How to Clean Your Kayak and Prevent Invasive Species

Keeping your kayak clean and in tip-top condition is important to protect its longevity, but it’s also important to respect nature.

2022-08-25

Updated December 17, 2025

Keeping your kayak clean and in tip-top condition is not only important to protect its longevity, but it’s also an important practice to prevent the spreading of aquatic invasive species.

Paddling while respecting nature means taking concrete steps to reduce the environmental impact of your activity. Whether you kayak on lakes, rivers, or coastal waters, your watercraft can unintentionally contribute to the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS). That’s why proper kayak cleaning isn’t just good maintenance — it’s an essential environmental responsibility.

What Are Aquatic Invasive Species?

Aquatic invasive species are plants, animals, microorganisms, or diseases introduced into an environment outside their natural range. Once established, these species can:

  • Degrade natural habitats
  • Disrupt ecosystems and native wildlife
  • Impact recreational activities and local economies
  • Affect water quality and human safety

Examples include invasive plants, mussels, fish species, and harmful microorganisms that attach themselves to boats and equipment.

How Kayakers Can Spread Invasive Species

Kayaks and other small watercraft can easily transport invasive species from one body of water to another. Mud, water, plants, or organisms can cling to hulls, drain plugs, footrests, gear tracks, and storage compartments.

Because kayaks are lightweight and easy to transport over long distances, they pose a higher risk of unintentionally moving invasive species between waterways —especially when paddling in multiple locations over a short period of time.

How to Clean Your Kayak

The CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY Method

(Essential After Every Paddle)

The most effective way to stop the spread of invasive species is by following the CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY protocol every time you leave the water.

⚠️ Important: In some U.S. states and Canadian provinces, it is illegal to transport a watercraft with drain plugs installed or with standing water onboard.

Blue Pelican Boracay NXT 10.4 Inflatable Recreational Paddle Board
  1. CLEAN
    1. Remove all visible plants, animals, and mud from:
      1. Your kayak hull
      2. Cockpit and footwells
      3. Paddle, PFD, anchor lines, and accessories
  2. DRAIN
    1. Drain all water from your kayak and equipment on land, including:
      1. Internal compartments
      2. Ballast tanks
      3. Livewells
      4. Any removable plugs
  3. DRY
    1. Allow your kayak and gear to dry completely. Make sure no moisture remains, especially in seams, compartments, or rigging.

How to Deep Clean Your Kayak at Home

After completing the CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY steps, you can do a more thorough cleaning at home to maintain your kayak’s performance and longevity.

Supplies You’ll Need

  • Two towels (one for scrubbing, one for drying)
  • A bucket of lukewarm water
  • Mild, all-purpose soap
  • Garden hose with fresh water

Avoid harsh abrasives or chemicals that could damage the hull.

Blue Kliin Cleaning Cloth for Watercraft

Step-by-Step Deep Cleaning

  1. Rinse your kayak thoroughly with fresh water.
  2. Mix mild soap with lukewarm water in a bucket.
  3. Use a towel to gently scrub the hull and key contact areas.
  4. Rinse completely to remove all soap residue.
  5. Dry the kayak thoroughly with a clean towel.
Blue Pelican Boracay Inflatable Recreational Paddle Board

Why Kayak Cleaning Matters

Cleaning boats and equipment remains the most effective defense against invasive species. By taking a few extra minutes after each outing, you help protect:

  • Local ecosystems
  • Water quality
  • Wildlife habitats
  • Future paddling destinations

Responsible paddling ensures that healthy waterways remain healthy—for everyone.

Paddle Smart. Paddle Clean. Paddle Responsibly.

Respecting nature starts with simple habits. Whether you paddle occasionally or explore new waterways regularly, cleaning your kayak is one of the most impactful actions you can take as a paddler.

By following these best practices, you’re helping preserve the environments that make paddling possible in the first place.

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