Most people overcomplicate how to clean EVA foam boat pads. Here's the honest answer: AquaGrip PE/EVA foam is built to get dirty and clean up fast. That's part of the reason I use the material I use.
What the Foam Is Made Of (and Why It Matters)
AquaGrip uses a PE/EVA blend foam — not straight EVA like a lot of foam products on the market. That distinction matters when it comes to cleaning and long-term performance.
PE/EVA blend is significantly more resistant to staining and UV damage than standard EVA. It's also higher density, which means it holds up better under foot traffic, fish slime, sunscreen, and whatever else ends up on your deck. You're not going to compress it flat after a season or two.
The short version: it was designed for the marine environment, so cleaning it isn't a fight.
The Basic Clean
For everyday salt, dirt, and grime:
A good marine soap, warm water, and a soft-bristle brush will handle 95% of what ends up on the foam. Boat soap and water.
A quick washdown after every trip is the best habit you can build.
For Stubborn Stains
Fish blood, bait, sunscreen, and rubber marks are the usual suspects. For those:
- Fish blood — don't let it dry. If you're still out on the water, hit it with the washdown hose or a bucket of water right away. Back at the dock, boat soap and a brush handles it.
- Sunscreen and oil — Dawn dish soap works great here too. Apply it directly, let it sit for a minute, scrub with the grain of the foam texture, and rinse.
- Rubber marks from shoes or gear — a little rubbing alcohol on a rag usually handles it. Use a white rag — a colored rag can bleed with the alcohol and leave its own mark.
Avoid bleach. It'll break down the foam over time and fade the color. There are better options that work without the damage.
Can You Power Wash It?
Yes. Use a 20-degree tip or wider fan — nothing narrower. Keep the nozzle about 4–5 inches from the surface and keep it moving. Don't hold it in one spot.
This is one of the advantages of a high-density PE/EVA blend over lower-grade foam — it won't delaminate or break down under a pressure washer the way cheaper materials do.
What to Avoid
- Bleach or chlorine-based cleaners — degrades the foam and fades color
- Acetone or harsh solvents — will damage the surface
- Abrasive scrub pads — stick with a soft-bristle brush, not a metal scrubber
UV and Long-Term Care
One of the reasons I spec PE/EVA blend is the UV resistance. It holds color better and doesn't break down as fast in direct sun as standard EVA. The material doesn't need to be treated with any aftermarket products — it's built to handle the sun on its own.
Bottom Line
Rinse it after use. Scrub it with soap and water when it needs it. Power wash it if you want. The material was built for this — cleaning it shouldn't be a production.
Looking to upgrade your boat's foam? Shop our helm pads, coaming bolsters, and fish rulers — CNC-cut in Connecticut, ships nationwide.
— James
AquaGrip CT | 203-580-8080 | aquagripct.com