Steam cleaning outside of an RV

Thank you all again. We appreciate it all, even the 'realistic' input.

I take my stuff up to Oregon for washing. Not many true steam cleaners around. Plenty of hot water sprayers.

I sure wish I could wash my filthy MH, but I resist because I don't want to get arrested by the Water Police!!!!

noplace2 wrote:
I'll probably get censored, but exactly what do you not understand about "severe drought? It is real and you are likely contributing to the problem. But of course, YOU are only doing what you want. You can't possibly be part of the problem. Washing your RV with water, steam (water) in the midst of a major water shortage? Why sure! Go right ahead! Your RV is VERY important in the grand scheme of things

In the interim, I'd strongly suggest that you investigate the many sites devoted to planning for having little to no water and act accordingly. Won't happen to you? Good luck with that.

And, I am FAR from a doom and gloomer. I am a realist.

And as a realist, do you know that the self-serve wash places in drought stricken areas are setup to capture and recycle their water? That approach meets people's individual needs while also meeting society's needs.

Forget the steam and use a waterless product to clean your rv. There are several available and use no water. I think Thetford makes one, there's Dri Wash N Guard. We use Wash Wax All, originally designed for airplanes. We have used it since we bought this 5'r in November 2011, no oxidation. The initial kit is pricey but gives you everything you need, long pole (no ladder needed) microfiber pads & towels and the wash wax all & black streak remover. I have no connection to the company just really like the product, will never use any other cleaner.

Thank you all so very much. We're aware of the rationing issues, and have cut back on our water usage, including the cleaning of our vehicles, a lot. At the same time we're considering the guy the park uses because his system only uses 8 gallons of water to clean an entire 45' coach, and he's one of those small business guys who seems to do a good job and works his a-- off from morning to night. Nevertheless, I see mixed reviews on these kinds of systems, but since we have to spend so much now on medical and will never be able to afford to replace or repaint this wonderful (and now 11 year old) coach, I'm going to pass on him.

My wife and I both appreciate all your opinions. Thank you so much for all your kind suggestions.

nevadanick wrote:
(snip) Hotsy make cold and hot water pressure washers and if i remember correctly they may have made one model steam cleaner. Steam cleaners arent pressure cleaners and hot water pressure washers arent steam cleaners.

Correct, the one we had at the shop was a heated pressure washer.

As for washing in California, I'd suspect the local ordinances put in place for the drought would dictate the type of washing could be done. When I lived in Corpus Christi, Texas, we had water rationing one year where lawns could only be watered certain days (depending on the last digit of your address) then it was zero lawn watering as the drought worsened. Washing vehicles was only permitted at car washes, not at home during that time. Each municipality implemented their water rationing depending on the supply and demand in the area.

Optima Steamer Demonstration: Cleaning with Dry Steam

The vapor-steam separates dirt from the clear-coat and/or wax (steam does not harm a car’s clear-coat and actually rejuvenates wax).

Actual steam cleaners are few and far between. Hotsy make cold and hot water pressure washers and if i remember correctly they may have made one model steam cleaner. Steam cleaners arent pressure cleaners and hot water pressure washers arent steam cleaners. A dry ice cleaner would be more water friendly but not sure what it would do to paint.

Here's a link to one company's steam cleaners.