The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning and Maintaining EVA Deck Pads on SUP Boards

Cleaning and Maintaining EVA Deck Pads

A well-maintained EVA deck pad is key to getting the most from your SUP board. Regular cleaning removes dirt, sand, and oils while preserving the pad’s tacky grip and durability. In this guide, we’ll show the best methods to keep your deck pad clean, functional, and long-lasting.

Materials You’ll Need:

• Mild dish soap or board cleaner

• Warm water

• Soft-bristle brush or sponge (avoid anything too abrasive)

• Towel or microfibre cloth

Steps:

1. Rinse First: Rinse the deck pad with fresh water to remove loose dirt, sand, and salt.

2. Prepare Cleaning Solution: Mix a few drops of mild dish soap in a bucket of warm water.

3. Scrub Gently: Dip your soft-bristle brush or sponge into the soapy water and gently scrub the EVA pad in circular motions. Focus on dirty areas but don’t scrub too hard—you don’t want to damage the texture.

4. Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the board with fresh water to remove all soap residue.

5. Dry: Pat the deck pad with a towel or let it air dry out of direct sunlight. Avoid leaving it in intense sun for too long, as UV can degrade EVA over time.

Extra Tips:

• For stubborn stains or mildew, a diluted mixture of water and white vinegar (1:1) can help. Rinse thoroughly afterward.

• Avoid bleach or harsh chemicals—they can damage the EVA material.

• Regular rinsing after each use, especially in saltwater, helps prevent buildup.

Daily SUP Deck Pad Care:

1. Rinse After Each Session:

   • Use fresh water to rinse off salt, sand, and dirt immediately after paddling. This prevents buildup that can wear down the pad.

2. Quick Wipe:

   • Use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe down the pad while it’s still wet. This removes leftover grime and prevents it from drying into the EVA.

3. Spot Clean as Needed:

   • If you notice sticky residue, mild soap and water can do a quick spot clean. Avoid scrubbing hard.

4. Dry Properly:

   • Let your board air dry in the shade or indoors. Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight for long periods—UV can make the EVA pad brittle over time.

5. Optional Weekly Deep Clean:

   • Once a week (or after heavy use), follow the full cleaning method with soap, brush, and rinse to remove any stubborn dirt and maintain grip.

6. Storage Tip:

   • Store your board in a cool, dry place. A clean, dry EVA pad lasts longer and maintains its texture.

Here’s a Pro Tip to revive worn or slippery EVA deck pads:

Vinegar & Grip Revival Trick:

1. Mix a Solution:

   • Combine 1 part white vinegar with 3 parts water in a spray bottle.

2. Spray & Let Sit:

   • Lightly spray the EVA deck pad and let it sit for 5–10 minutes. Vinegar helps break down oils, grime, and any slippery residue.

3. Scrub Gently:

   • Use a soft-bristle brush in circular motions to lift dirt and restore texture.

4. Rinse Thoroughly:

   • Rinse with fresh water to remove all vinegar.

5. Dry:

   • Pat dry with a towel or let it air dry. Your pad should feel grippier and look cleaner.

Extra Tips:

• For extremely worn areas, a slightly firmer brush can help, but avoid hard scrubbing that could flatten the EVA texture.

• Doing this once every few months keeps the pad feeling almost new.

Final thoughts

Caring for your SUP board’s EVA deck pad doesn’t have to be complicated. Regular rinsing, gentle cleaning, and occasional grip restoration keep it grippy, comfortable, and long-lasting. With these simple steps, your pad will stay ready for every paddle, making each outing safer and more enjoyable.