Salt is a ubiquitous and inevitable presence in marine environments. While it is essential for the survival of many marine organisms, it can be detrimental to boats and other marine equipment. Salt buildup can cause corrosion, clog up water intakes, and damage engines, electronics, and other equipment. That’s why it’s crucial to remove salt from your boat and marine gear regularly. But which product should you use between Salt Away vs. Salt Off? In this article, we’ll compare these two salt eliminators and help you decide which one is the best for your needs.
What is Salt Away?
Salt Away is a popular salt remover that claims to be biodegradable, non-toxic, and safe for use on all surfaces. It is a concentrate that you mix with water to create a salt-removing solution. Salt Away is available in different sizes, from a 16-ounce spray bottle to a 55-gallon drum, depending on your needs.
Salt Away’s formula includes a surfactant, which helps the solution penetrate and dissolve salt deposits, and a corrosion inhibitor, which helps protect metal surfaces from further damage. Salt Away also claims to be effective at removing other types of contaminants, such as dirt, grime, and algae.
What is Salt Off?
Salt Off is another salt eliminator that claims to be biodegradable, non-toxic, and safe for use on all surfaces. It comes in a ready-to-use spray bottle or a concentrate that you mix with water. Salt Off is also available in different sizes, from a 22-ounce spray bottle to a 55-gallon drum.
Salt Off’s formula includes a blend of surfactants and corrosion inhibitors, similar to Salt Away. However, Salt Off also includes a rust inhibitor, which helps prevent rust from forming on metal surfaces.
Comparison Table: Salt Away vs. Salt Off
To help you compare Salt Away and Salt Off, we’ve created a table that summarizes their features and benefits:
| Feature | Salt Away | Salt Off |
| Formula | Concentrate | Concentrate or spray |
| Sizes available | 16 oz – 55 gal | 22 oz – 55 gal |
| Biodegradable | Yes | Yes |
| Non-toxic | Yes | Yes |
| Safe for all surfaces | Yes | Yes |
| Surfactant | Yes | Yes |
| Corrosion inhibitor | Yes | Yes |
| Rust inhibitor | No | Yes |
| Effectiveness | Good | Very good |
| Price | Mid-range | Mid-range |
| Ease of use | Easy | Easy |
| Overall rating | 4.5/5 | 4.8/5 |
As you can see, both Salt Away and Salt Off share many similarities in their formula, features, and benefits. However, Salt Off has the added advantage of including a rust inhibitor, which can be a significant benefit for boats and marine equipment that are prone to rust.
How to use Salt Away and Salt Off
Using Salt Away and Salt Off is relatively easy and straightforward. Here are the general steps for each product:
Salt Away:
- Mix one ounce of Salt Away concentrate with one gallon of water.
- Apply the solution to the surfaces that need cleaning, such as the boat hull, deck, engine, and other equipment.
- Let the solution soak for at least five minutes.
- Rinse the surfaces with clean water, preferably with a pressure washer, to remove the salt and dirt.
Salt Off
- If using the concentrate, mix one part Salt Off with four parts water. Alternatively, use the ready-to-use spray bottle.
- Spray the solution on the surfaces that need cleaning, such as the boat hull, deck, engine, and other equipment.
- Let the solution soak for a few minutes, depending on the level of contamination.
- Rinse the surfaces with clean water, preferably with a pressure washer, to remove the salt and dirt.
Note: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines when using Salt Away and Salt Off.
Pros and cons of Salt Away and Salt Off
Like any product, Salt Away and Salt Off have their advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the pros and cons of each product:
Prose of Salt Away:
- Biodegradable and non-toxic, making it environmentally friendly
- Effective at removing salt and other contaminants
- Can be used on all surfaces, including metal, plastic, and painted surfaces
- Comes in different sizes to suit different needs
- Contains a corrosion inhibitor to protect metal surfaces
Cons of Salt Away
- Does not include a rust inhibitor
- Can be expensive, especially for larger quantities
Pros of Salt Off
- Biodegradable and non-toxic, making it environmentally friendly
- Effective at removing salt, dirt, and other contaminants
- Can be used on all surfaces, including metal, plastic, and painted surfaces
- Comes in different sizes and a ready-to-use spray bottle for convenience
- Contains a corrosion and rust inhibitor to protect metal surfaces
Cons of Salt Off
- Can be more expensive than Salt Away
- The ready-to-use spray bottle may not be cost-effective for larger areas or frequent use
Safety Considerations When Using Salt Away and Salt Off
While Salt Away and Salt Off are generally safe and non-toxic, it’s still essential to follow some safety guidelines when using them:
- Wear protective gloves and eye protection to avoid skin and eye irritation.
- Do not mix Salt Away or Salt Off with other chemicals, as this can cause a hazardous reaction.
- Use in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling the solution’s fumes.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from children and pets.
Tips for Maintaining Your Boat and Marine Equipment
Using salt eliminators like Salt Away and Salt Off is an excellent way to keep your boat and marine equipment clean and free from salt buildup. However, there are other tips and practices you can adopt to maintain your marine gear:
- Rinse your boat and equipment with fresh water after each use, especially after saltwater exposure.
- Use a boat wash soap to clean your boat and equipment thoroughly.
- Apply a protective coating or wax to your boat’s hull and metal surfaces to prevent salt buildup and corrosion.
- Check your boat and equipment regularly for signs of corrosion, rust, or other damage, and address them promptly.
- Store your boat and equipment in a dry, covered area when not in use.
FAQs About Salt Eliminators
Q: Are Salt Away and Salt Off safe for marine life?
A: Yes, both products are non-toxic and safe for marine life when used as directed.
Q: Can Salt Away and Salt Off remove stains from my boat’s upholstery or carpet?
A: It depends on the type and severity of the stain. Salt Away and Salt Off are primarily designed to remove salt and other contaminants from hard surfaces, but they may work on some types of stains on upholstery and carpet.
Q: Can I use Salt Away and Salt Off on my freshwater boat or equipment?
A: Yes, you can use Salt Away and Salt Off on freshwater boats and equipment, as they are effective at removing all types of contaminants, not just salt.
Q: How often should I use Salt Away or Salt Off on my boat or equipment?
A: It depends on how often you use your boat or equipment and how much salt exposure they get. In general, it’s a good idea to use a salt eliminator after each use, especially if you use your boat in saltwater or brackish water.
Q: Can I use Salt Away or Salt Off on my car or other vehicles?
A: Yes, you can use Salt Away or Salt Off on any vehicle or equipment that comes into contact with salt or other contaminants, such as snow and road salt.
The Final Verdict
Salt eliminators like Salt Away and Salt Off are essential tools for any boat or marine equipment owner. These products are effective at removing salt, dirt, and other contaminants from all types of surfaces, making them a valuable asset for boat maintenance and care.
When choosing between Salt Away and Salt Off, it’s important to consider your specific needs and budget. Both products are biodegradable, non-toxic, and can be used on all surfaces, but Salt Off includes a rust inhibitor, which may be necessary for some applications.
Regardless of which product you choose, remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines when using them. And don’t forget to adopt other maintenance practices, such as rinsing your boat and equipment with fresh water after each use and applying a protective coating to prevent corrosion. Always take care of your boat and equipment with the help of salt eliminators and other maintenance practices to enjoy a longer, safer, and more enjoyable boating experience.