No doubt a topic that has been discussed.......cleaning motor home roof.

[Peter48]

After just recently purchasing our new MH which now has pride of place on our drive....I was wondering exactly how to clean the roof?.....there is no rear ladder.

I am aware about the use of power hoses not being used, but I want to ensure the roof is protected as good as possible from the elements and bird poop!, also maintaining the solar panel.

so any tips on wax / shampoo and ladders used would be appreciated!

 

[GJH]

I've cleaned the roof of the Autotrail, EXCEPT for under the solar panel, which has a gap of about an inch to the roof, any suggestions for getting it clean?
Thanks in advance..
Cheers, Dave

If you can't see under it then surely it isn't dirty is it?

 

[FJmike]

If you think your roof is dirty this is one i had to tackle today

 

[Nirvanauk]

If you think your roof is dirty this is one i had to tackle todayView attachment 45888

Any chance of a photo after you cleaned it?

 

[FJmike]

Your wish is my comand

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[Ockerron]

I use Graham's method.. a multipurpose ladder that can be used as a platform ..

like this Broken Link Removed

It can be used to reach really awkward areas like above the windscreen, especially if you have a luton body .. this with a decent car wash brush that takes a water supply is all you need.

Unless absolutely essential, don't go on the roof.. not only is it dangerous, especially when wet and slippy, I've read several tales of people falling off and ruining their next holiday.. but even if strong enough, your weight can distort the roof panel and break the seals around the roof lights ..
If you must go on, use something to spread the weight, like a scaffold plank.. I've always found bare feet gave me the best 'feel' and less likely to slip.

I used to go on the roof of my RV , but it had a very strong roof, composite plywood with a rubber membrane.. quite different from most European motorhomes, it did not bend or buckle under my weight and being so big it was a lot easier to use a deck scrubber and hose to get the muck off.

Plenty of propitiatory caravan cleaning products on the market.. most have a favorite... I like Silky but you can use any car cleaners. Traffic film removers are very good.. Screwfix have one at about £3 for 2lt and if nothing else avaible use washing up liquid..

If you have an awning, now is the time to also give it a good clean.. my method is is simple, very effective and cheap..

Bucket of warm water , good squirt of Fairy and 1 cup of cheap thin bleach.

Open the awning and wash BOTH sides with a soft broom or car brush.. roll it back in while still wet and soapy.. Leave for half an hour.. open up and hose off.. brand new awning. !

Can I just ask, is your awning still fully waterproof after you do this? My bro in law tried a similar thing and ended up having to rewaterproof the whole awning.

 

[ukbill]

just done mine used a squeegee mop half 1 side half the other job done no need to go onto the roof

 

[scotjimland]

Can I just ask, is your awning still fully waterproof after you do this? My bro in law tried a similar thing and ended up having to rewaterproof the whole awning.

Very surprised to read this.. what kind of material was it.. and how old ?

Obviously you would never clean a cotton canvas awning or tent by this method.. that would strip off any proofing, but modern roll out awnings are made of acrylic which doesn't need proofing.

I washed my RV awning many many times over a 6 year period and no issues with it, and so have thousands of others, ( I found this method on a US motorhome site ) but .. if you feel or think it will damage yours please do not use this method.

 

[Ockerron]

Very surprised to read this.. what kind of material was it.. and how old ?

Obviously you would never clean a cotton canvas awning or tent by this method.. that would strip off any proofing, but modern roll out awnings are made of acrylic which doesn't need proofing.

I washed my RV awning many many times over a 6 year period and no issues with it, and so have thousands of others, ( I found this method on a US motorhome site ) but .. if you feel or think it will damage yours please do not use this method.

Ah! Totally my error. His was a caravan awning and not the roll out type. Doh. Ignore me! Blonde moment!

 

[scotjimland]

Ah! Totally my error. His was a caravan awning and not the roll out type. Doh. Ignore me! Blonde moment!

phewww.. that's a relief.

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[Bobby22]

To clean my MH roof i climb a step ladder and reach over the roof with a proper extending cleaing brush.

Firstly i would spray the roof with clean water from a low pressure hose.

I use fenwicks motorhome cleaner in in a spray bottle.

Spray a section at a time agitate with the brush and then rinse off.

Continue until the roof has been done.

Repeat for heavily soiled areas.

Once complete, spray with Bobby Dazzler in the rinse water.

It will be easier to clean next time.

Great product that does what it says on the tin.

The product will last a long time as only a capful is needed each time.
Hope this is of some help

 

[g8ysn]

just done mine from ladders with pipe protectors to protect roof,spray [after spraying with clean water] with fenwicks motorhome cleaner rinse off spray with fenwicks bobby dazler , wipe/polish then spray with fenwicks winterisor,when dry polish comes up like new, awning to be cleaned and waterproofed [ now 5ry old]

 

[davejen]

If you can't see under it then surely it isn't dirty is it?

As I said, about 1" gap , so I can see under it and the rest of the roof was filthy, so stands to reason it's just as bad under the S/P Will try spraying some fenwicks and maybe use one of those bottle brushes for behind radiators, then rinse off.
Cheers, Dave

 

[GJH]

As I said, about 1" gap , so I can see under it and the rest of the roof was filthy, so stands to reason it's just as bad under the S/P Will try spraying some fenwicks and maybe use one of those bottle brushes for behind radiators, then rinse off.
Cheers, Dave

That seems a good plan. I never thought of using one of those brushes. Please let us know how you get on

 

[g8ysn]

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[g8ysn]

don't know where post went but this is my truck nearing completer clean / roof sides wheels

 

[Nirvanauk]

Your wish is my comandView attachment 45890

Nice one!

 

[CWH]

don't know where post went but this is my truck nearing completer clean / roof sides wheels

did we see you at Ilminster in September?

 

[g8ysn]

hi don't think so last 1 we did was Lincoln, looking 2 get away next week some-where for long week-end

 

[CWH]

just the MH looked familiar... can there be 2 this clean & shiny???

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[FJmike]

I have had to change my user name and avatar due to forum rules (not complaining) You can see how I tackle roof cleaning in my new avatar

 

[g8ysn]

do same as i do [use 2 sky-hook,s] and bungi wire,s

 

[g8ysn]

I have had to change my user name and avatar due to forum rules (not complaining) You can see how I tackle roof cleaning in my new avatar

i have a set of same ladder,s with runner/s did not feel safe find ladder,s r best 4 me

 

[g8ysn]

just the MH looked familiar... can there be 2 this clean & shiny???

it,s always clean [unless dirty] but not 4 long