Carpet cleaning is probably the most laborious upkeep tasks you need to do, especially with your boat. Regular sanitation and maintenance of your boat’s carpeting are extremely essential in order to retain its optimum quality and appearance. Hence why you should only invest in the best boat carpet cleaner to achieve favorable results.
When you choose to use a top-quality boat cleaning product, you can thoroughly clean your carpet with less effort compared to using a cheap cleaner with sub-par quality.
Additionally, boat carpet cleaning products from trusted brands offer exceptional cleaning benefits which promote favorable results which other cleaners on the market can’t offer.
Having said that, as there are tons of carpet cleaners available to date, it can be extremely difficult to narrow down the best ones to purchase. However, in order to help you, we have searched and compiled this list of top 10 carpet cleaners we think are worth the investment.
Thus, all you need to do is evaluate each product based on our reviews and select the one that best suits your carpet cleaning needs.
Table of Contents
Best Boat Carpet Cleaner Reviews
1. Chemical Guys Foaming Citrus Fabric Carpet Cleaner
Boat passengers often leave tracks of grime, dirt, and filth to the carpets from the soles of their shoes and it can be a pain in the neck for boat owners. Thankfully though, with the Chemical Guys Foaming Citrus Fabric Clean Carpet & Upholstery Shampoo, cleaning even the toughest impurities from carpet floors, upholstery and fabrics are now made a lot easier.
I like that this carpet cleaner is excellent in dissolving and getting rid of dirt, stains and nasty smells. Moreover, this cleaner is also great in eliminating stains from spilled beverages, food droppings, waxy oils, fish blood, and more which we all know are the most difficult to remove from carpet floors and fabric upholstery.
What I think is exceptional about this carpet cleaner is that it has a hyper-concentrated formula that thoroughly breaks down impurities and contaminants. Similarly, as it is a concentrated formula, you are surely going to get a lot of use of the whole bottle.
To use this, you simply need to dilute the solution with water in an empty spray bottle, mist on the target carpet areas and then scrub with a stiff brush.
With the odor-elimination technology of this cleaner, it lifts out all unpleasant odors permanently from the carpet while leaving an invigorating citrus scent. If you choose to invest in the Chemical Guys Foaming Citrus Fabric Clean, you will enjoy the all-out cleaning benefits this carpet cleaner has to offer.
Lastly, I also love that this product comes in various sizes; a 4-ounce, 16-ounce, and a 64-ounce bottle (1 gallon). Therefore, you get to choose the best size depending on your carpet and upholstery cleaning needs.
- This cleaner effective dissolves contaminants and impurities from carpets while eliminating nasty odors at the same time
- Its hyper-concentrated formula allows you to use the whole bottle multiple times
- It leaves a fresh citrus scent
- It comes in three different sizes
- Since it is a concentrated formula, you will have to purchase a separate spray bottle and take time to dilute the solution to get the perfect mixture. Thus, it can be a little time-consuming compared to spot-on cleaners
2. Marine Spray Nine Marine Cleaner
The Marine Spray Nine Marine Cleaner is a multi-purpose cleaning product that effectively removes dirt and stains and also disinfects. With all the carpet cleaners that promise optimum cleaning power, I think that this one is among the most trustworthy products due to its proven effectiveness.
Why do I think this product is worth the investment? Simply because it offers everything you want your marine cleaner to give; it gets rid of stains, eliminates unwanted odors, and it combats germs with minimal effort. Hence why it is rated as the number 1 vinyl cleaner by PowerBoat Reports and the top-rated overall cleaner by the Practical Sailor.
What makes this product convenient to use is its easy spray-on solution which allows you to clean your boat carpet on the go. All you need to do is spray the solution to the target areas and brush off. Additionally, this cleaner does come in two sizes; a gallon and a 32-ounce spray bottle.
Furthermore, you are encouraged to clean your boat carpet with this cleaner regularly to prevent mildew and mold. This cleaner is also ideal for cleaning the hull, fiberglass, boat covers, galleys, awnings, inflatables, RVs, and more. Thus, it is definitely the ultimate marine cleaning solution in my opinion.
- It effectively cleans, disinfects and deodorizes carpets and other boat interior and exterior types
- It is convenient to use
- As it comes in two different sizes, you have the freedom to pick the right quantity depending on your cleaning needs
- It is recognized by two media outlets as the best vinyl and overall cleaner
- This can also be used on all types of marine surfaces
- This cleaning product is not environmentally safe. Thus, it should not be used over bodies of water
3. Aero Cosmetics Interior Cleaner
A lot of marine carpet cleaning products available on the market can be too harsh and might ruin the color and texture of the carpet.
Thankfully, the Aero Cosmetics Interior Cleaner is a gentle cleaning solution that is proven effective in eliminating dirt, stains, body oil, makeup stains, and lotions. This cleaner can be used to clean carpets, leather seats, fabric, and other interior types.
Since this product is a spot-on cleaning product, all you have to do is spray the solution directly into the areas to be cleaned, rub gently with a damp cloth, unfold the cloth and continue rubbing the area with the cloth’s clean sides until you see no signs of dirt anymore.
What I think is the edge of this cleaner among the other products on the market is the fact that it meets the Boeing Interior Specification and Airbus AIMS standards. That only means that this cleaning solution is truly dependable.
- This cleaning product gently cleans carpets and other automotive interior types
- Because it’s a spot-on cleaner, this product is very easy and convenient to use
- It meets the interior’s standards of Boeing Aircraft and Airbus AIMS
- Unlike other cleaning products on our list, this one doesn’t eliminate odors
4. Turtle Wax Power Out! Carpet and Mats Cleaner
Created by Turtle Wax, the Power Out! Carpet and Mats Cleaner vigorously cleans, deodorizes, and protects carpets and mats with its flawless spray pattern.
It effectively dissolves and eliminates dirt, grime, and various stains while also getting rid of unpleasant odors with its unique formula. This marine cleaner definitely takes boat carpet cleaning to another level.
What I think is unparalleled about this cleaner is its Odor-X formula which eliminates even the toughest odors caused by cigarette smoking, pet drools and waste, food droppings, fish blood, and more.
Not only that, but this cleaning solution also includes oxy-brighteners which deeply cleans and removes all types of impurities and contaminants. Similarly, I also love that this product features a soil-repelling silicone which is left on the carpet’s surfaces after cleaning.
When using this product, you are advised to vacuum your carpet first to remove any excess loose dirt. Spray on the solution to the target areas, rub the foam into the carpet using the brush that comes with the product, and wipe with a clean cloth. You may repeat the process as needed to get the best results.
- With this product’s unique formula, it effectively cleans, deodorizes and protects carpet fibers with less effort
- As it is a spray-on solution, this product is quick and easy to use
- It does come with a handy micro-scrub brush
- This cleaner only comes in 18-ounce bottle size
5. Star brite Ultimate Carpet Clean & Protect
When it comes to the best quality marine cleaning products, Star brite is among the top brands which are proven to work wonders.
The Star brite Ultimate Carpet Clean & Protect is an all-in-one carpet cleaner that effectively gets rid of dirt, grease, stains, and nasty odors. If you are on the lookout for a tough cleaning solution that also protects, we highly recommend this product.
This carpet cleaner is formulated to provide optimum cleaning power and odor elimination for all types of carpets. What I like most about this product is its ability to quickly dissolve all types of impurities including oily stains, grime, fish blood and more while also getting rid of unpleasant smells.
Moreover, this cleaner also features PTEF polymers which bond the carpet to protect against stains, dirt, and harmful UV rays.
I love that this carpet cleaner is extremely easy and convenient to use; just simply spray it on the target carpet areas and wipe off. Compared to concentrated solutions, spot cleaners like this one allows you to quickly clean your boat or vehicle’s carpet on the go.
- This cleaner effectively dissolves all types of impurities and eliminates unwanted odors
- It is easy and convenient to use
- It also adds a layer of polymer which protects carpets against stains, dirt and harmful UV rays
- You may go through the whole 22-ounce a lot quicker since it is a spot on cleaner and not in a concentrated formula
6. SIMPLE GREEN All Purpose Cleaner
On the look for a heavy-duty all-purpose cleaner? The SIMPLE GREEN All-Purpose Cleaner might be the one for you. This first-rate cleaning product is excellent for removing dirt and stains on carpets, fabric, boat and vehicle surfaces, and more.
This cleaner easily dissolves and eliminates skids, spills, stains, and other undesired spots from your carpet floors, upholstery, fabric, or on your boat or car’s surfaces. Similarly, I love that this cleaner is free of phosphates, borax, optical brighteners, and chlorine which are common ingredients found in cleaning products that can irritate the skin.
What I find exceptional about this cleaner is that although it is a tough cleaning solution, it has a non-toxic, biodegradable formula that meets the U.S. EPA Safer Products Standards. Thus, not only are you going to use a powerful cleaner, but you also get the peace of mind of using a product that will not harm you or the environment.
In order to clean your boat carpet with this product, dampen the target areas with water, spray about an ounce of the solution to the stained area and follow-up with a spray of 1 ounce of water.
After the mixture has soaked in the area for about 3 minutes, gently rub with a damp towel and allow to dry. Repeat the process as needed to achieve the best results.
- This cleaning product can be used to effectively clean various materials and surfaces
- It is free of ingredients that can irritate the skin
- This cleaner has a non-toxic and biodegradable formula
- This doesn’t kill bacteria, thus, it may not counteract unwanted odors as well
7. Boater’s EDGE Carpet Clean
If you are worried a carpet cleaning solution will wear out the color and vibrancy of your favorite carpet and rugs, the Boater’s EDGE Carpet Clean is the perfect product you should check out. The use of this cleaner is the best way to clean boat carpet and rugs of various types without stripping off its natural color.
I like that this product features a marine-grade formulation which potently dissolves dirt, grime, stains, blood, grease, and salt. Similarly, this cleaner can be used at home, on vehicles, RVs, and boats too. Thus, this product is definitely a convenient all-around cleaning solution.
Furthermore, another great advantage of this product is its ease of use. All you need to do is spray the solution to the target areas, allow it to sink in for a couple of minutes, rub with a damp cloth, rinse off and allow to dry. You may repeat the application as necessary to achieve desired results.
Finally, the thing that impressed me the most about this product is that it is not only effective in eliminating stains and impurities from carpets, it also leaves a protective layer that serves as a barrier against future stains.
- This product is a potent carpet cleaner that doesn’t strip off the color
- Due to its marine-grade formula, this cleaner quickly removes stains, grime, dirt, and other contaminants
- It can also be used at home, on vehicles, boats, and RVs
- It is easy to use
- This cleaner leaves a protective layer which shields against future stains
- It only comes in a 22-ounce spray bottle size
8. Carbona Oxy-Powered Carpet Cleaner
The Carbona Oxy-Powered 2-in-1 Carpet Cleaner is the ideal cleaning product for people who have very little time for regular home upkeep, let alone carpet cleaning. This carpet cleaner is exceptional in dissolving and removing various types of contaminants and stains without too much work.
This dual-purpose cleaner is formulated to remove heavy stains from food and drink droppings, blood, makeup, and more. I love that this product is also infused with oxygen which helps in getting rid of unwanted odors and germs to achieve optimum cleanliness.
Furthermore, this product is also great to use for cleaning pet beddings and upholstery since it is non-toxic and safe to use.
Similarly, I like that this carpet cleaner comes with a brush which helps in thorough cleaning. It is very easy to use and it helps the foam to penetrate and potently breakdown stains and dirt.
Together with its heavy-duty cleaning action, impurities and contaminants are easily eliminated while counteracting the unpleasant odors.
- This does a great job of removing light to heavy stains
- It comes with an ingredient which lightens stains without stripping the carpet’s natural color
- The brush top helps in thoroughly dissolving and removing tough stains and other contaminants
- Does a good job of eliminating odor and bacteria
- This cleaner is highly convenient to use
- You may experience messy product leaks especially if the brush top is not screwed on securely enough
- Due to frequent leaking, you may go through the whole bottle a lot quicker; thus, it is not as cost-efficient
9. CarGuys Super Cleaner
If you are tired of cleaners that do not meet your expectations when it comes to carpet cleaning, it’s about time you checked this cleaning product out.
With the CarGuys Super Cleaner, you won’t be disappointed as this cleaning product is truly worth the hype a hundred percent. If you choose to invest in this, cleaning boat carpet and upholstery is made a lot faster and easier.
What I find unique about this cleaner is it features a new formula which uses the latest nano-technology advancements to effectively dissolve and lift away grime, dirt, and stains.
This product is safe to use on interior and exterior fabric, vinyl, carpet, leather, rubber, metal and more. Thus, this cleaner is truly one of the most versatile multi-surface cleaning solution on the market to date.
- This cleaner does a great job of thorough cleaning without adding a layer of gloss on surfaces
- It can be used on both interior and exterior carpets, fabrics, upholstery, etc
- It comes in a handy spray bottle, thus it is very easy and convenient to use
- It also comes in a gallon for more economical cleaning usage
- Not great for cleaning glass
10. Chemical Guys Fabric Clean Carpet
Onto a cleaning product that’s manufactured by a top-trusted cleaning products brand, the Chemical Guys. Their Fabric Clean Carpet and Upholstery Shampoo and Odor Eliminator is a proven effective cleaning solution that eliminates stains and odors fast. Furthermore, this product on indoor and outdoor upholstery, fabric, or carpet.
What I like most about this product is its combination of a potent biodegradable degreaser and an enzymatic odor-killer which ensures your carpets are thoroughly cleaned.
Additionally, the naturally-occurring microbes in this cleaning product diminish the organic compounds which cause unpleasant odors. Thus, when you choose to use this product, you will expect to achieve first-rate cleanliness with your carpet and upholstery.
Do you know what’s even better about the Chemical Guys Fabric Clean? It is non-toxic and doesn’t contain damaging ingredients such as ammonia, bleach and color-stripping detergent.
- Does a good job of dissolving and removing tough stains fast
- Can be used indoors and outdoors
- This cleaning product potently degreases while eliminating unwanted odors at the same time
- Doesn’t contain damaging and color-stripping ingredients
- Non-toxic and safe to use
- It is a concentrated product so you have to dilute it with water. However, since this product doesn’t come with a spray bottle, you will have to purchase it separately
What to Look For When Buying a Boat Carpet Cleaner
As there are tons of boat carpet cleaners available on the market nowadays, you need to take time in evaluating each product to see which one is the best for you. Moreover, do take these factors into account to help you land on the right cleaner to invest in.
- The Formulation
Carpet cleaners generally come in two different formulations; concentrated and spot-on liquid. Depending on your carpet cleaning needs, either one can be a more practical choice over the other.
For cleaning bass boat carpet, using a spot-on cleaner is ideal since you are to clean smaller carpeting. On the other hand, if you are to clean large boat carpeting, it is more practical to choose a concentrated formula for more economical use.
The advantage of spot-on cleaners is the ease and convenience of use. All you need to do is spray on the solution into the target carpet areas, brush or rub with a damp cloth and wipe off.
Concentrated cleaners, on the other hand, must first be diluted into the water in a spray bottle before application. However, concentrated cleaners allow you to get more uses compared to spot on cleaners, hence why they are more cost-efficient.
- Usage Safety
Carpet cleaners must be safe to use especially if you have pets around. Similarly, it should not contain any harsh solvents or ingredients that may irritate the skin since it is inevitable for the solution to come in contact with your skin while cleaning.
Although not all carpet cleaners are biodegradable and environment-friendly, it is a great added bonus especially if you are cleaning your boat carpet over bodies of water. On the other hand, in case your chosen cleaner doesn’t claim to have an environment-safe formula, make sure to only clean your boat’s carpeting when it is not docked over water.
- Disinfection and Odor-Elimination Properties
Your carpet is not completely clean unless bacteria and unwanted odors are completely eliminated. Majority of carpet cleaners including the ones mentioned in this article, promises to disinfect and deodorize.
While not every carpet cleaner has this feature, it is essential especially if your boat’s carpeting is often subject to impurities and contaminants that produce an unfavorable smell.
Furthermore, when your carpet cleaner kills bacteria, you will get the peace of mind and enjoy the benefits of an ultimately clean boat carpet.
- The Quantity and Size Options
When cleaning large boat carpeting, choosing a bigger cleaner quantity is more practical since you are to use generous amounts of the solution. The problem with some of the cleaners mentioned in our product list is that although they all work wonders, they only have one size options which are not as cost-efficient for large carpets and multiple uses.
Therefore, if you are going to clean large carpeting or you need to use the cleaner multiple times, it is better to choose a bigger cleaner size such as a gallon.
Other Important Factors to Consider
Successful boat carpet cleaning doesn’t only mean choosing the best cleaner on the market. You must also have in-depth knowledge of how it works and the other facts about it. Below is a list of questions related to boat carpet cleaners and their answers.
What is a boat carpet cleaner?
A boat cleaner is basically a liquid shampoo intended to be used in cleaning carpets, fabric, and upholstery. Boat carpet cleaners are formulated to deeply clean carpet fibers and get rid of tough stains, grime, grease, blood, and other common contaminants found in boat carpets.
How does it work?
Carpet cleaning solutions work by dissolving and lifting stains, dirt, grime, and other impurities from the carpet fibers. Additionally, most carpet cleaners also kill bacteria to eliminate unwanted odors. Lastly, certain carpet cleaners also add a layer of protection against UV rays and future stains.
What are the different types of carpet cleaners?
As mentioned earlier, there are two main types of carpet cleaners; a spot-on liquid solution and a concentrated liquid formula. Both work great at dissolving stains and eliminating nasty odors.
However, the advantage of spot-on cleaners over concentrated ones is they are easier and more convenient to use since all you need to do is just spray on the solution to the target carpet areas. Concentrated carpet cleaners, on the other hand, are more economical as you will get more use out of the whole bottle of the solution since it can be mixed with water.
Why do you need a boat carpet cleaner?
- Carpet cleaners are specially formulated to get rid of tough stains.
Boat carpets are often subject to arduous stains and contaminants which are a pain to remove. Carpet cleaners combine a blend of cleaning solvents that will effectively lift and remove tough stains such as food and drink droppings, fish blood, and other common boat carpet stains.
- It makes cleaning carpets a lot more convenient and fast.
Due to carpet cleaners’ heavy-duty formula, cleaning your carpet will require less time and effort. Thus, you get more time to do other essential boat upkeep tasks.
Moreover, top-quality carpet cleaners deliver optimum cleaning results fast and require very little effort from you.
- Carpet cleaners will not strip color or damage the carpet fibers.
Great-quality carpet cleaners are safe to use on various types of carpets. They are free from damaging and color-stripping ingredients such as chlorine, ammonia, phosphate, and bleach. As a result, when you use a good-quality carpet cleaner, you get favorable cleaning results while retaining your boat carpet’s quality and vibrancy.
- It effectively disinfects and deodorizes.
Majority of carpet cleaners sold on the market these days not only cleans but also deodorizes and disinfects carpets. When you choose a cleaner that has the ability to get rid of bacteria, you will get to enjoy a carpet that is ultimately clean and odor-free.
- It won’t irritate the skin.
Although not all, most carpet cleaners do not include harsh ingredients that can potentially irritate your skin. When cleaning your carpet, it is unavoidable for the cleaning solution to come in contact with your skin. Thus, carpet cleaners which are guaranteed safe to use are the best boat carpet cleaning products to go for.
- Certain carpet cleaners protect your carpet against UV rays.
Certain carpet cleaners just like a few mentioned in our product list leave a layer of protection on carpet surfaces which helps repel harmful UV rays. Additionally, this type of carpet cleaners can also protect against future stains from penetrating the carpet fibers. Thus, your next cleaning task will be a lot less laborious.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got a few questions in mind? This FAQ section might help you get the best answers to that.
Q: What are the most trusted carpet cleaner brands?
A: Based off of Amazon reviews, here are the top-rated carpet cleaning brands we have gathered:
- Star brite
- Chemical Guys
- Boater’s Edge
- Aero Cosmetics
Q: How to clean boat carpets properly?
A: Basically, the use of a good carpet cleaner is all you need in order to effectively dissolve and lift stains, grime, grease, dirt, and other tough to clean impurities from your boat carpet. Follow the instructions indicated in your chosen carpet cleaner to get the desired results.
Q: What is the warranty?
A: As for warranty, the majority of carpet cleaner brands allow you to contact them in case you got a damaged item or the product did not meet your expectations. The Car Guys, for example, offers a full refund for customers who are not happy with their purchase.
Q: Where to buy?
A: You can buy carpet cleaners on your local hardware store or you can also order online on Amazon, eBay, and Walmart.
Q: Can I use carpet cleaners on fabric and upholstery?
A: Most carpet cleaners are safe to use on fabric, upholstery, and rugs. Just make sure to select a cleaner that indicates it is ideal to use on materials other than a carpet.
Q: Will a carpet cleaner damage the natural color of my carpet?
A: In order to ensure the quality and color of your carpet will not be damaged, choose a marine carpet cleaner that doesn’t contain any harsh ingredients or solvents such as bleach, ammonia, chlorine, and artificial brighteners.
Q: I have pets, is it safe to use around them?
A: Do keep in mind that not all carpet cleaners are non-toxic and safe to use around pets. Hence why, when cleaning your carpet make sure your pets are not around until you are finished and the carpet areas have completely dried out.
On the other hand, certain carpet cleaners do claim to have a biodegradable formula and are safe to use around pets. Thus, it is a better choice for you.
Q: Can I spray a concentrated cleaner directly to my carpet without diluting it into the water?
A: Although the majority of concentrated cleaners are advised to be diluted into the water, spraying the concentrated solution to a stained carpet area is also fine. By doing that, you will get the full cleaning potential of the solution to dissolve and remove the arduous stain faster and easier.
Conclusion
Boat carpet cleaning should not be as laborious as it sounds. Through the help of the best boat carpet cleaner, you get to finish cleaning your favorite carpet effectively in no time. Moreover, as there is an overwhelming number of various carpet cleaners from different brands available to date, you must take time and consider the tips mentioned in this article in order to land on the right cleaner that best suits your needs.
I am Dave, Marine Talk’s content creator. Boating experiences matter when planning a boat trip for your family or going by yourself. Therefore, I am here to tackle all things relevant to boating so even the inexperienced ones can start their boating safely.