formulated to clean carpets.

Conclusion

Your boat’s carpeting quality can diminish over time if you don’t look after it enough. For this reason, a good marine carpet cleaner is one of the best investments you can make when it comes to your boat’s upkeep.

It won’t just help eliminate those unsightly stains and dirt but it can also destroy harmful germs and bacteria. Moreover, carpet fibers are delicate and so, using any old cleaner is not recommended as it can do more harm than good for your boat carpet.

With that said, if you want your boat carpet to look like brand new again, then investing in a high-quality carpet cleaner can do the job.

Now that you know some of the best boat carpet cleaner on the market, it’s about time you chose one that best suits your carpet cleaning needs.