A lingering fish smell in your livewell can be unpleasant and may even deter you from enjoying your time on the water. Fortunately, with the right approach, you can effectively eliminate these odors and keep your livewell smelling fresh. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you remove fish smell from your livewell.
1. Empty and Rinse the Livewell
- Drain the Livewell Completely: Start by removing any remaining water, fish, and debris from the livewell.
- Rinse with Fresh Water: Use a water hose to thoroughly rinse out the livewell, removing loose scales, slime, and other residue that may be contributing to the smell.
2. Clean with a Deodorizing Solution
Gather Your Cleaning Supplies
- Mild Detergent or Marine Cleaner: Choose a cleaner that’s non-toxic and safe for aquatic life.
- Soft-bristled Brush or Sponge: To scrub surfaces without causing damage.
- White Vinegar: Acts as a natural disinfectant.
- Baking Soda: Helps with deodorizing and scrubbing tough spots.
- Water Hose or Buckets of Fresh Water: For rinsing.
Choose a cleaner specifically designed for marine use, ensuring it is safe for the environment and effective against fish odors.
Pure Marine Boat Odor Eliminator - Eliminate Fish Odors from Gear, Compartments, Live Well - Mold & Mildew Odor - Cleaning Supplies Used On Boat Carpet, Surfaces, Life Vest & Fishing Gear | 32oz
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- Prepare a Cleaning Solution:
- White Vinegar and Water: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water. Vinegar is a natural deodorizer that neutralizes odors without leaving harmful residues.
- Baking Soda and Water Paste: For more stubborn odors, mix baking soda with a small amount of water to create a paste. Baking soda absorbs odors and can be scrubbed directly onto surfaces.
- Apply the Solution: Use a sponge or soft brush to apply the cleaning solution to all surfaces inside the livewell, paying special attention to corners and seams where smells can linger.
3. Scrub the Interior
- Gently Scrub: Use the sponge or brush to scrub the livewell’s interior. The abrasive action of the baking soda paste can help lift off any remaining slime or organic material contributing to the smell.
- Focus on Tough Spots: If you encounter any stubborn areas, let the baking soda paste sit for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing again.
4. Rinse Thoroughly
- Flush with Fresh Water: After scrubbing, thoroughly rinse the livewell with fresh water to remove any cleaning solution and residue.
- Check for Remaining Odor: After rinsing, check to see if the smell has been eliminated. If the odor persists, repeat the cleaning process.
5. Use a Natural Deodorizer (Optional)
- Lemon or Citrus Peels: After cleaning, place lemon or citrus peels inside the livewell and leave them for a few hours. The natural oils from the peels can help mask and neutralize any remaining odors.
- Activated Charcoal: Another option is to place a small bag of activated charcoal in the livewell, which can absorb any lingering smells over time.
6. Air Out the Livewell
- Leave Open to Dry: Once the cleaning is complete, leave the livewell open to air dry thoroughly. This helps prevent mold and mildew, which can cause additional odors.
7. Regular Maintenance Tips
- Clean After Each Use: Rinse and clean your livewell after every fishing trip to prevent odors from building up.
- Ventilate: When not in use, keep the livewell lid open slightly to allow airflow, reducing the chance of odors developing.
By following these steps, you can effectively remove fish smells from your livewell and keep it fresh for your next fishing trip. Regular maintenance and prompt cleaning after each use are key to preventing odors from returning.