Why are sailors always scrubbing the deck?
- Introduction
- History of sailors scrubbing the deck
- The Benefits of Moisture
- Prevention of Leaks
- Toilet Arrangements
- Swabbing the Deck
- What is Needed to Swab the Deck?
- How to Properly Swab the Deck?
- What are the Benefits of Swabbing the Deck?
- Conclusion
- Sources
Why Are Sailors Always Scrubbing the Deck?
Sailing has been an integral part of human history for centuries, and there are many aspects of its traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation, including swabbing or scrubbing the deck. But why do sailors take such pride in keeping their decks clean, and why is it so important? In this article, we will explore the history and importance of swabbing the deck on a sailing vessel, as well as answer some commonly asked questions about this age-old practice.
History of Sailors Scrubbing the Deck
The tradition of swabbing the deck on a sailing vessel dates back centuries and was originally done to keep decks free from dirt and algae buildup which would lead to rotting wood and unpleasant odors if left unattended. Sailors would also use salt water to help keep down mildew on wooden boards which kept them swollen to reduce leaks in between planks and around fixtures on board a ship. This practice was also done with great care as it could cause damage if done improperly or too vigorously on more delicate wood surfaces such as teak or mahogany decks which were common in past eras of sailing vessels.
The Benefits of Moisture
Not only did swabbing help keep decks clean, but it also had other benefits as well such as keeping moisture levels at an optimal rate for wooden boards and fixtures on board a ship. Saltwater retained in the wood kept it from drying out too quickly while at sea, reducing cracking and splintering which can cause hazardous conditions on board a vessel if left unchecked over time. Keeping moisture levels consistent also helped minimize rot and mold growth which could weaken boards over time if left untreated for extended periods at sea or in port during times when there was no crew available to attend them regularly due to storms or other emergency conditions that sailors often found themselves facing during their voyages across oceans both near and far from home ports throughout history.
Prevention Of Leaks
In addition to helping preserve wood surfaces from rot or mold growth, salt water was also used by sailors when swabbing the deck because it helped prevent leaks in between planks due to its ability to swell up wood fibers when exposed to moisture for long periods at sea or in port during times when there was no crew available to attend them regularly due to storms or other emergency conditions that sailors often found themselves facing during their voyages across oceans both near and far from home ports throughout history. This is an important task because even minor leaks can cause major problems with a vessel’s stability while underway while providing easy access points for pests such as rats or other vermin that could easily infest a ship if not addressed quickly enough by its crew members before they become unmanageable problems that could spell disaster for any journey taken by a sailing vessel over open waters across vast oceans throughout time both near and far from port cities around the world’s coastlines today just as they did centuries ago when these ancient ships first took sail across unknown horizons towards potential adventure or certain doom depending upon how well their crews were able manage their vessels under any given set of circumstances encountered along their journeys through time both near and far throughout human history itself!
## Toilet Arrangements
Sailors also had another important task when swabbing a ship’s deck – providing adequate toilet arrangements for themselves while out at sea! Most sailing vessels had designated areas located at either the bow (or head) of the ship where crew members would go to relieve themselves while underway – these areas were often referred to simply as “the head” (a nautical term still used today). Ocean spray would often take care of most needs while frayed ropes could be used in more dire circumstances should any additional wiping be required after using “the head” aboard a vessel before moving onto other tasks such as swabbing down its decks!
## Swabbing The Deck
So what is needed in order to properly swab down a boat’s deck? Well first off you will need some sort of mop (either cotton based or synthetic) along with some sort of cleaning solution (either homemade concoctions made up with vinegar, baking soda, etc., store bought solutions meant specifically for wooden surfaces, or good old fashioned salt water). You will then want two buckets – one filled with your preferred cleaning solution (the second bucket will be used for rinsing purposes later) – before getting down on your hands & knees and making sure all corners & crevices are tended too thoroughly so no dirt & grime remain behind after you are finished! It is important that you use caution during this process & not go overboard scrubbing too hard (as this can cause damage if done improperly) but rather take your time & be sure each area aboard your vessel has been cleaned completely & properly before moving onto another task!
## How To Properly Swab The Deck?
When it comes time to actually begin scrubbing down your boat’s deck there are several steps you should always follow: 1) Start by mopping up any standing water that may have gathered on deck 2) Dip your mop into one bucket containing your preferred cleaning solution 3) Begin mopping in circular motions making sure you cover every nook & cranny 4) Once finished mopping rinse off your mop into second bucket containing clean water 5) Wring out excess moisture & repeat steps 1-4 until entire surface area has been covered 6) Allow freshly cleaned surface area ample time dry before using once again! This process may seem tedious but trust us – thorough attention paid towards proper cleaning techniques will vastly increase overall lifespan & quality performance from any wooden surface aboard your vessel so taking some extra time out now can save you much hassle later!
## What Are The Benefits Of Swabbing The Deck?
The main benefit gained from regularly swabbing down a boat’s deck is naturally increased lifespan & quality performance from any wooden surface aboard your vessel – particularly those located near ocean waters where saltwater exposure can wreak havoc over long periods without proper maintenance being carried out regularly by its crew members! In addition, keeping moisture levels consistent helps minimize rot/mold growth which can weaken boards over time if left untreated thus leading towards hazardous conditions aboard any given ship should they go unchecked over extended periods away from home ports throughout human history itself! Finally, regular maintenance such as this serves an important function when it comes towards maintaining overall aesthetic appeal as well since dirty/dingy looking surfaces can quickly turn away potential customers/clients should they ever come across one’s vessel in person thus making proper upkeep all that much more important when speaking about business transactions involving maritime vessels today just like those encountered by ancient sailors centuries ago!
## Conclusion
Swabbing down a boat’s deck has always been an integral part of life aboard any given sailing vessel throughout human history since its conception – not only does regular maintenance help keep surfaces free from dirt/algae buildups which can lead towards rotting wood/unpleasant odors but it also helps reduce risks associated with leakages due to swollen wood fibers caused by saltwater exposure while also providing adequate toilet arrangements for its crew members who bravely ventured out onto open waters away from home ports during times when storms/emergency conditions threatened their journeys across vast oceans both near & far away throughout human history itself! Although tedious at times proper attention paid towards proper cleaning techniques will vastly increase overall lifespan & quality performance from any wooden surface aboard one’s vessel so taking some extra time out now can save you much hassle later – whether it be at sea or in port – so never forget why sailors take such pride in keeping their decks clean & why it is so important no matter what era you find yourself living within today!
## Sources:
https://www.rbmaradio.com/2020/08/03/why-are-sailors-always-scrubbing-the-deck/
