How to clean a jet ski after salt water

Cleaning your jet ski will ensure it stays looking great and isn’t negatively impacted by salt water, sand, algae, and other debris.

In this guide, we discuss why cleaning your jet ski is important, how often you should do it, and provide a step-by-step cleaning guide. We’ll also look at whether you can use car wax on a jet ski.

Why is cleaning a jet ski important?

Cleaning a jet ski is an important part of keeping it well-maintained and ensuring its longevity. Salt water, algae, and debris can build up on the hull, engine, and other parts, leading to corrosion and blocked systems which can negatively impact the performance of your personal watercraft. Rinsing your jet ski with clean water (not salt water) immediately after you’ve used it helps prevent long-term damage and keeps everything working as it should.

Regularly giving your jet ski a thorough clean will keep it in great condition and provide the opportunity to check for signs of damage that may need addressing. Spotting and identifying these issues before they become major problems can save you money and ensure your ski is always ready to ride.

How often should you clean a jet ski?

You should clean your jet ski after every ride, especially if you've been in salt water. Salt can be harsh on your jet ski’s engine and other metal parts, causing corrosion over time. Even in freshwater, algae, dirt, and grime can build up and affect performance.

A quick rinse with clean water after each ride is a must, but a more thorough cleaning every month or so is a good idea if you ride regularly. This includes cleaning the engine, washing the hull, conditioning the seat, and polishing the paint. If you’re putting your jet ski into storage, perhaps over winter, give it a deep clean so there’s nothing that will damage it while it’s not in use.

What you need to clean a jet ski: Your essential checklist 

There are many products and items you’ll need to thoroughly clean your jet ski. Get these together before beginning the task so there’s nothing missing that could cause a delay.

• Hose or pressure washer
• Specialised engine cleaner
• pH-balanced car wash soap
• A medium and soft brush
• Leather conditioner
• Microfibre towel
• Polish
• Protective wax

Cleaning a jet ski: Step-by-step

Cleaning your jet ski regularly will ensure it remains in excellent condition and looks just as good as when you first bought it. Follow our step-by-step guide for the best results.

1. Rinse the exterior

Start by rinsing your jet ski with fresh water. Use a hose or pressure washer to clean off salt, sand, mud, and any other debris. Focus on the hull, underside, and around the intake grate as this is where dirt and grime can build up over time. If you've been riding your jet ski in salt water, this step is especially important as it will help to prevent corrosion.

2. Clean the engine

Clean your jet ski’s engine and any other mechanical parts using a specialised engine cleaner. This will make sure all moving parts continue to work correctly and won’t seize due to exposure to salt water and other potentially damaging debris.

3. Wash with soap

Fill a bucket with water and a pH-balanced car soap. Use a soft brush or microfibre cloth to wash the exterior of your jet ski. Clean the hull, deck, handlebars, mirrors, seat, and footwells. Avoid using abrasive brushes on painted surfaces as these can leave scratches. You could choose to use a medium brush on unpainted surfaces to remove stubborn build-up, but don’t be tempted to use this on the paintwork. 

4. Rinse thoroughly

Once you’ve washed your jet ski with soap, rinse it again with fresh water to remove any residue. Leftover soap can cause streaks or spots, which look unsightly.

5. Dry and inspect

Use a clean microfibre towel to dry the surface of your jet ski. This helps prevent water spots and gives you a chance to inspect the hull and other areas for damage. Don’t forget to dry around the seat, footwells, and storage compartments as these can be missed when focusing on the paintwork.

6. Polish the paintwork

Polish your jet ski’s paintwork using a machine polisher or by hand to get it looking its best. You may need to compound the paint first if it’s oxidised or in poor condition. 

7. Clean any storage compartments

Open the seat, glove box, and any other storage compartments and take out anything you’ve been keeping in there. Wipe the interiors with a damp cloth, ensuring you get into any awkward spaces. Make sure everything is completely dry before closing it back up to avoid mould or mildew. You could also apply a leather conditioner to the seat to keep it looking and feeling great.

8. Apply a protective wax

While applying a layer of protective wax to your jet ski is optional, it provides an extra layer of protection and will make your personal watercraft shine. Apply a marine-grade wax and use a soft cloth to buff it in small circular motions. This helps protect the paint from UV, water spots, and grime.

While you can use car wax on a jet ski, it won’t be as effective as using a marine-grade option which is specifically designed to protect against water and UV exposure.

9. Check moving parts

After cleaning your jet ski, check the steering nozzle, throttle, and other moving parts to ensure they’re all working as expected. You could choose to apply a water-resistant lubricant to prevent rust and keep parts moving smoothly.

10. Cover and store 

If you’re cleaning your jet ski before storing it, cover it with a breathable cover when it’s clean and completely dry. This will protect it from dust, UV, and moisture. Store it in a shaded or covered area if possible and look forward to riding your clean, well-maintained jet ski the next time you take it out.

Specialist jet ski insurance through GJW Direct

Now you know how to clean your jet ski, you may want to consider specialist jet ski insurance to financially protect yourself and your jet ski from theft, accidents, and liability. Get an instant online quote today.