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Best Practice Advice

To stop harmful cleaning products from entering the water from your boat, just follow our best practice advice.

Choose more environmentally sensitive products, avoiding chlorine and bleach which are toxic to flora and fauna, and phosphates which encourage algal growth
Check out The Green Directory to find greener boat cleaning products
When cleaning your boat on the water it is recommended that you use fresh water only
Minimise the use of soaps and detergents used in onboard sinks, showers, and washing machines
If using a washing machine onboard, switch to a detergent free wash ball, or use less ecologically damaging washing powders
Waxing your hull keeps you fuel efficient and reduces the need for cleaning products over the season
Avoid spreading invasive species by thoroughly scrubbing your dinghy, trailer and other possibly contaminated items such as anchors, before leaving the area This is especially important in areas where problem species have been identified
Find out where invasive non native hotspot areas are at http://www.nonnativespecies.org/
Report sightings of invasive species to the Environment agency 0800 807060

Resources	Green Guide to Coastal Boating Green Guide to Inland Boating The Green Boat Checklist Alternative Cleaning Products

Factsheets	Cleaning and Maintenance

Usefull Links Eco Shopping for boats	The Green Directory The Canny Buyer Defra Consumer Pod Defra Shoppers Guide