Forum Discussion

Duane4238's avatar
Duane4238
Explorer
Apr 11, 2016

Rubber Roof cleaning questions

I couldn't get a straight answer from my RV dealer so I thought I'd try here for opinions. I'm going to clean my rubber roof on my 2011 Keystone Springdale 311. I purchased some Camco rubber roof cleaner and conditioner. The directions say to apply it to a small area at a time, and wipe the area and then rinse with clean water. My problem is that I don't have a fresh water supply at my trailer site. Any water I add to my fresh water tank has to be hauled by me, consequently I use it very sparingly. I was wondering, if I use the Camco cleaner and remove as much as I can with damp clothes, would a good rain suffice to wash off what might be remaining on the roof? Is it going to hurt the rubber roof if it doesn't get hosed off after I wash it with the cleaner? The cleaner is supposed to have a conditioner in it. If it's rinsed off immediately after it's applied, what good is it going to do?
ANY and ALL suggestions will be greatly appreciated. I'm a little too old to be up on a ladder doing the roof by myself so fire away.
Duane
  • newman_fulltime's avatar
    newman_fulltime
    Explorer II
    Apr 11, 2016
    you need lots of water to rinse it if the protectent sets up with the dirt it willbe in it then and you will have streaks on your sides
  • Dog_Trainer's avatar
    Dog_Trainer
    Explorer
    Apr 11, 2016
    1st figure out what type of rubber roof it is there are a couple of different membranes that are used on these TT's. Mine is the TPO type and the Lit. on it recomends no chemicals other than a mild detergent wash. If you have an EDPM roof there may be a need for further sealing etc. I am not the one to tell you which way you need to go I am just offering a suggestion that you find out what product your Mfg used and then make sure you are using a compatible product.
  • wildtoad's avatar
    wildtoad
    Explorer II
    Apr 11, 2016
    Just use soap and water, no special cleaners or conditioners required or needed.
  • janechucknicode's avatar
    janechucknicode
    Explorer
    Apr 11, 2016
    Ditto on the soap and car brush, then rinse good and let dry or drive to the next spot:B
    My Rubber roof has been cleaned this way several times and NO problems.
    GET A STEADY LADDER!!!!!!
    Chuck
  • DutchmenSport's avatar
    DutchmenSport
    Explorer
    Apr 11, 2016
    If using the recommended rubber roof cleaner, you can do it with 2 buckets of water. Spray on cleaner, sponge it, and rinse with a clean sponge the first bucket. Then use a second bucket with a different sponge and rinse again. Yes, do small sections, and dump the buckets often. I have found a small window squeegee works great for pulling the dirty water on the roof to pool so a sponge can soak it up. That was until I got my current camper that has an arched roof. Can't do it that way no more. Water runs off too fast. So just wiping twice with the sponge works well enough.

    Take your time doing it, and just enjoy the moment! Yoll'll be "on top of the world"!
  • homestudiomusic's avatar
    homestudiomusic
    Explorer
    Apr 11, 2016
    Hey Duane,

    I saw your post and wanted to make a suggestion.

    I just drove home (from Miami, FL to KC, MO area) my 1st Class A motorhome and the roof was VERY dirty after several years of sitting in Florida.

    During my drive home, I stopped at a Truck Wash just south of St. Louis and had the entire vehicle's side AND roof, power-washed - there.

    Pretty much, for $45 bucks, the roof came out cleaner than I think I could ever have done myself and it only took the Truck Wash's crew like 30 minutes to do the WHOLE roof and it's a 37 foot long beast-of-a-coach!

    Hope this approach might help you decide how to tackle yours, much easier & faster!
  • mosseater's avatar
    mosseater
    Explorer II
    Apr 11, 2016
    Spic and Span and a soft brush is what I use. Gets it clean, but not spotless. Why do folks care so much? I bought it to camp, not to clean. I've heard Murphey's oil soap will also work safely.
  • Atlee's avatar
    Atlee
    Explorer II
    Apr 12, 2016
    The makers of the rubber roof on my trailer recomends Spic-N-Span or Top Job.

    Just make sure you don't use any petroleum based cleaning products.
  • MNRon's avatar
    MNRon
    Explorer
    Apr 12, 2016
    I've seen roof washing topics several times with no consensus but I'm still in the camp of "why wash the roof?" The rubber roof has a white coating on it to reflect light/heat and protect the rubber; washing it just wears down this protective white coating. Besides, other than when I climb the ladder, no one sees it anyway.

    My vote, don't worry about it...fire away

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