Question About Washing My RV

[KAS]

It's time to get my MH ready for my first camping trip of the year. I need to clean it, but I am not sure what to use as a cleaner on the roof. I can not climb on top of the camper or reach it with a tool, so I need to do some of the cleaning from a distance (nearby deck). I would like to use Clorox Outdoor Cleaner (spray on, let sit, wash off), which I use to clean the vinyl siding of my house and it does a fantastic job. Since it contains bleach, would it be safe to use on the roof, or would it damage/deteriorate the caulking of the roof seams? I am not concerned about the sides of the vehicle, I have used it there before without any problems.

[elchilero53]

My dealer told us to use Dawn Dishwashing liquid when we wash ours. So far it works very nicely!

[Phil57]

Kas I would not use bleach on the roof. Way to caustic for the roof and seals.

[Movike]

The literature that came with my camper recommended Pine-Sol.

[RSchleder]

I'd still be concerned about what bleach might do as it runs off the roof and stays on the paint (clearcoat) for several minutes. You very well could have gotten away with it before, however, I'd still be concerned you could end up with "ghost shadows" where the bleach ran down your coach sides! Bleach is NOT recommended for auto/RV painted finishes!!!!

[slide5r4fun]

We use Murphy's Oil Soap to clean our roof. Works well, it's cheap, safe for the roof membrane and won't harm other surfaces.

I would not use bleach as others have stated, way too caustic. I also wouldn't recommend Dawn dish detergent. Dawn will strip the wax off any painted/gel coat surface.

[MillerTime]

I also advise against using the clorox cleaner.

I use the Camco Rv wash and wax that i use on the rest of the camper, and a soft brush on a long pole made for washing rvs. (I do climb on the roof)I dont towl off the roof like you have to do to buff the wax residue off the sides though.
Camco does make a rv roof wash as well.

[Mtelkman]

No way would I use Clorox on my roof. Like others have said, way to caustic and as it runs down the sides it could also do damage. The literature that came with my RV said to only use a gentle cleaner like soap and water on my roof.

[awellis3]

Originally Posted by Mtelkman

The literature that came with my RV said to only use a gentle cleaner like soap and water on my roof.

Mine, too. (Probably same roof) Manual also says don't use any kind of treatment or sealer.

[5picker]

We were advised by Alpha (who makes our roof membrane) our dealer and the factory, to use Dawn dish wash liquid.

[jeff64]

Originally Posted by elchilero53

My dealer told us to use Dawn Dishwashing liquid when we wash ours. So far it works very nicely!

x2 on the Dawn dishsoap. Everything I've ever read on this topic says no-no to anything with citrus or petroleum distillate.

[TURBS]

I've used dish soap on my Rv roofs since 2005, no il effects and never a roof leak in my units


2015 Columbus 320RS
2008 2500HD Duramax
2015 nights camped "34"

[Capt. Mike]

Originally Posted by TURBS

I've used dish soap on my Rv roofs since 2005, no il effects and never a roof leak in my units


2015 Columbus 320RS
2008 2500HD Duramax
2015 nights camped "34"

Dawn does a good job cleaning, but it will strip the wac off the sides if allowed to run down snd isn't rinsed quickly. If it cuts grease and removes oil from wildlife fouled by an oil spill, it will remove wax from your RV if not rinsed quickly and thoroughly.

[jimcarterhb1951]

Alpha recommended Top Job, or Spic and Span, to me.

[fkwalter]

I have been using a auto wax washer like the Meguiar's Ultimate wash and Wax. It works well over the entire camper!! fkwalter

[papatioman]

It would appear that we are all getting different advice from our dealers. My dealer told me to you clothes washing detergent and no dish washing detergent. Looks like the safe bet here is to use an RV wash cleaner made for the job.

[wana65stang]

The dealer may be 100% correct in saying to use dish washing soap on the roof but ask them if its ok for the 3 hour wax job you did on the rest of the painted surfaces,dish soap is the fastest way to remove wax from painted surfaces.

[updhaul]

I've been using the dealer type roof cleaner/treatment spray on roof sparingly when needed, lots of water of course and usually twice a year. I then use the streak remover when/where needed on sides and then auto wash soap with wax for sides with good rinse and quick wipe with microfibre cloth to avoid spotting and avoid separate window cleaner. I also had Dawn recommended to me but I always have car mix anyway. I guess not all that easy when you add wheels tires then do interior, Good thing it's in storage, I'm tired. Avoid the caustic stuff, try to get soft extending brush if you can for sides and recruit help.

[Wolverine 1945]

Our paper work that came with our old TT,,, that had a rubber roof,,, said to use a natural soap,,, I guessed that meant Murphy's,,, so every spring I would hire my grandson to scrub it with Murphy's,,, and then apply a coat of Rubber Protectant !!!

[Reb Kitt]

Best thing to do is to find a Blue Beacon somewhere near you. They do a great job for just $35.