Alternatives to Toxic Products For Cleaning Your Boat
Bleach Borax or hydrogen peroxide
Detergent & Soap Vegetable-or citrus-based soaps instead of petroleum-based soaps and detergents
Scouring Powders Baking soda
Floor Cleanser 1 cup of white vinegar in 2 gallons of water
Window Cleanser 1 cup of white vinegar in 1 quart of warm water, rinse and squeegee
General Cleanser Bicarbonate of soda and vinegar; lemon juice combined with borax paste
Head Cleaner Pour in baking soda and use brush
Shower Cleaner Wet surface, sprinkle on baking soda, and scrub
Aluminum Cleaner 2 tablespoons of cream tartar in 1 quart of hot water
Brass Cleaner Worcestershire sauce or paste made of equal parts salt, vinegar, and water
Copper Cleaner Lemon juice and salt
Chrome Cleaner/Polish Apple cider vinegar to clean/baby oil to polish
Fiberglass Stain Baking soda paste
Drain Opener Use boiling water and plumbers snake or disassemble; substances should not be used in a through-hull drain
Mildew Remover Paste using equal parts of either lemon juice and salt or vinegar and salt
Furntiture Polish 3 parts olive oil and 1 part white vinegar
Wood Polish Almond or olive oil (interior wood only)
Hand Cleaner Baby oil or margarine
source: "Managing Boat Wastes: A Guide for Hawai'i Boaters" by UH Sea Grant College Program; School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology; the Department of Health, Office of Solid Waste Management; the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation; and the Pollution Prevention Center for Islands