The dreaded green algae (another daft newbie query)

[Captain Caveman]

Hi guys, apologies for what is no doubt another daft question, but does anyone know what to do about the dreaded green algae/moss [delete as appropriate]

We got a big tag axle Adria Supersonic, which I'm guessing is too lardy and big for a practical cover (?)
It sits on my drive with overhanging trees etc. (it's a very damp garden with a large stream as well, so hopeless for moss etc.), and despite only being months old, is already slightly tinged with green on the outside in a few places. Obviously I'd like to get rid and restore my pride and joy for the season and ideally stop it from happening before it starts.

What is the best solution please guys? Is a Karcher steam cleaner and a pair of step ladders the way forward? Or would this be a big no-no? Is there any specific wash/cleaner I could be using? Is it best to get someone to come out and clean the vehicle professionally? Any help appreciated

Whilst writing, what do you guys do to keep tyres pumped up, do you get a portable compressor jobbie with air pressure gauge? (Also, no idea what the correct tyre pressures even need to be, the Adria documentation is absolutely shocking/non-existent!)

 

[westhamman]

I would go to the forum on motorhome detailing, lots of good advice on there. Otherwise others should be along shortly with advice. At the top of the page click forums and work your way down.

 

[Brianmor]

I've used "Wet & Forget" with good success on the MH, also really good on rendering and the patio.
Spray on and forget as the container says. £30 for 5 litres on Amazon

 

[AdrianChen]

I use patio magic/wet&Forget/boracol type product, (Benzalkonium Chloride?) spray on with garden spray, no scrubbing leave to dry and the green goes after a few days heavy rain rinses it off so need to check forecast, but a little drizzle is fine. Boracol has other ingredients perhaps more suitable for wood decks etc and is more expensive.

As for tyres I have a ring cordless jobby that goes up to 100psi - We have Continental tyres, so after a trip to the local weighbridge (£10) to check the axle weights downloaded and used the Continental Databook to set the correct pressure, other makers will usually help if contacted I understand. We ignored the Carthago recommended figure since they didn't know how much the van weighed, and Continental presumably know their tyres........

 

[Captain Caveman]

Nice one cheers guys!

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[TDub49]

Hi guys, apologies for what is no doubt another daft question, but does anyone know what to do about the dreaded green algae/moss [delete as appropriate]

We got a big tag axle Adria Supersonic, which I'm guessing is too lardy and big for a practical cover (?)
It sits on my drive with overhanging trees etc. (it's a very damp garden with a large stream as well, so hopeless for moss etc.), and despite only being months old, is already slightly tinged with green on the outside in a few places. Obviously I'd like to get rid and restore my pride and joy for the season and ideally stop it from happening before it starts.

What is the best solution please guys? Is a Karcher steam cleaner and a pair of step ladders the way forward? Or would this be a big no-no? Is there any specific wash/cleaner I could be using? Is it best to get someone to come out and clean the vehicle professionally? Any help appreciated

Whilst writing, what do you guys do to keep tyres pumped up, do you get a portable compressor jobbie with air pressure gauge? (Also, no idea what the correct tyre pressures even need to be, the Adria documentation is absolutely shocking/non-existent!)

Another shout for giving it a good clean and then spraying with Wet&Forget. Should last a good while.

 

[TerryL]

Be careful if using a steam/pressure wash, don't go too near any window/panel seals as high pressure/steam can easily damage them and, hey presto, damp problems!

We had a diamond finish treatment when we bought our van almost 15 years ago (part of the deal) which lasted a long time. Even now it takes little effort to clean using a normal wax/wash but I do try to give it a proper polish once a year. If you've got deep pockets a ceramic finish will solve the problem, but the van must be absolutely clean first. There was a recent thread on here (What have you fixed?) where a Funster had it done.

Tyre pressures - most important first job is to get your van weighed in full "going away" trim, preferably both/all axles and overall weight as they don't always agree - a geometry professor could explain why. Firstly, it will ensure that you aren't already overweight (it's surprising how many vans are) but then you can contact your tyre manufacturer (not Michelin, they just say 80psi all round) who, armed with these numbers, will tell you the correct pressures - keep the response to show plod if you get checked. Or you could go to the Tyresafe website which will also give you guidelines. You may be surprised in the difference in ride and handling getting this right!

 

[Willieboy]

There are lots of shouts for Wet & Forget on here, so I'm a bit reluctant to share my experience. However...., I used a “Wet & Forget” product on the motorhome roof a couple of years ago, but when I had the next habitation service the engineer pointed out that my solar panel had started to lift.

I’m not saying that the product affected the adhesive and caused the solar panel to lift, but it did put me off ever using it again. I keep it for the back garden patio!

 

[Captain Caveman]

There are lots of shouts for Wet & Forget on here, so I'm a bit reluctant to share my experience. However...., I used a “Wet & Forget” product on the motorhome roof a couple of years ago, but when I had the next habitation service the engineer pointed out that my solar panel had started to lift.

I’m not saying that the product affected the adhesive and caused the solar panel to lift, but it did put me off ever using it again. I keep it for the back garden patio!

I was a little bit worried about the silver finish/aluminium etc., t'internet also recommends "Fenwicks Motorhome Cleaner" which is specifically for motorhomes, maybe a safer bet?

 

[Spriddler]

......t'internet also recommends "Fenwicks Motorhome Cleaner" which is specifically for motorhomes, maybe a safer bet?

I bought some, used it once - it was no more effective than washing up liquid.

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[FrankNicklin]

The safety guidelines for Wet & Forgot are pretty heavy. Wet & Forget Outdoor ready to use.

 

[BouncyBoatFolk]

Once cleaned, a coat of Meguiare's home ceramic wax [ https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07N9DZ673/?tag=mhf04-21], coating works well at making it hard for the algae to adhere to the surface.
The first coat takes a reasonable bit of effort to put on, but subsequent coats apply a lot easier.
Mike.

 

[Captain Caveman]

I bought some, used it once - it was no more effective than washing up liquid.

It's a bit of a conundrum