How To Clean Your Paddle Board

Keeping your board clean protects the material, prevents funk, and helps your gear last longer. You don’t need fancy supplies, just a toothbrush, a spray bottle of water (optional), paper towels, a Magic Eraser, and an electric toothbrush for stubborn spots (optional). Here’s a clear, repeatable process you can follow.

Materials:

• Spray bottle with water (optional, but handy) or just a bucket of water

• Paper towels

• Magic Eraser (melamine sponge)

• Regular toothbrush

• Electric toothbrush (optional — great for really dirty spots)

Prep:

• Lay your board on a soft, flat surface towel, grass, (or your living room carpet depending on how dirty your board is) with good light.

  • Can be inflated or deflated, it doesn’t matter

• Remove any accessories (leash, fins, mountable gear) so you can clean every area.

• Have your paper towels and tools within reach.

Step 1 : Clean the Outer Rim & Top Smooth Surface

• Lightly spray the outer rim and the smooth top surface of the board with water from your spray bottle. (If your outside you can spray the whole thing down with the hose and avoid the spray bottle all together)

• Work with the Magic Eraser: scrub the rim and the smooth top in small sections. The Magic Eraser is excellent at removing scuffs, dirt, and salt buildup.

• After scrubbing each section, wipe it dry with a paper towel to remove residue and lift away grime.

• Repeat until the rim and top smooth areas look clean.

Step 2: Clean the Foam (Deck Pad) Carefully

• Spray the foam/deck pad really well so it’s damp. The water helps loosen sand and grime.

• Use the regular toothbrush to scrub the foam in circular motions. Work methodically through the pad so you don’t miss spots.

• If you hit a stubborn patch, switch to the electric toothbrush for extra scrubbing power (use gently so you don’t damage the foam).

• Pat the foam dry with paper towels after scrubbing each area. Replace towels as they get saturated.

Step 3: Flip the Board & Clean the Bottom

• Carefully flip the board onto its back (use a towel or soft surface to avoid scratching).

• Work in sections: spray the area, scrub with the Magic Eraser, then wipe dry with paper towels.

• Pay attention to the fin box area, rails, and any textured sections — these collect grit and need a thorough wipe-down.

Step 4: Final Dry & Check

• Give the entire board one last wipe with a clean paper towel.

• Let the board dry completely in a shaded, ventilated place before packing, strapping, or storing it. Make sure to flip it over to make sure both sides are completely dry. Moisture trapped under straps or in a bag can cause mildew and damage.

• Once dry, reattach fins and accessories, and you’re ready to go (or store until next use).