Products used to clean boats often contain harmful ingredients, which are used out of habit rather than necessity. Often chlorine, phosphates and ammonia are used to wash decks and hulls of boats. These products can damage human and fish tissue. There are "green" alternatives to these and other harsh chemicals, that is, products that are less harmful to you or the environment. Baking soda, vinegar and lemon juice are far less harmful than bleaches, scouring powders, or detergents. Try these safer, non-toxic cleaning alternatives:

Traditional Product	Try this Alternative
Bleach	Borax or hydrogen peroxide
Detergent of Soap	Non-toxic, biodegradable soap with elbow grease
Scouring Powders	Baking soda
Floor Cleaner	One cup white vinegar in two gallons of water
Window Cleaner	One capful of vinegar in one-quart warm water
General Cleaner	Bicarbonate of soda and vinegar, or lemon juice combined with natural enzymes
Shower Cleaner	Wet surface, sprinkle on baking soda, rub surface with scouring cloth
Aluminum Cleaner	Two tablespoons cream of tartar to one-quart hot water
Brass Cleaner	Worcestershire sauce or paste of equal parts salt, vinegar and water
Copper Cleaner	Lemon juice and salt
Chrome Cleaner	Apple cider vinegar to clean and baby oil to polish
Fiberglass Stain  Remover	Baking soda paste
Drain Opener	Disassemble or use plumber's snake; don't use harmful substances in a thru-hull drain; flush weekly with boiling water
Mildew Remover	Paste using equal parts lemon juice and salt, or vinegar and salt
Wood Polish	Three parts olive oil to one part vinegar; almond or olive oil (interior unvarnished wood only)
Hand Cleaner	Baby oil or margarine, then clean with soap and water

• Purchase the least toxic product available to do the job.
• When cleaning, try water and a little elbow grease first.
• Look for the words "phosphate-free," "biodegradable," "environmentally friendly," or "green" on the product label.
• Try not to use products that say "poison" or have "danger" warnings.
• Request biodegradable and non-toxic boat maintenance products from your marina or marine supply store.