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. Aquatic invasive species (AIS) include non-native plants, fish, invertebrates and diseases that negatively impact the environment, economy, and recreation along with human health and safety. Boats and other watercraft, including kayaks, easily carry invasive species from one body of water to another. Kayaks in particular are easy to transport over long distances, potentially visiting contaminated, or contaminating, waters along the way. So it’s super important that you know how to properly clean your kayak.
Pelican has partnered with Canadian company KLIIN to help you to protect your kayak and the environment in an eco-friendly way. Made from 100% natural fibres and compostable — KLIIN’s strong reusable towels are a great alternative to traditional landfill-destined paper towels and microfibre cloths that shed microplastics, harming ecosystems and marine life. One KLIIN towel can also replace up to 17 regular paper towel rolls! You can wash it up to 300 times without losing its impressive absorbing power. Bonus: all their packaging is also eco-responsible.
HOW TO CLEAN YOUR KAYAK: PART ONE
Cleaning your kayak is a two-part process. This first part is critical to protect the environment from invasive species. To do your part in preventing the spread of harmful aquatic invasive species, follow the CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY protocol once you’re done paddling for the day.
1. Clean off all plants, animals and mud from your kayak and gear.
2. Drain all water from your kayak and gear onto land. This includes all internal compartments, ballast tanks, live wells, etc. Pull all plugs — it is illegal to transport a plugged watercraft in some Canadian provinces and US states.
3. Dry all parts of your kayak and gear completely, making sure no water is left standing. Use a KLIIN towel for hard to dry areas.
HOW TO CLEAN YOUR KAYAK: PART TWO
Once you’ve completed the CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY protocol and brought your kayak home, you can opt to do a deeper clean. Thankfully, Pelican watercrafts are designed to require minimal maintenance so it doesn’t take much to clean your kayak. Here’s a brief list of supplies that come in handy when maintaining your kayak.
1. Two KLIIN towels, one to give your kayak a good scrub and another to dry off your kayak after the final rinse.
2. A bucket of lukewarm water.
3. An all-purpose mild soap.
4. A garden hose and fresh water supply.
* Avoid using harsh abrasives to prevent damaging the hull.
Once you’ve got your supplies, it’s time to clean your kayak! Start by giving your watercraft a good rinse with fresh water. Next, grab a bucket and fill it with lukewarm water and add your mild all-purpose soap. Now, it’s time for a bit of elbow grease — roll up your sleeves and submerge a KLIIN towel into the soapy bucket and start giving your kayak a good scrub. Once you’re done scrubbing, you’ll want to thoroughly rinse your kayak one last time making sure there’s no soapy residue left on the hull. The final step is to wipe down the hull with your second KLIIN towel.
CARING FOR YOUR KLIIN AFTER CARING FOR YOUR KAYAK
Once you’re done caring for your kayak, you can wash your Kliin towel in either your dishwasher or washing machine. Leave it flat to dry, no tumble drying! To kill bacteria, you can microwave your damp KLIIN for two minutes. Make sure to allow it to cool before handling as it will be extremely hot. You can also add a few drops of bleach for an even deeper KLIIN.
After having kept your kayak spotless throughout the season, you can simply throw your KLIIN in the compost. After only 28 days, it will turn into fertilizer that you can use in your garden, flower beds and more.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Collaboration Kliin - Small Reusable and Compostable Towel
Our COLLABS created by KLIIN will brighten up your home with a splash of colour and fun, lights, eye-catching prints while blending perfectly with the rest of your decor. At Pelican, we work closely together with companies sharing the same environmental values. This new collection in partnership with Kliin made sense as it was particularly meaningful. Practical, beautiful and above all, all-purpose conveniences that will accompany you in your daily adventures! Who said reusable cloths were only for the kitchen? Why not give it a try for keeping your outdoor equipment clean KLIIN!
Shop the Small Reusable and Compostable Collaboration Kliin Towels