Clean Boat. Green Boat.

The Practical Sailor tries to give its readers a way to pollute less and lower their carbon footprint while enjoying sailing. The May 2008 issue reiterates some of the simple cleaning techniques that one can use on a boat--inside and out. The main ingredients include white vinegar, salt, baking soda, margarine, olive oil, almond oil, ketchup, concentrated lemon juice, and, of course, fresh water. To this list, add elbow grease. The simple solutions one can make are less harsh that some of the ones one can buy. To make up for the chemicals (mostly acids) in off-the-shelf solutions one may have to apply scrubbing, soaking, and multiple applications. If you don't have a Practical Sailor subscription, similar formulas are published online for household and boat use.