Roof Cleaner

BluJay

Advanced Member
Joined
Apr 4, 2011
Posts
60
Location
Fort Wayne
I've read several comments about using "LA's Totally Awesome" Cleaner (see attached pix) on various trailer parts/locations. Has anyone used it on a rubber roof and, if successfully(!), at what dilution rate?

Thanks in advance...and THINK SPRING!
:campfire:
 

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That's a degreaser and it's harsh. It's great stuff. I've used that on a lot of things over the years but I will not use it on any surface on my trailer unless its a really bad stain.

I used to use generic Oxyclean in a hot bucket of water and a soft scrub brush on my roof. When we bought our trailer I got talked into buying a gallon of Voom which i use to wash the body of the trailer. It's supposed to be safe on all RV surfaces. Last summer I ran out the generic OxyClean when I wanted to clean the underside of my awning, so I used the Voom not expecting it to do too much. WOW! Voom in how water and a soft cloth. That's the cleanest I've ever seen the awning since it was new. So I tried it on the roof and I'm pretty impressed. I never though much of the Voom before, but now I'm sold on it.
 
I used Dawn on my roof until it was pointed out to me that it was stripping the oils out of the rubber....made sense to me as that's what it was designed to do, when I asked what the best replacement would be I was told to use Spic and Span granular.....
 
I used a power washer last time. Worked great!


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I've always been afraid to use my power washer on the roof because of the chance of damaging the seals up there. I just use old fashioned elbow grease and car wash soap. It may not be the perfect solution, but as long as I get the dirt off I'm a happy camper. I must admit that this method doesn't do much for stains, but that really doesn't matter, nobody gets up there anyway.

Happy camping!
 
I started off using car wash soap and elbow grease. Didn't look clean, so I tried Murphy oil soap. Didn't work either. So I used power washer with white 40 degree tip. Don't go crazy by the seals and you'll be fine. A lot less elbow grease and much better results.

57e068543457921d937094ded06cde83.jpg



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I buy the spray bottle of Thetford Roof Cleaner from Walmart. I wash my roof 3-4 times. Spray, scrub and rinse. I have used Ajax also but this is much easier and faster.


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My TT came with some info from the roof manufacturer and it recommends liquid Spic and Span concentrate. I tried it with a deck brush and it worked great.
 
I can't find Spic N Span anywhere around here (NC). Help!

You don't have to use Spic N Span. You can use Dicor brand cleaners or 409 or Fantastic as mentioned below from the manual.

Care and Maintenance
The care and maintenance of your DiFlex II™ roof is simple and requires no special materials.
A. Semi-annual inspection of the roof is suggested. Check the membrane for
possible damage and check the lap sealant used in all termination areas and
around all accessories and fasteners. The lap sealant has a limited life span,
depending on the geographic region and conditions, and should be repaired or
replaced as needed.
B. Keep your roof clean. For normal cleaning, use Dicor Roof Cleaners (RP-RC320S)
spray or RP-RC160C concentrate) or standard products such as 409, Fantastic or
mild detergent are sufficient. Do not use harsh abrasives or products containing
solvents. For stubborn stains, a rag dampened with mineral spirits is
recommended. DO NOT SOAK. (Do not apply mineral spirits directly to roof).
C. When cleaning, rinse thoroughly with clean water to avoid residue build-up on the
roof or sidewall of the vehicle.
D. Parking in areas where fruit or tree sap may stay on the roof for extended periods
of time may result in unremovable stains.
 
Not a fan of the Dicor roof cleaner. It was a big waste of money and time. I will go back to Murphy Oil Soap and 303 AeroSpace Protectant.
 
Murphy Oil Soap Works

I used Murphy Oil Soap and a softer brush and it worked fine - not pristine but clean. I will definitely use it again. Speaking of Murphy, hose with nozzle slid off the roof and whacked the driveway, breaking the nozzle. Had to go old-school by holding my thumb over the outlet to create a spray - haven't done that since I was a kid and it felt nostalgic. RVing finds many ways to make me feel like a kid again - one of the reasons I love it.
 
I get a lot of guff for this advice but here it goes.

DO NOT CLEAN YOUR ROOF!

The dirt and residue keep the UV light away, prevent further deterioration, and will make your roof last a lot longer. Every time you clean the residue off, you are taking a part of your roof with it. You know what I am talking about. The actual powdery reside that has oxidized off the roof that is actually from the roof material. Every time you clean it, you are taking part of your roof off with it. Clean it enough times and you will have no roof. Leave it alone! Especially if you live in the hotter regions of this nation.
 

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