Did you know?
- Detergents containing phosphates can cause local oxygen depletions and may result in the localised suffocation of aquatic life
- Products used on boat hulls and decks may contain chlorine, ammonia, potassium hydroxide and solvents, all harmful to the aquatic environment
- Degreasers dry the natural oils that fish need for their gills to take in oxygen
- Most cleaning products contain chemicals which disrupt the reproductive cycle of fish
Advice
- Use fresh water or non-toxic solutions to clean your boat wherever possible – see the list of alternatives below
- If you use cleaning products select environmentally sensitive ones – see www.thegreenblue.org.ukfor our product directory and product reviews
- Washing up, laundry, cleaning toilets
- Keeping your hull clean before going to a new area will not only be more fuel efficient but also avoid the transfer of non-native species
Useful information
Here are some possible alternatives to toxic products:
Toxic
|
Alternative
|
Detergent and soap
|
Fresh water and a lot of elbow grease
|
Bleach
|
Hydrogen peroxide
|
Scouring powders
|
Baking soda or salt
|
Floor cleaner
|
¼ cup of white vinegar in 2 litres of water
|
Window cleaner
|
1 cup of white vinegar in 1 litre warm water
|
Varnish cleaner
|
Wipe with ½ cup of vinegar and ½ cup water solution
|
Head cleaner
|
Brush with baking soda
|
Shower cleaner
|
Wet surface, use scouring cloth with baking soda
|
Aluminium cleaner
|
Use 2 tablespoons cream of tartar in 1 litre of water
|
Chrome cleaner/ polish
|
Apple cider vinegar to clean, baby oil to polish
|
Fiberglass stain remover
|
Baking soda paste
|
Drain Opener
|
Disassemble and replace; avoid toxic products
|
Mildew Remover
|
Paste of equal parts lemon juice and salt
|
Wood polish
|
Use 3 parts olive oil and 1 part white wine vinegar; almond or olive oil (interior unvarnished wood only)
|
The Green Blue website lists alternative cleaning products. See www.thegreenblue.org.ukfor our product directory and product reviews.