Inflatable kayaks have become very popular in recent years, as they are a great option for those who want the flexibility of a kayak but don’t have the storage space or transportation options for a traditional kayak. Inflatable boats can be deflated and easily transported in a small bag, making them ideal for camping trips and other outdoor excursions.
However, like all things, inflatable kayaks require some maintenance in order to keep them functioning properly. In this article, we will outline the steps necessary to clean an inflatable kayak.
What Needed to Clean an Inflatable Kayak
There are really only two major items that need to be obtained in order to clean an inflatable kayak. The first is a large bucket or tub, and the second is some kind of cleaning solution. For the larger item, you will want something that your kayak can fit inside, and for the cleaning solution, you will want a concentrated cleaner that is designed for inflatable material. This will help ensure that the cleaner is not too aggressive for your kayak, and thus cause damage to the material.
Steps Of Cleaning An Inflatable Kayak
Soak
The first step is to fill your bucket or tub with warm water, and then place your kayak inside of it. Make sure that the entire surface area is covered by the water, as you want to include any debris on the bottom of the kayak. If there are separate compartments within the kayak, you may want to turn the kayak on its side and fill those compartments with water as well. This will allow your cleaning solution to better penetrate all of the areas that need attention. After this, place a lid on top of the bucket or tub and leave it for 1-4 hours. The longer you soak, the easier your job will be. Soaking is also a good idea if you haven’t used your kayak in a while and want to ensure that it is thoroughly clean.
Clean
After the time has passed, you will need to remove your inflatable kayak from the bucket or tub and rinse all of the dirt and debris off of it using running water from a hose. If there are any areas that have been particularly saturated with water, you may want to do a second round of rinsing using a wet sponge or cloth to make sure all the dirt is removed. You should also use your towel or cloth to wipe down the exterior of the kayak, as this will remove any excess water.
Dry
Once it is clean, you want to make sure all of the water is removed from the kayak before storing or using it again. Using your dry towel or cloth, thoroughly dry off the entire surface area of your kayak, making sure that there are no areas that are still wet. You can also use a hairdryer, but make sure that use low heat and keep it at least 12” from the surface of the kayak.
Store
Once your inflatable kayak is completely dry, you will need to store it away in a safe location where it won’t be damaged or get dirty again before its next outing. It should be kept in a place that is cool and dry, away from sources of heat or moisture.
Does The Kayak Need To Be Inflated Or Deflated When Cleaning?
An inflatable kayak does not need to be in its inflated state in order for you to clean it, but it will make your job much easier if you are able to get inside of the kayak while it is fully inflated. You may find that the ideal tub or bucket has a circumference that doesn’t quite fit around your kayak when it is in the deflated state, but if you are careful you should be able to make it work. Remember that if your inflatable kayak has separate compartments within the kayak, these may have more dirt on them than the exterior of the kayak and will need to be cleaned as well.
How To Properly Deflate The Kayak?
It is very important not to wait too long after using your kayak to deflate it, as this will make the job much easier. It should be stored in an area where rain or moisture won’t get to it, but other than that you shouldn’t worry about storing it inflated. If there are any sharp objects nearby, however, you should make sure that it is inflated when you are cleaning to ensure that there won’t be any punctures.
Steps To Folding Inflatable Boat?
Once your inflatable kayak is clean and completely dry, you want to make sure that you fold it up so it doesn’t take up too much space when not in use. The process of folding an inflatable kayak is relatively simple, but there are a few tips that can help things go more smoothly:
- Make sure that the kayak is completely dry before folding it up.
- Close all of the air chambers so that you don’t accidentally pop a chamber while folding it up.
- It may help to have another person with you if possible, as this can be difficult to do solo.
- Fold each section one at a time, starting from the middle of the kayak and working your way out.
- The remaining length should be rolled up, but make sure that the final section is arranged properly to ensure you don’t damage your inflatable boat while storing it.
How to Storing Your Inflatable Kayak?
Once your inflatable kayak has been folded, it should be stored somewhere that is dry and free of debris. It shouldn’t be kept outside in the sun, as this can cause damage to the fabric or material of your kayak. There are a few methods you can use to store your inflatable boat:
- If possible, hang up your inflatable kayak from a hook instead of stacking it on top of other items.
- Don’t leave any sharp or pointed objects inside your kayak storage area, as this could damage the materials and make them unable to hold air properly.
- You should also make sure that your kayak is stored where rain and moisture won’t get to it, as water can damage the materials if it is left on for too long.
Inflatable Kayak Storage Bag
You can purchase a storage bag to keep your inflatable kayak protected while it is not in use, and this will make sure that nothing damages it while you are not around. There are a few different companies that produce these bags, but they all function the same way and allow you to fold your inflatable kayak into a neat little package that won’t take up a lot of space or be damaged.
What Happens if the Kayak Doesn’t Dry Before Storing?
If you inflate your kayak when there is still some water on it, this can cause mold to develop within the kayak. While this may not be a problem for your next trip out, you should make sure that wherever it is stored dry completely before you put it away. If there are any signs of mold or mildew growth, you should clean your inflatable kayak again to make sure there isn’t any damage, and let it dry before folding it up.
What Happens if the Kayak Doesn’t Clean Before Storing?
The same holds true for your inflatable kayak if you don’t clean it before rolling it up. There could be dirt and debris on the interior, and this can damage both the fabric and the valves over time. Before storing your inflatable kayak, always make sure that it is properly cleaned to avoid any damage or punctures.
What is the Best Way to Store an Inflatable Boat?
If you can, hanging your inflatable kayak up from a hook is the best way to store it. This will allow for airflow ensure that it stays dry and clean, and prevent any of the materials on the outside or inside of your kayak from getting damaged.
How Often Should I Clean My Inflatable Kayak?
Once every 3-4 months is a good rule of thumb for how often you should clean your inflatable kayak, but that can vary depending on how often it is being used. If you are using the kayak every weekend or more frequently, cleaning it should be done after every trip to avoid any buildup of dirt or other debris.
Do Inflatable Kayaks Get Moldy?
Yes, inflatable kayaks can get moldy if they are not stored properly and exposed to water or moisture. This is especially true for those who store their kayak in a damp or wet area. In addition, inflatable kayaks that have been used on the ocean may also become moldy if they are allowed to dry with salt on them.
It’s also possible to prevent mold on your inflatable kayak by wiping down the inside after each use. You can even put a small fan in the storage area of your kayak to keep it dry while you aren’t using it. Also, when you are storing your inflatable kayak after each use, ensure that it is completely dried out before rolling it up.
Is It OK To Leave The Inflatable Kayak Inflated?
It is OK to leave an inflatable kayak inflated if it is not in direct sunlight. However, this can cause some problems with mildew developing on the inside of your kayak, so you should try to deflate your kayak whenever possible. You should also avoid leaving an inflatable kayak inflated for more than a few days at a time, as this could cause the materials to stretch out and ultimately damage your kayak.
How Do You Clean The Floor Of an Inflatable Boat?
You can clean the floor of your inflatable boat with soap and water. If you are using an inflatable kayak or canoe, make sure to scrub out any rocks or twigs that could puncture the bottom of the boat after you clean it.
How Do I Dry Inflatable Kayak Material?
The best way to dry out inflatable kayak material is to lay it out in the sun. If you are keeping your inflatable kayak on shore, you can also put some fans around it. This will help air circulate throughout the material while drying it more quickly.
What Do You Use To Clean A Kayak?
You can use any soap or detergent to clean your kayak. You should avoid using bleach, however, as this could damage the material of your inflatable kayak. If you want to get rid of mold and mildew on your inflatable kayak, you can also use a solution of water and vinegar that has been mixed with a few drops of dishwashing liquid.
Are Inflatable Kayaks Difficult To Clean?
No, it is actually very easy to clean an inflatable kayak. All you need is soap and water. If your kayak has gotten wet or dirty, simply get it out of the water and hose it down with some soap and water. This will help remove any sand or dirt that may have gotten into the kayak.
Conclusion
Inflatable kayaks are a great way to enjoy the water, and there is likely one perfect for your needs. If you want to clean your inflatable kayak before storing it, follow the steps above so that you can have years of enjoyment from yours.