How to Clean a Malibu Kayak

Malibu is a manufacturer of kayaks for fishing, surfing and general recreation. It offers a wide variety of both sit-on-top and sit-inside models. Like most recreational kayaks, Malibu models are made of molded plastic. If left out in the elements too long, plastic can deteriorate and the colors can fade, so it is important to keep your kayak clean and protected. Keeping the kayak stored indoors is best, but not always practical. Fortunately, even outdoors, your kayak can be kept in good shape with just a few minutes of attention each week or after each outing.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Bucket or sink
Mild detergent
Scrub brush or sponge
Plastic cleaner and protectant
Cloth

Step 1

Remove electronic devices, such as fish finders or GPS devices, after each outing to keep them out of the weather.

Step 2

Remove hatch covers and any removable rod or device holders, then wash them in a bucket or sink with water and a mild detergent. Scrub any stubborn spots with a sponge or scrub brush. These pieces can be small, with many bends and hard-to-clean spots; washing them separately allows for proper detailing.

Step 3

Wash the kayak's hull inside and out with water. Oftentimes just the pressure of spray is enough to get the dirt off, but you may need to use a scrub brush on some spots. Allow the hull to dry completely.

Step 4

Use a plastic cleaner and protectant, such as Plexus, on the hull. These simply spray on and wipe clean with a cloth. Not only does this complete the cleaning of the boat, it protects from sun damage and fading.

Resources

Malibu Kayaks

Article Written By Christopher Williams

Christopher Williams has spent over 11 years working in the information technology, health care and outdoor recreation fields. He has over seven years of technical and educational writing experience, and has brought strong skills and passion to the Demand Studios team in articles for eHow and Trails in 2009.

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