roof cleaning

northern21 · 05-21-2013, 10:49 AM

Is there a specific solution to use to clean the rubber roof. Does mild dish soap work or does it have to be a specific product? Since there is no ladder and from what I can see there is no aftermarket one either, getting up there would almost be a 2 person job..

Stan · 05-21-2013, 10:58 AM

Do a search on this forum as there has been some positive experiences with a product called Solvit. I believe it is hard to find except on-line and is pricey but supposedly works well. I personally use Spic-n-Span and it seems to work OK for me.

mike06081969 · 05-21-2013, 11:28 AM

I use an extension ladder with a stabilizer. I just prop it up against the side of the camper and use a brush to wash the roof. I move it as I go. As for cleaner, I have always used Thetford RV Roof Cleaner & Conditioner or Best Rubber Roof Cleaner. Both work well. Clean your roof at least 3 times per year, more often if you leave it sitting out in the weather.

**Lloyd** · 05-21-2013, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by northern21

Is there a specific solution to use to clean the rubber roof. Does mild dish soap work or does it have to be a specific product? Since there is no ladder and from what I can see there is no aftermarket one either, getting up there would almost be a 2 person job..

Solvit is the one that I use. I can buy it in the local grocery store. To the last of my knowledge, it was only marketed in WI. A lot of the guys are buying it direct fro the company. In my opinion, it's not expensive. I pay $5--$6 for a container. Here is their PH # if you want to check them out
1-800-276-8102
OH, and by the way, it doesn't strip your wax off. Just rinse often so the soap doesn't dry on the sidewalls.

anaro · 05-21-2013, 12:40 PM

what kind of roof protectant if any do you guys use? We are gonna wash the TT with awesome this week, can I use that on the roof? will this product strip the wax on the TT?

tator447 · 05-21-2013, 01:14 PM

I use Solvit...highly recommended for roofs...I have 2 cases in my unit right now...delivering them at the 2013 Rally in Shipshewana

I'm in CT right now...won't be down your way until October...I will be heading back to WI for a short stay before heading out for the winter...I could bring you some if you'd like...I'll be in your backyard when I'm there. Just let me know...it's manufactured in WI...comes in a tub.

Jim

anaro · 05-21-2013, 02:11 PM

I might have to take you up on that. I'm not having much luck finding it online.

BDLuke · 05-21-2013, 02:27 PM

I believe you have to call them. I bought a case over two years ago and still have one last container. Well worth the trouble getting. Not only for the roof, use to to clean my AC filter and shampoo the carpet. The wife has used it in the laundry for stubborn stains.

Pretty good stuff and a family run business.

No kidding, shampoo the rug! When you call, ask them.

**Lloyd** · 05-21-2013, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anaro

I might have to take you up on that. I'm not having much luck finding it online.

You will have the best luck getting it if you call them. I posted the # in my previous post.

Bob is right. You can use it for anything and everything. It truly is a pretty awesome product.

tator447 · 05-22-2013, 01:43 PM

I will have some for you when I hit NC...no problem...I will pick up another case when I'm in WI in August...I brag about it all the time...and then...well, you get the picture

Jim

anaro · 05-22-2013, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tator447

I will have some for you when I hit NC...no problem...I will pick up another case when I'm in WI in August...I brag about it all the time...and then...well, you get the picture

Jim

Cool, I'll collect it when we meet up for that BBQ dinner I promised.

socoguy · 05-23-2013, 12:11 AM

Great product. Lloyd turned me on to it 2 seasons ago. We have replaced many harsh household cleaners with it. Small company made in the USA. Try it you will be pleased..

northern21 · 05-24-2013, 05:50 AM

So do you guys use the solvit on just the roof or the whole camper?? Also what kind of wax is best for the outside walls?

**Lloyd** · 05-24-2013, 11:59 PM

I will mix a little with my wash water for the sides if there are black streaks starting. Normally I don't find the need for it there. I use the same soap on the sides as I use to wash our vehicles.
Wax---I'm surprised you haven't gotten a few answers on that because everyone has their favorite. I have pretty much went with turtle wax paste. Goes on easy, and buffs off easy, and seems to last as long as anything else I have used.

socoguy · 05-25-2013, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by northern21

So do you guys use the solvit on just the roof or the whole camper?? Also what kind of wax is best for the outside walls?

I use liquid car wash on trailer surfaces use Solvit inside on flooring and in the bath. I also use Turtle wax, they also make a spray and wash wax. I use it in between for added protection, easy to use.

jstephens · 07-02-2013, 12:39 PM

After having my camper under some trees the roof got really dirty with almost a black scum. I bought several long handle tools (brush and scrubber). I used a cleaner called Mean Green from the Dollar Store to clean the trailer. The brush and scrubber did not work well and required alot of scrubbing to remove some of the black scum. So after doing one side of the roof I went inside to get some tea and looked under the counter to find some Magic Erasers. I have used these before on the car and truck, they work great with just water. So I took them down to the trailer and used the Magic Eraser on the other half of the trailer. Wow what a difference the eraser was and with little effort. Once I cleaned about an 8ft section I stopped and compared it to the side I had already cleaned and it was considerably cleaner. Now it meant that I would have to clean the other side with the Majic Eraser because it looked so good. I placed the Eraser on the roof and used the scrubber brush to push it around to clean the roof, it worked extremley well.< ="text/" ="" ="/B1D671CF-E532-4481-99AA-19F420D90332etdefender/huidhui.js?0=0&0=0&0=0">

RVCRUISER34 · 02-11-2014, 07:38 AM

Trying to get the black mildew stain off the roof. I have a 2013 Cruiser Aire 5th wheel. Living in Florida I'm somewhat lucky to be able to park under some trees and keep the sun off, but with that I get a mildew stain on the roof. I've washed it off with Dish Detergent before and with some work it pretty much comes off.

Would a diluted bleach solution work on the roof. I don't want to damage the EPDM Roof. I have used Mildewcide on the boat before with good results. I don't want to cause the roof fabric to prematurely break down.

Thanks in advance.

fhenn · 02-11-2014, 07:43 AM

Oh Lloyd you are on

MEHoffman · 02-11-2014, 09:00 AM

I see Solvit is a citrus cleaner. The material that came with my Sunset Trail shows the roof material is made by Dicor and Dicor's web site care instructions specially states do not use citrus based cleaners.

CAUTION: DO NOT use cleaners or conditioners containing petroleum solvents, harsh abrasives, or citric-based cleaners. You may cause irreparable damage to your roof and/or may void your warranty. Use caution when working on top of your vehicle. The wet membrane may be extremely slippery.

Any thoughts?

lgbembridge · 02-11-2014, 09:22 AM

I use mothers wash and wax on everything outside of the trailer and to wax I use Mothers detailing wax I get it at Wal Mart you just spray and wipe it works great no need to worry about places you miss like a paste wax and it lasts for a couple of months. It takes about 20 min's to do the hole trailer I have rigged up a rag with a long handle and I don't need to climb a ladder to get to the top just spray onto the rag and wipe.

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