PWC Cleaning Guide
If you’re the proud owner of a personal watercraft, you probably enjoy using it for a variety of activities, ranging from adrenaline-packed riding to calm, leisurely cruising. However, every time you take your PWC out on the water, it gathers some grime. Saltwater can be especially problematic due to the risk of corrosion that it presents, but even freshwater has algae and dirt that can damage your watercraft over time.
After a season of cruising, you’ll need to thoroughly clean your machine, inside and out. If you’re a relatively new owner, you may not be sure where to begin, but don’t worry—Jet Ski of Miami is here to help! We are your premier PWC dealership in Miami, FL. That’s why we have created this PWC cleaning guide so that you can get your machine shiny and clean for your next ride. If you’re looking for a PWC for sale near Hialeah, visit us to check out some of the top models we have in stock right now!
Gather Your Supplies
Before you begin, it’s helpful to gather everything you’ll need in one place so you’re not trying to find something in the middle of the process. You'll need a flat area of ground with good drainage, as well as a source of freshwater like a garden hose. Remember to remove all personal items from your PWC and keep them at a safe place in your house.
You will need a soft brush, an eco-friendly washing solution, wax, a bucket, some sponges, and a chamois cloth. Try not to use strong or super-concentrated cleaners, since these can do damage to your watercraft and the environment when they leach into the water. The gentler the cleaning product, the better! Bleach and ammonia are simply going to be too strong for this task.
Rinse Thoroughly
Start by giving your personal watercraft a thorough rinse with your freshwater hose. This will help to get some grime off and reduce the amount of scrubbing you’ll need to do. Rinse the PWC again with the seats off and all lids and storage places open. Avoid spraying directly on any electrical parts and intakes of the craft. The dirtiest part will be the foot-wells, so make sure you clear away all the grime. Remember to take out the drain plugs and put them back in when you’re done with the cleaning.
Scrub Your Personal Watercraft
Your next step will be to spray your PWC with a marine wash. You could use a car wash cleaner if you don’t have anything else on hand, but marine-specific products are ideal to keep your personal watercraft in good shape. Clean your PWC with a soft-bristle brush in small sections so you can rinse off soap residue before it dries and leaves streaks. Pay extra attention to cleaning the foot-wells since this is where the sludge builds up the most.
Clean the Seats
Spray down your seats with a marine wash and get the liquid into every crevice. You may want to apply more to darker spots of mold. Wait for five to ten minutes before you take a soft brush and gently scrub at the stains. You don’t want to grind in the bristles as this may scuff your vinyl seats and wear off the surface. Mold and mildew should come off easily as you do this.
Wipe Down
Wipe away all the leftover muck and debris with a sponge or microfiber cloth. While you’re at it, you’ll want to get the water out of the foot-wells. If you find that you’ve still got some patches of dirt left, you’ll want to repeat the spray, scrub, and wipe cycle until things look clean. You can try to use a Magic Eraser to scrub at stubborn stains gently in circular motions, and this should remove much of whatever is left. Wipe down the vinyl again when you’re done. Next, allow your PWC to air dry in the sun or use a chamois cloth to dry it completely.
Apply Wax
Once your personal watercraft is dry, apply a wax or polish with a soft cloth. The wax will serve to protect your PWC from grime build-up, salt, and sun damage. Waxing your craft at the start of the season and again before you store it will keep it in good shape.
With a little patience and the right products, you can clean your PWC and get it ready for your next adventure! If your personal watercraft needs some professional love and care, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with the service department at Jet Ski of Miami. Our expert mechanics will be happy to help you. We also carry a wide range of high-quality personal watercraft for sale in Miami, FL, so if you’re still looking for your dream machine, it will be easy for you to find the perfect model for your needs.