Microfiber Cloths and Chamois

Microfiber Cloths and Chamois Resources and Information

PartsVu carries a complete selection of microfiber cloths and chamois from a variety of top manufacturers, including Buffalo Rags, Captain’s Choice, Shurhold, 3M, Star-brite, Absorber, Babe’s Boat Care and others. Microfiber cloths and chamois are constructed of a non-abrasive material that won’t damage or degrade sensitive finishes like chrome, glass, or waxed surfaces. 

Looking for more boating and marine products? Check out our complete selection of Products and Accessories or Cleaning and Care products. Or browse our broader category of Boat Soaps, Washes & Brushes.

Microfiber Cloths FAQs

How do I avoid scratching sensitive finishes on my boat?

When it comes to preserving the value of your boat, any scratches or excessive dulling of the exterior can dramatically drop its resale value. And if you’re regularly cleaning your boat after each use, tiny scratches can accumulate into deep gouges. Avoid using any abrasive cloths (such as fishing rags, torn shirts, or dish sponges) and use microfiber cloths instead.

Microfiber towels are a gentle and effective way to clean your boat, enabling you to clean surfaces over and over without degrading the surfaces. Microfiber towels can be used in a variety of ways:

• Buff surfaces to a uniform appearance without scratches
• Remove excess cleaner and wax
• Taking off accumulated grime of your boat
• Getting rid of spills and stains
• Wipes windows streak-free
• And many other uses

How do I clean my boat to the best results?

One of the most common questions boaters ask is: What is the best thing to clean a boat with?

The truth is that there are a number of surfaces and materials on your boat that all require their own cleaning products and tools. Regular washing with freshwater is always advised after you take it on the water, before and after winterization, and when it has been sitting for a while (especially if it’s been sitting under foliage).

To ensure that you have every cleaning product and tool on hand before cleaning your boat, purchase PartsVu’s Deluxe Boat Cleaning Supplies Kit. Designed for all of your deep boat cleaning needs, the kit includes items from top brands, such as Star-Brite, 3M, Buffalo Industries, Meguiar’s, and The Absorber Mini. Here’s what’s included:

• Star-Brite Boat Wash – 16oz
• Star-Brite Reggae Sponge
• Buffalo Microfiber Detail Towel – 20″x20″
• 3M – Perfect-It – Boat Wax – 16oz
• Buffalo Microfiber Wax Applicator Pads – 4 Pack
• Star-Brite – 2-Piece Wooden Handle Hnadle With 8″ Standard Brush
• The Absorber Mini – 13″x17″
• 3M Marine Finesse-it™ II Glaze – 16oz
• Star-Brite Vinyl Cleaner & Polish – 16oz
• Meguiar’s #59 Quik Wax – 16oz
• Star-Brite Mildew Stain Remover – 22oz
• Star-Brite Heavy Duty Bilge Cleaner – 32oz

What is the best way to clean chrome on my boat?

Apple cider vinegar isn’t just good for your health – it can also restore the chrome elements of your boat, making them shiny and like-new!

Simply use a healthy amount of apple cider vinegar on a microfiber cloth to polish any smudges or debris on the chrome. Once fully evaporated, use baby oil to further polish it for a high shine and protection against corrosion.

What are some of the best chamois and microfiber cloths for cleaning my boat?

PVA Towel

Star Brite’s 27″ X 17″ PVA towel is a must-have for all boaters. It absorbs 50% more than natural chamois making it an excellent tool to try key areas of your boat before turning in for the day. It’s highly resistant to mold and doesn’t leave behind any lint residue or streaks when drying off your boat. It’s also conveniently machine washable.

Star Brite White Cotton Diaper Polishing Cloths

Super soft and absorbent for special cleaning jobs. 17″ X 17.5″ 100% pure cotton diapers are the best cloth for polishing.

Star Brite Microfiber Reggae Sponge (or Mitt)

Both of these products are made of microfiber that is highly absorbent yet soft, so you can be sure it won’t scratch your gelcoat or painted surfaces. You can use either the sponge or mitt wet for washing, or dry for dusting. The sponge has a special scrubbing side that quickly removes tough stains and scum lines. Both products are machine washable.

Microfiber Cleaning/Detailer Cloths

These premium cloths are made of non-scratching microfibers that are ultra-absorbent and super gentle on almost all surfaces. The ultra-fine fibers act like dirt magnets to all coated and non-coated finishes, fiberglass, windows, polished and plated metals, brass, and electronics. Put away that old t-shirt or dish rag and grab a microfiber cleaning cloth. These cloths are reusable and machine washable.

How often should I clean my boat?

You should clean your boat every 4 – 12 weeks to protect your boat’s surfaces. Buildup of salt and dirt interferes with a metal’s ability to resist corrosion. Additionally, Gelcoat and marine vinyl are porous surfaces, thus have characteristics that allow them to absorb water, dirt, and grime from their surroundings. Unprotected vinyl seats are more likely to develop mold and more likely to fade and crack with frequent sun exposure. Lastly, fiberglass that is uncared for will stain and discolor more easily over time, notwithstanding simply degrade through oxidation and literally chalk away.

However, you may need to clean more often due to a number of factors:

• Geographical location
• Water temperature
• Water salinity
• Usage (frequency and duration)
• Boat speed

Boats that are used heavily at high speeds will experience less fouling of the hull, whereas boats that sit in the dock will accumulate more than a boat that is used frequently.

The hull of your boat is under constant exposure to the elements. Given enough time, water and sunlight can degrade the gel coat of your hull and other exposed material, leading to corrosion and browning.

Luckily, regular cleaning can protect and restore your hull. While many boating enthusiasts recommend a mixture of dish soap with warm water for regular boat cleaning, there are a number of drawbacks to this method (see tip #9 below). Also, avoid using any abrasive cleaners, such as bleach or ammonia, which can weaken the hull or cause dangerous chemical reactions.

For the best results, use boat products specific to your hull material and coat – including cleaners, protectants, and degreasers. By following the directions of each product to clean according to mixture recommendations, you can make sure your hull gleams out on the water.

How do I wax my fiberglass boat? 

Boats should be polished and/or waxed when they are out of the water, so you’ll likely be conducting the job when your boat is on a trailer or storage pad. Additionally, make sure you can freely move around all sides of the boat.

Before you do anything to your boat’s exterior, you need to first clean it. We recommend using lots of fresh water and soap intended for marine use. If you are in a saltwater environment, you will want to be sure that all salt is removed as it can interfere with and break down boat wax and boat polish products.

Also, be aware that salt is good at hiding in any cracks and crevices as well as overhangs such as T-Tops and/or hardtops. After a good lathering, make sure to give a thorough rinse using clean fresh water and a reasonable amount of water pressure. After you’ve finished cleaning off the salt and surface dirt, you can begin the compounding and waxing process.

We’ve created an article to help you to select the most effective boat cleaning and protecting products.

If your boat has any removable fittings, remove them. Removing fittings will help to prevent your buffer from getting caught. It can also be pretty tedious trying to hand wax around fittings. Of course, when you remove fitting make sure that you organize your hardware effectively so that reassembly is easy.

It is not necessary to polish your boat every time you wax it, but you will want to polish it anytime the finish looks dull, faded, pitted, or scratched. When polishing your boat, start at the back and work your way toward the bow.

Apply the wax either by hand or electric buffer using circular motions much in the same way you applied the polish. Wait until the wax is hazy, indicating that it is dry. Then buff the wax until it shines using a soft towel.