Boat Canvas & Fabric Cleaning Service

Clean and treat boat canvas, cushions, and marine fabrics

Startup Cost
$8,000-$25,000
Difficulty
Beginner
Time to Profit
6-10 months
Profit Potential
$5,000-$21,000/month

Overview

Canvas cleaning services charge $200-$800 per boat.

Cleaning 80-200 boats annually generates $60,000-$250,000 with 70-85% margins.

In 2025, boat canvas and fabrics accumulate mildew and dirt.

Services include canvas and bimini cleaning ($150-$400), cushion and upholstery cleaning ($200-$600), mildew treatment and removal ($100-$300), fabric protectant application ($100-$250), carpet and mat cleaning ($80-$200), and seasonal deep cleaning.

Successful canvas cleaners use proper marine fabric cleaners, remove mildew without damage, apply fabric protection, offer pickup and reinstallation, and restore canvas appearance.

Can work year-round.

Marketing through marinas, canvas shops, boat owners, and detailing services.

Required Skills

  • Fabric Cleaning
  • Mildew Removal
  • Marine Fabrics Knowledge
  • Cleaning Chemistry
  • Equipment Operation
  • Customer Service

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Low startup costs
  • All boats have canvas and fabrics
  • Recurring seasonal service
  • Can work year-round
  • Simple service to start

Cons

  • Lower revenue than other services
  • Mildew removal challenging
  • Seasonal demand patterns
  • Competition from canvas shops
  • Physical work removing/installing canvas

How to Get Started

  1. Learn fabric and canvas cleaning
  2. Invest in cleaning equipment and products
  3. Market to boat owners and marinas
  4. Offer seasonal canvas cleaning
  5. Provide pickup and reinstallation
  6. Apply fabric protection treatments
  7. Build recurring customer base

Explore More Marine Detailing & Cleaning Ideas

Discover additional business opportunities in this category.

View All Marine Detailing & Cleaning Ideas →