rubber roof cleaning

Frequent washing is what has worked for me .
I get up on the roof after every trip .
Palmolive diswash liquid .
9 inch wide brush on a 6 foot handle .
A bucket of HOT water to rinse the brush .
And a garden hose .
I squirt some palmolive onto the roof and wash a section with the soft bristle brush .
Spray off and do another section .
I open the awning and clean it at the same time .
The main thing is the frequent washing .
Nothing gets so baked / caked on that it is impossible to remove .
I use the same method for the vertical surfaces .
I lay down a stripe of palmolive onto the truck brush and wash a section .
I use a washmitt for the tighter spots .
It still looks good after 11 years .
The trick is every time without exception .

bamcote wrote:
Murphys Oil Soap on mine.

I do not know anything about Murphy's Oil Soap
but the name suggests a petroleum product that the manufacurers say to not use.

Suggest a second thought on this recomendation.

I just spent a several hours using Thetford Premium Rubber Roof Claner and Protectant on my Rockwood TT EDPM Roof. I had used it before with good results, but this time, not so much. It took a lot of elbow grease with a nylon scrub brush, and I still am not happy with the results. Does this stuff expire? I noticed my container had a 2011 date on it, which is when I first bought it and started using it. If so, guess I need to buy smaller containers, cause I hate wasting my time and energy trying to use a product that is no longer potent.

I was also wondering if there was a better product, that gives better results and/or requires less scrubbing. I've read some good reviews on B.E.S.T. Rubber roof cleaner, has anyone used that? I've read some use Murphy Oil Soap, but doesn't that have a petroleum base (oil)? I don't mind doing the maintenance, but it would be nice to find a product that works easier.

Thanks,

KenNTennessee

One concern with the pressure washer, even when being careful, would be driving water in the openings up there. You have sewer vents, a skylight, a regular vent, an AC unit that isn't that well sealed, and a refrigerator vent. Last time my wife helped me wash the roof, she directed the regular water spray at the refrigerator roof vent, and we had a nice puddle inside.

My instructions suggest Murphy's Oil Soap or Spic and Span. I've also used the commercial roof cleaner from the RV supply. To be honest, none of it really works magically. I've owned three RVs and none of the roofs have stayed sparkling white. I clean them twice a year and rinse them thoroughly every time I was the unit. In the South, the humidity is high and the trees drop sap and the roof will develop the black moldy stuff. My neighbor used bleach to get his roof white again, but I think bleach is way too caustic. It's bound to cause some ill effects.

I cleaned our trailer roof with "Dicor Rubber Roof Cleaner", today. I used it because I had it and felt it was something that wouldn't damage the rubber. I guess, I would like it to be cleaner and I would like to use a product other than that sold by the manufacturers for convenience more than cheapness, but feel simple products work better. I have tried the Murphy's Oil soap and not impressed with the results. I'd like to try the Spic and Span, but unclear if this is a liquid soap or the powder my Grandmother used. Doing a search here on cleaning roofs, pone person said he had used Spic and Span for ten years, that's the kind of product I'm looking for. So is the Spic and Span liquid or powder? Thank you for your time.

I would say that if leaks are happening due to using a perssure washer, it not the equipment that is the problem, it the operator. Some have the ability to break an anvil with a feather.

padave wrote:

harold1946 wrote:
I use regular automotive wash in a pressure washer, and a scrub brush on any stubborn stains, followed by a coating of 303 UV protectant.
Do not us anything with petroleum or citric acid.

I would never use a power washer on any part of my camper. I use rubber roof cleaner (usually Thetford). I wet the roof, spray the cleaner on directly, take a soft brush and brush the roof, let it set for a few minutes, brush it a second time and then rinse. I will repeat those steps on stubborn stains. I have found that each time I clean the roof it is easier because the specially designed rubber roof cleaners have a protectant that seems to keep things from staining the roof which makes cleaning easier. I wash my roof at least twice a year. More frequently cleaning means less work in the long run and extended roof life. Just my two cents....

X2 I also use Thetford's cleaner/conditioner with a scrub brush designed for rubber roofs. I follow that up with a UV Protectant. I do this once or twice a year depending on the need. NEVER, NEVER,NEVER use a pressure washer on you roof. A new leak is almost guaranteed.

I clean my TT's Roof 2 x per year using either Protect-All Roof Cleaner or Spic/Span (from local dollar store). In the fall, I use the better Protect-All Roof Cleaner. In the spring, I use Spic/Span liquid. I find the Protect-All stuff cleans pollutions and tree stains much better than Spic/Span. And while on the roof 2 times per year, I also detail inspect all joints, edges and if needed, apply Dicor Caulk in the crack's or divot hole. And if a seam is letting go, I apply EternaBond tape. Both products available at my local RV dealer. This works for me.

As for treating the roof? YES. I apply Protect-All Roof Treatment every year to my RV's roof. I apply in the spring - to help keep tree stains and tree sap dripping from soaking into the roof material. The treatment acts like a protection layer - like applying a WAX surface on vehicle's and RV sides. This protection layer allows much easier Roof cleaning in the fall (before my RV roof goes into winter sleep). This works for me.

And if wondering, below is what my RV/TT looks like - before its fall cleaning. As seen, its mandatory to clean my RV/TT's roof.

Murphys Oil Soap on mine.