Microfibre cloth leaves narrowboat sparkling

One of the reasons shared ownership boats usually look good is that we owners are all supposed to clean them, inside and out, before leaving them for the next user. The recommended way to look after the paintwork is to use a sponge and car shampoo. The problem is that, on Shadow, anyway, when it dries, the paintwork is covered in marks where little globules of water have dried out.

Not having a narrowboat here at home, I have tried to replicate the effect on a window.


Now, a couple of years ago, I discovered microfibre cloths, and found that they are PERFECT for buffing up the cabin sides. That sounds like hard work, but it isn't at all. It takes perhaps five minutes to do one side of a 58' boat, no longer than the actual sponging part of the operation.

Here is the "after" shot - the cloth is so good that the camera can't focus on the window! I wiped only the right-hand part.


They can be used while the paintwork is still damp, or if it's already dry. They're very versatile and can be easily washed in the washing machine.

And the cost? Just one pound sterling, from, yes, you've guessed it, Poundland.


Other cheap shops are available.