Surfboard Cleaning Tips: How to Clean a Surfboard

To clean your surfboard, rinse it with fresh water after each session to remove salt and sand. Use a soft cloth or sponge with mild soap for sticky residue or wax build-up. For deep cleaning, remove old wax with a wax comb and apply a board-specific cleaner. Always dry it thoroughly before storage to prevent damage.

Damage from improper cleaning can shorten a surfboard’s lifespan and affect its performance. Many surfers struggle with scrubbing too hard, using the wrong products, or leaving salt and sand to build up. The good news is that with the right techniques and a few simple tools, you can easily remove old wax, rinse away residue, and keep your board performing at its best. 

So, how exactly do you clean a surfboard without causing harm?

 

Why Clean Your Surfboard Regularly?

Cleaning your surfboard is more than just about keeping it looking good—it directly affects performance and lifespan. Here’s why it should be part of your regular surf routine:

 

Preventing Salt And Sand Damage

After every surf session, salt crystals and sand grains dry onto the board’s surface. Over time, this buildup can scratch the fibreglass, weaken the resin, and make small cracks worse. Rinsing off these particles keeps the board structure intact.

 

Maintaining Smooth Board Performance

A board coated in old wax, grime, or debris doesn’t glide properly. By cleaning it regularly, you keep the surface smooth, ensuring better speed, balance, and manoeuvrability in the water.

 

Avoiding Yellowing And Delamination

UV rays and leftover saltwater speed up yellowing and can separate the fibreglass from the foam core, a process called delamination. Regular cleaning paired with storing your board in the shade or a bag reduces this risk significantly.

 

Improving appearance and durability

A clean surfboard looks fresh and professional, but more importantly, it lasts longer. By removing dirt, wax, and buildup, you’re essentially extending the life of the board, saving money on repairs or replacements.

 

Essential Tools for Cleaning Your Surfboard

Proper cleaning starts with having the right tools on hand. Using the correct items ensures your surfboard stays in top condition without causing scratches or damage. A good surfboard cleaner can make the process even easier and more effective. Here’s what you need:

• Wax Comb – Removes old wax buildup with gentle scraping, keeping the surface smooth and grippy.
• Soft Sponge or Cloth – Cleans dirt, salt, and residue without scratching the finish.
• Mild Detergent – A few drops of biodegradable soap help remove stains and sticky residue safely.
• Fresh Water – Rinse after every surf to prevent salt and sand damage, preserving performance.
• Dry Towel – Wipe thoroughly to avoid water spots, mould, and long-term moisture damage.

 

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Clean a Surfboard?

Here are the steps on how to clean a surfboard:

 

Step 1: Rinse off saltwater, sand, and debris with fresh water

Start by rinsing your surfboard with clean, fresh water. This removes surface-level salt, sand, and dirt that can scratch or weaken the board if left behind. Using a gentle stream instead of high pressure helps protect the board’s finish. 

For an even more effective clean, you can use The Clean Fin, a tool designed to make rinsing and maintaining your board quick and hassle-free. It ensures every part of your board, especially the fin area where grime often collects, gets the attention it needs.

 

Step 2: Remove old wax using a wax comb and softening method

Old wax can trap dirt and affect grip. When taking wax off a surfboard or removing surf wax, leave your board in the sun for a few minutes or use a hairdryer on low heat to soften the wax. Once softened, scrape it away with a wax comb in smooth strokes, taking care not to damage the board’s surface.

For an even smoother routine, consider keeping your tools organized in The Wax Box. It’s a handy storage solution designed for wax, combs, and other small surf essentials, so you’re never scrambling for the right gear when it’s time to clean or reapply.

 

Step 3: Clean the board surface with a sponge and mild soap

Mix a few drops of biodegradable detergent or gentle dish soap with water. Use a soft sponge or microfiber cloth to wipe the surface, removing any remaining residue, oils, or stains. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers, as these can weaken or scratch the board.

 

Step 4: Rinse thoroughly to remove all residue

Once you’ve cleaned the board, rinse it again with fresh water. This step ensures no soap, sand, or leftover wax remains, leaving the surface smooth and ready for a fresh coat of wax if needed.

 

Step 5: Dry with a towel and let air-dry before storage

Use a dry towel to wipe away excess water, paying attention to crevices around the fins. Then, allow the board to air-dry completely before storing it. Proper drying prevents mould, mildew, and moisture-related damage, keeping your surfboard in top condition for longer.

 

Deep Cleaning & Stubborn Marks

Even with regular rinsing, boards can collect tar, sunscreen stains, or oil spots. These marks not only look bad but can also damage the surface if left untreated.

• Tar: Apply coconut oil, mineral oil, or a natural tar remover. Wipe gently with a soft cloth.
• Sunscreen stains: Use mild, eco-friendly soap with warm water and a sponge.
• Oil spots: A paste of baking soda and water works as a natural scrub.
• Eco-friendly products: Avoid harsh chemicals that strip fibreglass and harm the ocean. Stick with biodegradable soaps and natural oils.

Sanding or polish (last resort): For stubborn marks, use very fine sandpaper or polish sparingly. Sand lightly and follow with polish to restore the finish.

 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When cleaning a surfboard, small errors can shorten its lifespan or affect performance. Here are the main mistakes to watch out for:

 

Using harsh chemicals

Bleach, acetone, or strong solvents may seem effective but they break down fibreglass and resin. This weakens the board’s structure and can cause discolouration. Always stick with mild, biodegradable cleaners.

 

Scrubbing with abrasive pads

Steel wool or rough scouring pads can leave scratches on the surface. These scratches collect dirt and wax, making the board harder to clean in the future. Use a soft sponge or cloth instead.

 

Storing the board wet or in direct sunlight

After cleaning, many surfers leave boards to dry in the sun. This can cause yellowing, warping, or delamination over time. Instead, dry with a towel and store in a shaded, ventilated area. Using a surfboard from our Freestanding & Wall-Mounted Board Racks Collection helps keep your board off the ground, prevents pressure dings, and keeps your storage space organized.

By avoiding these mistakes, you keep your surfboard cleaner for longer and ensure it stays reliable in the water.

 

Long-Term Care After Cleaning

Taking care of your surfboard doesn’t end once it’s clean. Consistent upkeep protects it from damage, helps it perform better, and extends its lifespan. Here are a few surfboard maintenance tips to follow for long-term care.

 

Reapply surf wax correctly

After cleaning and stripping old wax, apply a fresh, even layer of wax. This improves grip and makes paddling and manoeuvring easier. Using the right wax for your water temperature also helps it last longer.

 

Store the board in a board bag

A quality board bag shields your surfboard from scratches, dings, and harmful UV rays. It’s especially important if you’re transporting the board frequently or leaving it in a sunny spot.

 

Rinse after every surf

Salt and sand may seem harmless but they gradually eat away at the board’s surface and hardware. A quick rinse with fresh water after each session prevents build-up and keeps the board in top condition.

 

Schedule occasional deep cleans

Over time, wax, grime, and small marks accumulate even with regular rinsing. Doing a deep clean every few months restores the board’s look and helps you spot any early signs of cracks or damage before they get worse.

With these habits, your surfboard stays ready for the waves and holds up season after season.

 

LISS: Your Partner in Surfboard Care and Storage

Regular surfboard cleaning protects performance and durability. Rinse off salt and sand, remove old wax, and tackle stubborn marks to keep your board smooth and reliable. Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive scrubbing, and sun exposure, and store boards in bags or on racks. Reapply wax and do occasional deep cleans to extend lifespan, keeping your surfboard ready to perform and letting you enjoy the waves with confidence.

At Living in Sunshine, we help you keep your surfboard ready for the waves with top-quality surf gear and sturdy surfboard racks to protect and organize your boards. You can get in touch by calling or chatting with us at contact@livinginsunshine.com. For US enquiries, reach us at +1 (269) 533-7127 on weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM, and for global enquiries, call +1 (310) 526-3384. 

 

FAQs

How often should you clean a surfboard?

Rinse your surfboard with fresh water after every session to remove salt and sand. Perform a deeper clean every few months to remove wax buildup and stubborn residue.

 

What is the safest way to remove surf wax?

Soften the wax by leaving your board in the sun briefly or using low heat from a hairdryer. Then scrape it off gently with a wax comb to avoid damaging the surface.

 

Can you use household cleaners on a surfboard?

No, harsh chemicals can damage the fibreglass and resin. Use mild, biodegradable soaps to safely clean your board without harming it.

 

How do you prevent yellowing on a surfboard?

Rinse off salt and sand after every surf session to protect the surface. Store your board out of direct sunlight or in a board bag to reduce UV exposure.