How to Clean a Dock Safely and Effectively?
Dirty docks can be unsightly and hazardous, making regular dock cleaning essential for waterfront property owners. To remove stubborn dirt and grime on aluminum docks, use oxalic acid-based cleaners, while for hardwood docks, use a low-pressure washer setting while keeping the nozzle away from the surface.
Plastic and recycled docks require less maintenance than wooden boat docks, yet they can still accumulate dirt, mildew, and discoloration over time. For best results, select a cleaner specifically tailored to these materials and use it in a well-ventilated area. Here are some tips to clean your boat dock safely and effectively.
What are Boat Docks?
Boat docks are structures extending from the shore into the water, designed to facilitate boat mooring, loading, and unloading. They can be built from various materials, such as wood, aluminum, or composite materials, and come in different designs based on the type of water body and boat. Boat docks provide a stable platform for accessing boats and are commonly found in marinas, lakes, rivers, and oceans.
Types of a Boat Dock
Boat docks also offer space for storage, fishing, or lounging and are essential for protecting boats from drifting or damage while moored. In residential settings, docks often enhance waterfront property values, making them both functional and aesthetic assets.
Learn the benefits of floating docks.
Benefits of Regular Cleaning
- Prevents rot and decay: Cleaning removes dirt and algae, reducing the risk of wood rot and material degradation.
- Enhances safety: Eliminating slippery algae, moss, and debris helps prevent falls and accidents.
- Prolong dock life: Routine maintenance keeps the dock in good condition, reducing the need for costly repairs or replacements.
- Protects your boat: A clean dock prevents damage from splinters, rust, or sharp debris.
- Improves appearance: A well-maintained dock enhances the aesthetics of your waterfront property.
- Reduces pest infestation: Cleaning removes nests, pests, and plant growth that could damage the dock.
With over 25 years of combined experience
Foothills Docks are experts when it comes to building docks.
Safest Boat Dock Cleaning Process
A boat dock is more than just a place to tie up your boat—it’s a gateway to relaxation, adventure, and fun on the water. However, like any structure exposed to the elements, it requires regular care. Keeping your dock clean preserves its functionality and enhances its safety and appearance, ensuring you can enjoy hassle-free days by the water.
Inspect the Dock Structural Integrity
Before beginning the cleaning process, thoroughly examine a dock for structural integrity and safety. Note any broken boards, loose bolts or nails, rotten wood, or rusted nails that need fixing to ensure their safe use. Resolving such issues before cleaning will ensure its ongoing viability as an asset for others to use.
Choosing the Right Cleaning Products
When cleaning your dock, use a cleaner tailored specifically for its material. Wood docks need extra special care to avoid becoming damaged or susceptible to rot, so when possible, choose eco-friendly and non-toxic cleaners specifically formulated to protect and preserve wood. Avoid toxic chemicals like:
- Phosphorus
- Ammonia
- Bleach
- Petroleum solvents
- Phthalates
Start by gathering all the essential cleaning supplies: a stiff brush or broom, mild detergent or dock cleaner, bucket, hose, and (if available) pressure washer. Before applying any cleaner to the dock surface, test it first by testing on a small area; some products may require diluting, while others can be applied straight from their bottle.
DOCK RE-SURFACING
Protecting Surrounding Water & Marine Life
Your dock’s surrounding waters are home to marine life that needs protection during cleaning processes. Furthermore, it’s crucial not to pollute them with motor oil, lubricants, or other substances—one pint can pollute an acre!
Utilizing appropriate cleaning solutions and wastewater collection systems is paramount to prevent your lake, river, or bay from becoming polluted with harmful chemicals that could threaten its surrounding ecosystem.
Pressure Wash the Dock (If Applicable)
If your pier is constructed of pressure-treated lumber docks, regular maintenance requires you to sweep its surface to prevent splintering and other forms of damage. A pressure washer can also help clear away dirt, mildew, or debris accumulating on its surface; just make sure that its low-pressure setting won’t cause irreparable harm and that its wand is 6-8 inches from touching the surface.
An aluminum boat dock can withstand high-pressure washing and should be regularly cleaned using either vinegar and water or biodegradable soap and warm water cleaning solutions. After being thoroughly cleansed, aluminum piers must be resealed after each cleaning to protect them against outdoor elements such as moisture or mildew growth.
Sweeping & Removing Surface Debris
Before beginning to clean a dock, start by clearing away debris such as leaves, twigs and dirt build-up to maximize efficiency and effectiveness of the cleaning process and reduce risks from slippery surfaces that could potentially cause accidents and injuries. This helps ensure more effective results and ensures safer dock surfaces for everyone involved.
When washing wooden docks or structures that may be vulnerable to high water pressure, be sure to start at the lowest setting and use a wide nozzle so as not to cause unnecessary strain or stress. Furthermore, be mindful when near electrical or plumbing outlets and avoid areas with potential for damage.
Scrubbing with Environmentally Friendly Solutions
Clean docks add character and security to waterfront properties, providing boaters and other visitors with safety and comfort. Regular dock cleaning has been proven to extend dock lifespans, thus saving on expensive repairs later.
If your dock is made of aluminum, more robust cleaners with oxalic acid may effectively eliminate dirt and mildew build-up. After cleaning and inspecting, seal its surface using an eco-friendly sealer to safeguard it against environmental exposure.
Dealing with Algae & Moss Build-Up
Clean docks are essential to the health and wellbeing of waterfront properties as well as people and animals, as green algae, moss and mold/mildew build-up can be both unattractive and slippery to walk upon. Therefore, using the appropriate products and techniques for effective cleanup is critical.
Aluminum and composite docks may be more resistant to algae growth than wood docks; nevertheless, they still require regular cleaning using a pressure washer with lower PSI levels and positioning of at least 6-8 inches from the dock surface.
Conclusion
Wood docks can be kept free from green algae growth with regular stain application from quality products, like those recommended on product labels, and follow the directions for use. When cleaning wood docks, it is essential that PSI remains low while using soft brushes so as not to damage lumber splinters or split ends. Furthermore, specialty cleaners exist specifically designed to remove stubborn stains – make sure you read all product labels and follow any instructions prior to use!
Keep Your Dock Clean & Safe | Foothills Dock
Looking for the best way to maintain your dock’s appearance and longevity? Foothills Docks offers top-tier dock cleaning services that ensure your dock remains safe, durable, and free of harmful elements like algae, moss, and dirt.
Our team uses eco-friendly methods to protect both your dock and the surrounding marine environment. In addition to dock cleaning, we also provide expert boat dock repair, dock resurfacing, and dock cleaning and oiling. Contact Foothills Docks for all your dock care needs and keep your waterfront looking pristine!