The topsides of boats, including the deck, helm, and sitting areas, are highly visible and receive the most attention when it comes to cleaning. Comparatively, the bilge beneath the deck is not visible and is therefore overlooked when it comes to cleaning. However, keeping a bilge in good order is vital to avoid long term issues. I recommend making your life simple by using the best bilge cleaner available. 

Why Do Boat Bilges Become Dirty

The bilge of a boat is an enclosed space, and as you know, an enclosed area exposed to moisture facilitates the growth of mold and mildew. 

Undoubtedly, most boat owners encounter mold and mildew growth beneath the deck, but this is not the only reason bilges become dirty. 

In addition to mold and mildew is the settling of debris. Debris washes from the deck and into the bilge. The debris includes hair from people and pets, sand, and airborne particles. Without question, over time, the accumulation becomes substantial without proper bilge cleaning. 

Lastly, boat owners with inboard engines often encounter traces of oil and sludge in the bilge. The oil and sludge result from undetected leaks and spills from routine maintenance. However, I recommend inspecting the engine or engines if you see signs of oil within the bilge compartment. 

What Is The Best Bilge Cleaner

Without question the best bilge cleaner on the market is Star Brite Heavy Duty Bilge Cleaner. I use Star Brite consistently and can attest to the fact that it works as intended. Star Brite eliminates fluids, dirt, stains, and odors from the bilge. 

How Do You Use The Best Bilge Cleaner

Undoubtably, Star Brite bilge cleaner is simple to use. One quart or the entire bottle of Star Brite treats the bilge of a 25 foot boat. 

To use, add fresh water to the bilge in addition to Star Brite bilge cleaner. Allow the cleaner and the water to remain within the bilge for a minimum of one hour while the boat is in operation. Running the vessel with the cleaner added to the bilge allows it to slosh around. Star Brite dissolves dirt and fluids while eliminating stains and odors. 

Star Brite claims that no scrubbing is necessary, but I recommend brushing the bilge as an extra measure. A brush will remove stubborn stains left behind or in areas that the bilge cleaner did not reach. 

After running the boat for a minimum of one hour with the water and bilge cleaner mix, turn on the bilge pump. You will likely see dirty water being ejected as a result of breaking down contamination within the bilge. 

Always Allow The Bilge To Dry After Cleaning

Unquestionably the bilge compartment must be well ventilated after using the best bilge cleaner. Here are the best ways to allow the bilge to dry thoroughly. 

Run The Bilge Pump

Without question, you will be using water when cleaning the bilge. For this reason, the bilge pump must be turned on to remove all standing water. 

When I clean my bilge, I pull the boat out of the water and leave it on an aft incline so that the water runs toward the back of the boat. The angle of the boat allows the water to run towards the back, where the bilge pump is located, to suck out the water. 

Remove The Drain Plug

A bilge pump does an excellent job of sucking water out of a bilge after cleaning. However, it will not suck it dry. 

For this reason, it is critical to remove the drain plug when the boat is removed from the water. The removal of the drain plug allows for all remaining free standing water to run out of the bilge. Importantly, always place the plug back in the boat before launching it into the water. 

Open The Aft Deck Hatches

Once the boat is cleaned and dried, I highly recommend opening and propping up the aft hatches. It should be noted the hatches do not need to be wide open but instead cracked slightly. 

Hatches left partially open while the boat is stored allow for ventilation into the bilge. The ventilation allows the bilge to dry, thus reducing the growth of mold and mildew. 

Clean Your Bilge With The Best Bilge Cleaner

Don’t waste your time with boat soap and elbow grease when you can use Star Brite Bilge Cleaner. Without question, it is the best bilge cleaner on the market. Take it from me as a former captain, I have used a multitude of products and found Star Brite to be the best.