It is recommended that you clean your pontoon boat at the end of summer, before the pontoon will be stored for the season. After your pontoon boat has been cleaned, you will want to use pontoon covers to help protect your boat while it is being stored.

A great cover can help to keep pests out, protect your boat from sunlight, rain, and snow, and help to keep debris, such as sticks and leaves, out of your boat. It is advised that you routinely clean the boat cover to help extend the cover's life and protect your boat. Here are some of the questions you may have about cleaning and caring for pontoon covers and the answers. 

How Do You Clean Pontoon Covers? 

It is recommended that you spot clean pontoon covers. As needed, you should lightly brush off debris from the cover, such as leaves, sticks, dirt, and dust. When there are spots on the cover, you should create a mixture of dish soap or gentle liquid laundry detergent and warm water.

Dip a soft cloth into the cover and then lightly rub away at the stains or spots on the cover to remove build-up. For more stubborn stains, you can create a cleaning solution of two cups of warm water with one cup of vinegar and one cup of powdered Borax. Use a soft-bristled brush to work the mixture into stubborn stains. Spray the cover with a hose to remove dirt and soap residue. 

How Do You Dry Pontoon Covers? 

After cleaning a pontoon cover, you should always allow it to fully dry before storing it away. You should never use heat to dry a pontoon cover. Instead, you should allow the cover to dry outside. Using a clothes dryer or other heat source can cause the cover to crack or split. Always make sure the cover is completely dry before folding or rolling the cover-up to prevent mold or mildew growth. 

How Should You Store Pontoon Covers When Not In Use? 

When a pontoon cover is not in use, it should be stored in a cool, dry space. Always clean and fully dry a pontoon cover before storing it. Many pontoon covers come with their own storing case. Ideally, you will want to store the cover, in this case, to help protect it from weather damage or pest damage while it is being stored. 

What Are the Signs You Should Replace Pontoon Covers? 

Properly caring for pontoon covers can help to extend the life of the covers. However, at some point in time, a pontoon cover will eventually reach the end of its lifespan and needs to be replaced. There are many factors that affect just how long a cover will last, including how well maintained it was, what types of materials the cover was made from, and the elements the pontoon cover was exposed to.

As you go about cleaning and caring for your cover, you should inspect it for signs of damage or wear. This includes signs of mold or mildew growth on the cover, signs of unraveling along the edges, or any slits, cracks, or holes in the cover. If you see signs of mold or mildew, you will want to clean the cover immediately to remove this growth. If you notice unraveling, slits, cracks, or holes, you will want to replace the pontoon cover. 

Taking the time to properly clean and care for pontoon covers can help to extend the life of the cover and help to ensure the cover can fully protect your boat while it is being stored. It is important to note that different covers are made from different materials, so always read the care and maintenance instructions for your pontoon cover to ensure you are caring for the cover correctly.