How to Clean Your Dock

How to Clean Your Dock

A clean dock is important for a beautiful waterfront, not to mention safer for you and your family. Algae buildup on your boat lift, dock, and accessories is not only unattractive but slippery.

Invest in the Right Dock

No dock will be completely immune to algae growth. Anything that’s exposed to water can be affected by algae. However, aluminum boat lifts and docks can help minimize algae growth. Aluminum is better at resisting algae growth than other materials like wood, and aluminum is easy to clean as well.

Choose Safe Products

When cleaning your dock and boat lift, use a non-corrosive cleaning solution. The EPA’s Sager Choice Standard can help determine which products are best to use: pick something biodegradable and phosphate-free and with a neutral pH.

Know What to Avoid

Some cleaning products can have environmental and health risks, so it’s important to watch what you put in the water. Even ordinary household cleaners can increase nutrient pollution in lakes and streams, which can cause algae blooms and oxygen depletion and hurt the water and wildlife. In general, you should avoid any cleaning products that contain these hazardous ingredients:

  • Ammonia
  • Antibacterials and disinfectants
  • Butyl glycol, ethylene glycol, or monobutyl
  • Chlorine bleach
  • Petroleum solvents
  • Phosphorous and phosphates
  • Phthalates

Before cleaning your dock, inspect the entire unit for any damaged parts to ensure that the dock is safe to use. Replace any wood boards that have rotted or dried out, along with rusted or corroded hardware. Tighten any loose nails or bolts.

Like a boat, the dock will need a thorough cleaning with an environmentally friendly cleaner. The type of cleaner you can use depends on the type of materials that make up your dock. Keaton's Pressure Washing, LLC recommends pressure washing with water or using a mild cleaning agent to clean natural, unpainted wood. A simple sodium percarbonate solution can be made at home with hot water, baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. If your dock is made from pressure-treated wood, simply use water to clean as using oxidizing agents on certain types of pressure-treated wood can release toxins into the water.

After inspecting and cleaning your dock, reseal the dock with a mildew-resistant and environmentally friendly sealer.

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REACH OUT TO Keaton’s Pressure Washing, LLC TODAY IN DAWSONVILLE & SURROUNDING AREAS!