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Being a narrowboat owner means you might also have to do a little DIY here and there. Are you planning on restoring part of your boat or just wanting to give it a bit of TLC? With our fantastic hacks, you will become a pro in no time.
Swap out your lighting
Lighting can make a huge impact on the interior of your living space. Do you want a bright and airy space? Or a warm and cosy area? Fairy lights are a beautiful way to brighten your boat and create a lovely atmosphere, without the faff of having to complete any extra re-wiring. If you enjoy reading in a cosy little corner but the lighting isn’t that great, then strategically placing a lamp around there will do the job.
Visit a haberdashery
Instead of buying new pieces of furniture, which can often end up being very costly, why not simply use new fabrics to revamp and reupholster outdated furniture. This way you can modernise your furniture and customise it to suit your own personal taste and add a dash of colour to your space. Any offcuts you may have can be used to create stunning patchwork throws and cushions for a tasteful decorative touch.
Make a creative spider stopper
Do creepy crawlies making their way onboard give you the shivers? We’ve got a simple solution. Where it is safe to do so, cut up a pair of old tights or similar thin, stretchy material (such as old cycling shorts) and put the fabric over the vents to stop any insects sneaking onto your narrowboat.
Upcycle any units you have
Even though replacing and revamping the galley may seem a little daunting, it really doesn’t have to be a complicated or overly expensive task. With this room being one that you may use the most, it’d be nice for it to be in a good condition. Giving the kitchen a simple refresh will make it feel as good as new. Why not repaint the cabinets or update any handles on all of the drawers and cupboards, giving them new life?
Put on those rubber cleaning gloves
Get that brasswork gleaming!
You don’t have to spend lots of money on doing up your boat, sometimes all it simply needs is a good spring clean. First carry out a patch test first to ensure suitability then put on your cleaning gloves and get started. Bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar provides a fantastic cleaning solution to give those soft furnishings and carpets a real deep clean and also helps to remove rust from any metalwork. Not only is it eco-friendly, but it also doesn’t negatively affect the environment, your own health or your bank balance.
Look after the exterior
Touching up the paintwork
Do you look at your boat and worry it doesn’t give the same wow factor that it used to? Maybe it needs a little TLC! You don’t need to splash out in order to make a difference, there’s no need for expensive new decking or to replace any parts. With the right tools, such as an electric sander and a bit of hard work, you can transform the outside of your boat. Why not give it a refresh with some varnish or paint? If there is any leftover paint, keep it for the future in case of any scratches or wear and tear. (Bear in mind other property in the vicinity of your vessel when carrying out work to ensure that you don’t cause any accidental damage)
For the full works, why not hose down the hull using washing powder for an extra deep clean? Make sure to select the detergent carefully, ensuring it is friendly to the environment and won’t negatively impact any animals, the water or plants on the canal. After it has been fully rinsed, re-wax the hull again, giving it an effective and protective seal.
