How to Clean and Store Your Kayak After Every Season
The air is getting crisp, the water is cooling down, and your paddling days are sadly numbered. Before you hang up your PFD and paddle, you have one crucial task: preparing your kayak for its long winter nap.
Improper off-season storage is the number one cause of long-term kayak damage, including hull warping, UV degradation, and mildew. A little effort now ensures your boat is in pristine condition for the first launch next spring!
🧼 Step 1: Give Your Kayak a Deep Clean
A quick hose-down after a trip is great, but before long-term storage, a deep clean is a must. Dirt, sand, and saltwater can degrade materials over time.
The Cleaning Checklist:
Rinse Thoroughly: Use a garden hose to rinse the entire kayak—inside and out—to remove loose dirt, sand, and debris. Pay extra attention if you've been in saltwater, as salt residue is corrosive.
Wash with Mild Soap: Use warm water and a mild soap (like dish soap or a specialized marine cleaner). Use a soft sponge or cloth and scrub the hull and deck.
Clean the Inside: Remove your seat, gear, and any drain plugs. Get into the cockpit to clean out any grime, especially around the foot braces and under the seat.
Prevent Mildew: For sit-inside kayaks, you can use a very mild solution of water and white vinegar or a tea tree oil/Castile soap mix to help prevent mold and mildew growth.
Dry Completely: This is critical. Open the drain plug, wipe down the boat with a dry cloth, and leave it out for 24-48 hours in a dry, well-ventilated area to ensure all moisture is gone. Trapped moisture leads to mold and cracking.
🛠️ Step 2: Inspect and Protect
Your clean kayak is now ready for a quick check-up and some preventative care.
Inspect for Damage: Look for any deep scratches, dings, or cracks in the hull. Now is the best time to do minor repairs or order replacement parts (like bungee cords, rudder lines, or hatch covers) for the spring.
Apply UV Protection: If your kayak is plastic (polyethylene), UV rays can cause the material to become brittle and fade. Apply a UV-protectant spray (like 303 Aerospace Protectant) to the entire surface. Even if storing indoors, this adds an extra layer of defense.
Remove Accessories: Take off all removable gear: paddles, life jackets, spray skirts, seats, and electronics. Clean these, ensure they are dry, and store them separately indoors.
Pro Tip: For sit-inside kayaks, remove the hatch covers and cockpit cover and store them loosely to relieve tension and allow airflow.
🏡 Step 3: Find the Perfect Storage Spot
Where and how you store your kayak can greatly affect its shape and lifespan.
Where to Store:
| Storage Location | Pros | Cons/Considerations |
| Indoor (Garage, Shed, Basement) | Best protection from UV, weather, and extreme temperatures. | Requires available space; keep away from furnaces/heat sources. |
| Outdoor | Convenient if space is limited. | Requires extra effort to protect from the elements and critters. |
The Golden Rules of Kayak Storage:
Keep it Off the Ground: Storing it directly on the ground (especially concrete) for a long period can cause dents and hull warping, known as "oil-canning."
Protect the Hull Shape: Your kayak's hull is its weakest point structurally. Never store it resting flat on its bottom.
Best Options: Store it on its side (resting on the strongest part of the hull), upside down (resting on the cockpit rim), or use a wide-strap suspension system (like a hoist or sling) that evenly distributes the weight.
Avoid Tight Straps: Don't secure your kayak with tight straps—long-term pressure will cause the hull to deform at the contact points.
Cover and Deter Critters (Outdoor):
If stored outside, use a breathable cover or loosely fitted tarp to allow moisture to escape and prevent mold.
Ensure the cockpit is covered (or the boat is upside down) to prevent small animals and insects from making a winter home inside.
Follow these simple steps, and you can rest easy knowing your kayak is safe and sound. When spring rolls around, you won't waste a minute scrubbing—you'll be out on the water!
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