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Old 06-02-2016, 12:54 PM   #1
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Dirt/Grime Streaks Running Down Sides

We have the dark streaks running down our Puma 38 PLF on each side of the awning. I'm sure it's from the trees, rain, etc. What is best to clean it with? I was thinking Magic Eraser but wasn't sure if it would be too harsh for the aluminum. I tried the Spic-N-Span all purpose cleaner, but it didn't do anything at all. I would appreciate any suggestions. Thank you.
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Old 06-02-2016, 01:27 PM   #2
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More than likely the black streaks are from a dirty roof. Cleaning the streaks off the walls will not solve the problem. You need to wash the roof.
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Old 06-02-2016, 02:57 PM   #3
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After cleaning the roof I use Simple Green cleaner-works well.
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Old 06-02-2016, 03:15 PM   #4
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I have used scrubbing bubbles bathroom cleaner. Works pretty good.
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Old 06-02-2016, 04:27 PM   #5
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Even after cleaning my roof I still get them a bit. When I wash the trailer I shoot a little Purple Power cleaner on the side wall and brush. Pulls all the streaks right off.
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Old 06-02-2016, 04:32 PM   #6
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After cleaning the roof I use Simple Green cleaner-works well.
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Old 06-02-2016, 06:33 PM   #7
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also black streak remover....

Premium RV Black Streak Remover - 32 oz. - Thetford 32501 - Black Streak - Camping World
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Old 06-02-2016, 06:47 PM   #8
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what really works great and is fairly cheap is LA's totally awesome cleaner . you can pick it up at a dollar store and cost $1.00 a bottle . cleans those streaks right up and cleans roof stains . lots of the dark/black streaks are caused by the cheap rubber they use along the gutters .
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Old 06-03-2016, 11:35 AM   #9
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Originally Posted by JerriNesbitt View Post
We have the dark streaks running down our Puma 38 PLF on each side of the awning. I'm sure it's from the trees, rain, etc. What is best to clean it with? I was thinking Magic Eraser but wasn't sure if it would be too harsh for the aluminum. I tried the Spic-N-Span all purpose cleaner, but it didn't do anything at all. I would appreciate any suggestions. Thank you.
Simple Green all purpose cleaner cheap spray on wipe off.
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Old 06-03-2016, 11:41 AM   #10
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Originally Posted by JerriNesbitt View Post
We have the dark streaks running down our Puma 38 PLF on each side of the awning. I'm sure it's from the trees, rain, etc. What is best to clean it with? I was thinking Magic Eraser but wasn't sure if it would be too harsh for the aluminum. I tried the Spic-N-Span all purpose cleaner, but it didn't do anything at all. I would appreciate any suggestions. Thank you.
Caution on using Magic Eraser on shiny, glossy surfaces it will scratch, dull and mar. There are no chemicals in them that I' read but tiny micro fibers. I ve done some reading on them. Also the Awsome Cleaner found in dollar stores- read the label. Not to be used on all materials but great on some
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Old 06-03-2016, 12:05 PM   #11
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Caution on using Magic Eraser on shiny, glossy surfaces it will scratch, dull and mar. There are no chemicals in them that I' read but tiny micro fibers. I ve done some reading on them. Also the Awsome Cleaner found in dollar stores- read the label. Not to be used on all materials but great on some
Totally Awesome from the dollar store works great.
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Old 06-03-2016, 04:28 PM   #12
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Jerri, I had a soap chemist for a customer and we got to talking about how hard it is to remove the black streaks from the side of the aluminum sided campers. He proceeded to show me the proper way to use any of the modern day soaps. I grabbed a brush full of soapy water and started washing and scrubbing. He said STOP, let it set a couple minutes, then wash it off. I did as he said and it brushed right off VERY easy. He said todays soaps are designed as "releasers" they release the static cling of the dirt from the siding. Once the chemical reaction takes place it comes off easily. Also get a jug of Turtle wax wash or another brand of wax wash and AFTER the side is good and clean wash it down with a heavy dose of wax wash and it will seal the paint and give some gloss. I Know, it's hard to believe but it works. wait a couple minutes before scrubbing after swabbing down with the soap.
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Old 06-03-2016, 04:35 PM   #13
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Originally Posted by Ida Ratherbe Camping View Post
I have used scrubbing bubbles bathroom cleaner. Works pretty good.
i also use scrubbing bubbles. black streaks come right off.
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Old 06-06-2016, 05:59 AM   #14
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Just don't use cleaner wax. I used that after cleaning with Awesome. No more black steaks but I also took paint off in some areas! Cleaned real down to the shiny aluminum on our old camper.
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Old 06-06-2016, 06:48 AM   #15
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Just washed my roof this past weekend then did the trailer sides the next day. For the sides I always use wash/wax and for any streaks that don't come up I use NuFinish Wax to take them right off. Trailer has a nice shine and all is good.

Like others have said, a dirty roof will produce black streaks every time it rains. best to clean the roof 2x a year to keep the sides clean.
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Old 06-06-2016, 09:37 AM   #16
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McKee’s RV Black Streak Remover from autogeek.com
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Old 06-06-2016, 06:48 PM   #17
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Do you guys climb up on the roof to wash it? I'm a little afraid.


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Old 06-28-2016, 08:31 AM   #18
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Maybe I can park it next to my deck!


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Old 06-28-2016, 10:57 AM   #19
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I use a ladder and climb up on it all the time. Just wear good not slip shoes. I put the stabs down to not have the trailer rocking (so I do not knock myself off) and take my time to stay away from the edges.
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