How to clean your inflatable paddleboard?

As part of the maintenance of paddle boards, proper cleaning after use and before storing is important. In this guide, we will explain step by step how to clean your inflatable paddle board and answer all your questions regarding the basic care of the paddle board and its accessories.

How to clean your inflatable paddle board step by step

Whether your vacation is over or you simply are not going to use it for an extended period, you should clean your inflatable paddle board before storing it to prevent damage. Keep in mind that the board has been in contact with water, so there will be traces of moisture, salt, and sand. And all these elements can end up affecting its integrity.

To wash your paddle board, you have to follow a few simple steps that we will explain below. This entire process is part of the essential maintenance of any paddle board.

1. Prepare the cleaning materials

Before starting the cleaning process, choose the location where you will carry out this task. We recommend a shady place or one that is covered, to prevent sunlight from drying the surface of the board while you apply the soap, or from accelerating the drying process after rinsing. Additionally, it's important to have a water source nearby to change the water before rinsing.

Next, gather all the materials you might need. Keep in mind that this is cleaning equipment that you can find around the house. The materials include:

• Hot water for rinsing and washing
• Soft-bristled brush for applying soap
• Soft-bristled brush for less accessible areas
• Neutral detergent or cleaning soap
• Microfiber cloths for final drying

As for the position in which you should place the board for cleaning, the most effective way is to use sawhorses. This way, the board will be secure and off the ground. If you don't have sawhorses, you can lean it against the wall, although you'll have to watch out for any risk of it falling.

2. Rinse and apply the soap

The second phase in cleaning your paddle board includes the initial rinse and soap application. Rinsing the board will help you remove larger debris and anything that is easier to eliminate.

Keep in mind that hot water softens dirt, making it easier to remove more encrusted debris. Use the soft-bristled brush, but at this point, avoid scrubbing forcefully to prevent damage to the board's surface.

The choice of soap is important, as some include compounds that can be abrasive to the SUP. Therefore, it is best to use natural detergents or neutral soaps, which will help remove dirt, decontaminate the surface, and keep your board looking like new.

With the damp brush, apply soap to the surface. Brush gently to avoid damaging the board and use the small brush to reach those hard-to-reach places, such as the inflation valve area, the mobile phone holder, or the fin boxes.

We advise you to dedicate the necessary time to applying the soap. This way, you will completely remove any embedded dirt and get a better result.

3. Rinsing and drying

Once you have completely soaped the board, it is time to rinse it. Use warm water to remove soap residue, and once it is completely rinsed, check that all dirt, marks, and sand have been removed. If any area persists, repeat the soaping and brushing step.

To dry the board, you can use microfiber cloths. Use as many as necessary. The goal is to remove as much water as possible, thus eliminating any chance of moisture remaining and mold generating once you store the board in the backpack.

Complete the drying process by leaving the board in the air for a few days. Avoid exposing it directly to sunlight and do not use hot air. You can use a hair dryer with cold air or pressurized air to extract any remaining water that may be in the less accessible areas.

Finally, check that it is completely dry before storing your paddle board.

4. Don't forget the accessories

Accessories are also part of the process of how to clean your paddle surf board. You can clean them with the same materials described above, so we advise you to wash them at the same time as the board. 

Remember that accessories, like the paddle board, have been designed for use in the water, so they will not be damaged if you clean them with hot water, a soft-bristled brush, and neutral soap.

It is important that the accessories, like the board, are dried correctly after cleaning to prevent moisture that could cause corrosion, stains, or mold.

Daily maintenance: how to rinse your paddle surf board

We have already seen how to clean your inflatable paddle surf board through a process that is usually carried out before storing it for a long period. But, as part of the daily maintenance of the paddle surf board, there are other aspects to consider. One of them is what is known as rinsing the paddle surf board.

This process consists of removing salt water residue from the board and accessories to prevent corrosion of the metal parts or damage to the surfaces and finishes. To do this, simply rinse all surfaces with fresh water, paying special attention to those places where salt or sand could remain.

Unlike the previous cleaning, rinsing is recommended after each use. If you surf with your board daily, you can do it at the end of each day. If this is not possible, it is advisable to do it at least 2-3 times a week.

Frequently asked questions about care, maintenance and cleaning

How do you clean a paddle board?

To clean your paddle board, simply follow these steps:

1. Prepare warm water, a soft-bristled brush and small brush, mild detergent or soap, and microfiber cloths.
2. Place the board on trestles and position it in a shaded area.
3. Rinse with warm water to remove larger debris.
4. Use the brush and small brush to apply soap to the surface and hard-to-reach areas.
5. Rinse with warm water until all soap is completely removed.
6. Dry the board with microfiber cloths and leave it in the air for a few days to dry completely before storing it.

What should I use to clean my paddle board?

The materials to use are a soft-bristled brush and small brush, and mild detergent or soap. Avoid hard brushes that can damage the surface of the board, as well as soaps that include abrasive compounds.

How to dry a paddle board?

The first step to drying a paddle board is to use microfiber cloths that absorb most of the water. Before storing the board, it is advisable to leave it in the air for a few days to finish drying. Do not place it in a place where the sun shines directly on it. Try to keep it in a cool, well-ventilated place.

How can I preserve my paddle board?

To maintain an inflatable paddle surf board, it is recommended not to exceed the maximum inflation pressure of 15 PSI, avoid exposing the board to direct sunlight for extended periods, rinse it with fresh water after each use, try not to hit the fins against the bottom or during transport, avoid unnecessary drops and impacts, dry it thoroughly before storing it in the backpack, and avoid dragging it during transport.

Is it necessary to wax a paddle surf board?

Paddle surf boards, unlike surfboards, do not need waxing as part of their maintenance. Nevertheless, it is important to periodically check the condition of the board, looking for possible damage, defects, or even air leaks. Here is a guide on how to fix a puncture in a paddle surf board.

What happens if water gets inside the inflatable paddle surf board?

If water gets inside the inflatable paddle surf board, remove the valve with the wrench and completely deflate the board. Then, remove all the water and dry it carefully with a hair dryer using cool air before replacing the valve. Make sure there is no moisture left inside to keep your board in perfect condition.

If you want to know how to transport the paddle surf board in the car or prefer to find out which paddle surf board to buy, here are some practical tips. Discover more content on our social networks.

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