Shipboard cleaning is one of the most demanding and essential parts of vessel maintenance. From oil-stained decks to carbon buildup in the engine room, marine environments test even the toughest cleaning systems. Choosing the right marine cleaning products isn’t just about efficiency, it’s about safety, compliance, and protecting the long-term condition of your equipment.
This guide outlines a proven workflow for efficient ship cleaning using Unitor products, including Aquatuff, Metal Brite HD, and Coldwash HD, all of which are available through Offshore Supply’s Unitor cleaning range.
Preparing for Cleaning Operations
A well-organised cleaning workflow starts before the first brush touches the surface. Preparation not only improves results but also keeps the crew safe and reduces waste.
Safety checklist:
- Ensure proper PPE (gloves, goggles, respirators where needed).
- Check for good ventilation, especially in enclosed areas.
- Set up spill control and containment for waste disposal.
Before selecting a cleaner, assess the type of contamination: oil, carbon, rust, or grease. Each surface and residue type requires a specific Unitor solution for best results:
- Unitor Aquatuff: A heavy-duty water-based alkaline cleaner ideal for removing grease, waxes, oil, sludge, soot, and carbon deposits.
- Unitor Metal Brite HD: A powerful acid-based cleaner for rust, tarnish, and oxidation on metal surfaces.
- Unitor Coldwash HD: A solvent-based degreaser designed for bilges, machinery parts, and tools, especially where hot water is unavailable.
- Unitor HP Wash: A higher-pressure alkaline cleaner ideal for deck, hull and engine room cleaning where stubborn dirt or residues require strong water-jet aid.
- Unitor Enviroclean: A biodegradable, low-toxicity cleaner designed for eco-conscious cleaning operations where environmental compliance and crew safety are top priorities.
By matching the product to the contamination, you’ll achieve faster cleaning, lower consumption, and better protection of coated surfaces.
Removing Heavy Oil and Carbon Deposits
Where to use: Engine rooms, fuel tanks, and deck areas affected by oil or soot.
Application:
- Dilute Unitor Aquatuff with water according to the level of contamination. For heavy deposits, use a stronger mix.
- Apply by brush, spray, or through a cleaning system.
- Allow 15-30 minutes of contact time
- Rinse thoroughly with fresh or seawater
Efficiency tip: When possible, use heated water to enhance cleaning performance and reduce the need for multiple applications. Unitor Aquatuff’s biodegradable, MARPOL-compliant formulation makes it suitable for regular maintenance without harming marine coatings or equipment.
Rust and Tarnish Removal
Where to use: Corroded metal areas, deck fittings, tanks, or weathered equipment
Application:
- Apply Unitor Metal Brite HD or Metal Brite HD to affected areas using a brush or spray.
- Allow a short dwell time, watch carefully to prevent pitting or over-etching
- Neutralise with water once the rust is dissolved
- Rinse thoroughly to remove all residues
Pro tip: Use Metal Brite for general rust removal and Metal Brite HD for heavier corrosion or scale build-up. Both are safe on most metals when applied as directed. Using these products regularly as part of your maintenance cycle helps preserve metal integrity and reduces the need for costly repairs or re-coating.
Cold Degreasing Operations
In situations where hot water isn’t available, such as remote operations or rapid maintenance tasks, Unitor Coldwash HD is the go-to solution.
Idea for: Machinery components, engine parts, and tools.
Application:
- Apply directly to greasy or oily surfaces by soaking, brushing or wiping.
- Allow sufficient contact time to lift contaminants.
- Rinse or wipe clean.
This heavy-duty degreaser is effective even at ambient temperatures, saving energy and time. It’s also safe on most metal surfaces and is designed for bilge cleaning, where oil and fuel residues are commonly found. Always ensure surfaces are fully rinsed to prevent slip hazards.
Eco-Friendly Deck and Surface Cleaning
Where to use: Decks, hulls, bulkheads, and other external surfaces.
Application:
- Dilute Unitor Enviroclean with water and apply using a mop, brush, or foam applicator.
- Leave to act for several minutes to loosen dirt and residue.
- Rinse with Unitor HP Wash or freshwater.
Unitor Enviroclean offers a non-toxic, biodegradable solution for routine cleaning, aligning with MARPOL Annex V and modern environments or ports with strict discharge requirements.
High Pressure Cleaning for Heavy Soiling
Where to use: Decks, hulls, cargo holds, and engine room floors.
Application:
- Connect Unitor HP Wash to high-pressure cleaning equipment.
- Apply directly to surfaces coated with heavy grime or cargo residues.
- Rinse thoroughly once contaminants are dislodged.
Combining HP Wash with other Unitor products such as Aquatuff or Enviroclean enhances cleaning performance and reduces manual labour. It’s ideal for periodic deep cleans or pre-inspection preparations.
Aftercare and Maintenance
Once cleaning is complete, make sure to inspect all treated areas for residues or corrosion spots. Clean surfaces may need lubrication, protective coatings, or anti-corrosion treatments to support their condition. Offshore Supply stocks a wide range of Unitor corrosion inhibitors and water treatment solutions that complement cleaning operations, helping keep efficiency and equipment longevity.
Dispose of all waste responsibly and in compliance with MARPOL Annex V. Proper disposal safeguards marine ecosystems and shows best environmental practice.
Professional Tips for Efficiency and Safety
- Plan your workflow: Divide tasks by area and assign responsibilities to avoid overlap and downtime.
- Record maintenance: Keep a log of products used, dilution ratios and results, useful for audits and predicting supply needs.
- Stay alert in enclosing spaces: Use gas detection where needed and follow safety guidelines for chemical exposure.
- Tackle persistent stains methodically: Reapply is concentrated form or allow extended contact time for stubborn residues.
By standardising your cleaning routine, you’ll reduce chemical use, shorten turnaround times and extend the life of vital ship components.
For teams looking to improve workflow and reliability, Offshore Supply provides fast delivery, expert support, and access to the full Unitor range, helping you keep your vessel in peak condition, voyage after voyage.