One of the biggest advantages of EVA foam marine flooring is that it’s relatively easy to maintain compared with traditional boat carpet.
If your boat has MarineMat flooring, regular cleaning can help keep it looking good and extend its life. The good news is that most routine cleaning does not require anything complicated.
According to MarineMat, basic cleaning can usually be done with mild soap, water, and a medium-to-stiff bristle brush. For everyday maintenance, even a quick rinse with a hose may be enough.
Start With a Simple Rinse
For light dirt, dust, sand, or normal lake debris, start by rinsing the flooring thoroughly with fresh water.
This is especially helpful after a day on the water when the floor may have picked up:
- Sand
- Dirt
- Food crumbs
- Mud
- Lake residue
- Fish debris
Regular rinsing helps prevent dirt from getting ground into the surface.
Use Mild Soap for Routine Cleaning
For a deeper clean, use a mild boat soap or mild detergent mixed with water.
MarineMat specifically recommends mild soap and water for regular maintenance.
Apply the cleaner to the flooring and use a medium or stiff bristle brush to work it into the textured surface.
Then rinse the area thoroughly with clean water.
Brush With the Grain
If your MarineMat has a brushed texture or routed grain pattern, scrub in the direction of the grain when possible.
This can help remove dirt from the textured surface without working against the pattern.
MarineMat specifically recommends following the grain when scrubbing tougher spots.
Clean Spills Quickly
MarineMat is designed to resist staining, but certain substances can still leave marks if they sit too long.
These can include:
- Food
- Wine
- Fish blood
- Grease
- Oils
The best approach is to rinse spills as soon as possible rather than letting them sit in the sun all day. MarineMat recommends prompt rinsing for substances that could stain.
What Cleaners Can You Use?
For tougher stains, MarineMat lists several common cleaners that can be used, including:
- Simple Green
- Soft Scrub
- Fantastik
- Formula 409
Always rinse the flooring thoroughly after using a cleaner.
For routine maintenance, though, mild soap and water should usually be your first choice.
Can You Pressure Wash MarineMat?
MarineMat recommends against pressure washing the foam.
A pressure washer can be more aggressive than necessary and may damage the flooring surface.
A hose, soap, and brush are generally a better option.
Avoid Petroleum-Based Products
Gasoline, oils, and other petroleum-based products should be kept off the flooring whenever possible.
MarineMat notes that petroleum-based products can create stains that may be difficult to remove.
If something does spill, clean and rinse the area promptly.
Be Careful With Sharp Objects
Dragging tools, knives, coolers with sharp edges, or other rough objects across EVA foam can damage the surface.
Instead of dragging heavy items, lift them when possible.
MarineMat specifically advises against dragging sharp objects across the flooring.
Cleaning Snap-In MarineMat
If your boat uses MarineMat’s removable Snap-It Series, periodically removing the mats allows you to clean underneath them as well.
MarineMat recommends placing removed mats on a flat surface, cleaning them normally, and allowing them to dry before reinstalling or storing them.
Keeping debris and water from building up beneath removable flooring can also help protect the deck underneath.
Cover Your Boat When Possible
Cleaning is only part of protecting your flooring.
MarineMat recommends keeping the boat covered or stored indoors when possible. Long-term exposure to sunlight and standing water can reduce the lifespan of many soft marine materials.
Treat your marine flooring similarly to your boat’s upholstery: keeping it clean, dry, and protected when you’re not using the boat can help it stay looking better longer.
How Often Should You Clean EVA Boat Flooring?
There is no single schedule that applies to every boat.
A boat used every weekend may need frequent rinsing, while a boat used occasionally may only need a deeper cleaning periodically.
A good routine is:
- Rinse after dirty or muddy outings
- Clean spills immediately
- Use soap and a brush when dirt begins building up
- Deep clean before storing the boat for an extended period
Regular light cleaning is usually easier than waiting until the floor becomes heavily stained.
Need Help With Your MarineMat Flooring?
At NautiDek Marine Flooring, we specialize in custom MarineMat flooring for boats throughout Missouri.
Whether you’re looking to maintain your existing floor or upgrade an older boat with new custom EVA flooring, our team can help.
We serve customers throughout:
Lake of the Ozarks
St. Louis
Branson
Table Rock Lake
and surrounding areas
NautiDek Marine Flooring
(314) 221-9116
info@nautidek.com
