Waste of money

[trudinator]

So......I went out and bought the expensive "black streak remover" found in the RV section at a local store. I eagerly sprayed it on, looking forward to getting rid of the ugly streaks, and, NOTHING. No amount of scrubbing, spraying, wiping, etc., could remove these streaks with the product that is SPECIFICALLY made to remove them! I was very disappointed. Then I read on these forums that a product, purchased at the DOLLAR STORE would work. Being the skeptic that I am, I was leery. But I thought it was a shot, and i'd only have to spend a buck! It worked! The product, called "Awesome" is truly AWESOME. You just spray it on and wipe off the streaks! I should call up the manufacturer of the first crap I bought and complain, but I guess it's not worth the hassle, since I've found the magic potion!

[Ovair]

Rinse! Rinse that awesome off when you're done. That stuff is good! But it is powerful!
On a previous camper, I had kinda sorta ruined the paint by using too much of it. Be careful and rinse!

[EdJunior]

Yup...that Awesome is pretty awesome. It comes in a pretty cheesy dispenser (the squirter trigger thingy crapped out on both bottles we got recently), but the innards is what counts!

[trudinator]

Thanks Ovair! I just went outside, in the dark, and rinsed our TT completely. My neighbors probably think I've lost my mind!

[lindy]

Another product in the same line is from Auto Zone, called "Purple Power". It's designed for auto, boat and RV use, but like Awsome rinse real good. It also works great on cleaning rims that have a build up of brake dust on them.

[donn]

Personally I have found that ProtectAll does a good job of removing the black streaks. And you never have to rinse it.

[Rugged Brown]

If you apply a good coat of wax or polish to your camper, then washing of black streaks becomes very easy.

[bikendan]

yes, LA's Totally Awesome is very popular in the RV community. but like Ovair said, it's very strong and can ruin the surface if left on too long.
you can get the Orange version that's not as powerful.

[Gregad]

A little note using Awesome. It also removes the wax. Have to re-wax when done. It will also eat the adhesive on decals. Rinse it off these areas quickly and do not rub it in. Always a light mop over with a gentle rag. I use awesome in my automotive parts washer for cleaning grease off parts. That is how strong it is.

[crocus]

Regarding the Awesome product, if it is that powerful, repeated applications will most likely dull the gelcoat finish. Just because it is easy doesn't mean it is good.
As Rugged B said, waxing your camper before you get the black streaks helps a lot.

[F and E Damp]

Thetford Black Streak Remover worked fine for me at thi begiing of the season. I'm disappointed that FR doesn't install rain gutters on the Georgetown. They would prevent the black streaks.

[trudinator]

We have rain gutters and we still have black streaks.

[2011 keystone]

I use simple green to clean my TT works great. but if you have a realy tuff spot try WD-40 on a soft clean rag it realy does work.

[Jeep4Two]

I speak from automotive experience, so ymmv...

Dirty streaks are often more of a problem with oxidized paint surfaces. The surface becomes pitted with the oxidation leading to more accumulation of fine dirt and grime. Removing the oxidation will take the stain with it. Wax is the best preventative and will likely reduce or eliminate accumulation of the black streaks that form at run off points.

I would be sure to re-wax any spots after thoroughly cleaning the harsh cleaner off the surface.

I've owned several white autos and they have all been susceptible as they age and the clear coat becomes degraded and oxidized. A thorough wash, dry and good quality cleaner wax followed by a hard dependable wax have always been my solution.

Just use caution on your campers bonded fiberglass, gel coated or otherwise painted surfaces after using harsh cleaners/degreasers. Don't get me wrong. I use them all the time but follow up with good protection for the now stripped surface and am sure to remove any residual cleaner prior.

[billy bob]

I have found that windex or most all glass cleaners will remove the black streaks

[PapaSmurf]

I used Tide with bleach laundry detergent. All the crud just washes off, and you are left with a shiny clean rig.

[jsutherl]

I use Scrubbing Bubbles. Bathroom cleaner available at the grocery store. It took the streaks right off mine. I started using it last summer, so far no ill effects noticed. I don't think my motorhome has ever been waxed so no word on if it takes the wax off or not.

And for getting the bug splat off get the surface wet then wipe it with a wet bounce dryer sheet. Amazing how that works, I just tried it for the first time the other day. So no word on long term effects. I tried my scrubbing bubbles, simple green and 409 on the bugs with little effect. About 5 dryer sheets and 20 minutes and it was all clean. Did I mention that I was amazed?

[JimChow]

Simple Green works for me.

[realebill]

i use a product called "spray nine". its available in a qt. size spray bottle and also a gallon size refill at home depot. we use it for the black streaks on the trailer and also for cleaning the awning. works great.

[mike7431]

I use a product that's called "Black Streak Remover" made by Bio-Kleen. Seems to do the job well with no elbow grease.