Six Tips to Interior Yacht Detailing

Tip one: Eliminate all dust

Before detail cleaning any of the interior spaces aboard, it makes sense to first start with a thorough dusting. use a vacuum cleaner or dust vac to remove any and all dust from the ceilings, bulkheads, partitions, windows, floors, furniture and beyond. A soft lint brush or ‘magic brush’ may also be used to remove dust particles. Don’t forget the tops of the doors!

Tip two: Wipe down all surfaces

Once all the dusting and vacuuming has been done, the process is typically repeated with a damp microfibre cloth and vinegar solution, depending on the type of décor or surface, collecting up any remaining dust and refreshing the surfaces.

Wipe down the cabins, starting at the top and working your way down. Begin with the deck heads, light fittings, bulkheads and any materials on the wall, then clean down the glass and window coverings. Drop down the blinds and pull the curtains closed. This way you will be able to clean the material well, and at the same time, you can check it is all in working order.

Next move to the cupboards and drawers, working down to the flooring. As you go, make sure all lights and fittings around the cabin are working properly and that any bulbs that need replacing are done so. All electrical items should also be checked, cleaned and in working order.

Tip three: Get to the finer detailing

It’s when you get down to this third clean that you really start to notice that you are aboard such an expensive and beautiful vessel. You will be expected to clean even the smallest of interior details, such as the grooves in the joinery, handles, screws, switches, and fastenings. You will also bend, stretch and fit into spaces you never expected to fit. Step three is where you will need toothpicks, cotton balls, and toothbrushes!

Tip four: Getting under the floorboards

Given the glamour of the luxury and superyacht industry, many don’t realize that cleaning will even is expected to the underneath of floorboards when detailing a boat/yacht’s interior.

You must generally clean out the bilges under the yacht’s flooring, not only for good housekeeping but for additional storage space. Stagnant water and grime can collect in the bilges, and you must give these oddly shaped spaces a good clean before storing bedding, tableware, stationery and more in well-sealed vacuum-pack bags.

Be sure not to overfill the bilges with vacuum bags, as this makes for uneven and dangerous flooring! It’s “art” getting everything to fit and can certainly take several frustrating attempts! A Professional Organizer will be able to help you organize the bilges on board.

Tip five: Restocking the yacht

Part of detailing the yacht involves restocking the boat/yacht for guests and crew. While detail cleaning is a great time to refill guest compendiums and bathrooms, as well as the laundry, bar, condiments, etc. so that everything is in the rightful place when normal business resumes. The galley, crew mess and crew cabins will also have to be tackled as part of the detail clean.

Tip six: Final checks

No detailing task is complete until the chief steward or captain of the vessel has taken a look over every cabin on board, with each responsibility expected to have been taken care of.

When checking the cabins for cleanliness, I always like to sit on the floor, at the desk or on the bed. This way you will get a clear perspective of what the guest will see.

Glass and mirrors are probably the least favorite and most troublesome items for the interior detail cleaning. These streaks are simply annoying, and just when you think you have them all, the sun changes direction and you see more from the different angle. My advice here is to do a good clean with soft soap. Dry the glass surface well with a soft, lint-free cloth, then do any polishing after that. I recommend using Microsoft clothes which are better than the terrycloth which leaves dust and lint behind.

And remember, you should never have to use harsh cleaning solutions or chemicals on the fine and very expensive interior materials. Wherever possible, do use minimal cleaning products, or adopt a green-only policy on board.

Peace Harmony & Happy Boating!

XO Cheryl

Contact me to schedule a complimentary boat/yacht detail cleaning consultation today! (860)961.6824 or  cchomeconcierge@gmail.com