What products do you recommend to clean a TPO roof? My first time cleaning my trailer roof that is 2 years old.

Dish soap and water according to my owner's manual.

I washed mine about 4 weeks ago and used Rubber Roof cleaner from my local RV parts store (dealer). I am one of those fussy-duddies that believes in using the product that is made for a specific function. Costs a bit more? Yes, but then there is no threat of using a product that may, or could, over time, cause the roof to deteriorate.The last time I washed was last Fall. Although the roof did not look dirty, when I began washing, the dirt rolled off. Amazing. It came nice and clean again.I then followed up with the Rubber Roof Conditiner. Now ... I was up on the roof barefoot (shoes were too slippery). Before using the conditioner, the roof had a rough texture to it. I didn't think too much about it. But after the conditioner was put down and dried and I walked on it, I was amazed how different the rubber felt. It was smooth and soft again. (and slick).You can use what you may, each one of us has the freedom to use what we think is best. But in my opinion, the product made for the job is the one that works. I really saw the difference after applying the conditioner.

DutchmenSport wrote:I washed mine about 4 weeks ago and used Rubber Roof cleaner from my local RV parts store (dealer). I am one of those fussy-duddies that believes in using the product that is made for a specific function. Costs a bit more? Yes, but then there is no threat of using a product that may, or could, over time, cause the roof to deteriorate.The last time I washed was last Fall. Although the roof did not look dirty, when I began washing, the dirt rolled off. Amazing. It came nice and clean again.I then followed up with the Rubber Roof Conditiner. Now ... I was up on the roof barefoot (shoes were too slippery). Before using the conditioner, the roof had a rough texture to it. I didn't think too much about it. But after the conditioner was put down and dried and I walked on it, I was amazed how different the rubber felt. It was smooth and soft again. (and slick).You can use what you may, each one of us has the freedom to use what we think is best. But in my opinion, the product made for the job is the one that works. I really saw the difference after applying the conditioner.why did you use rubber roof products on a TPO roof?bumpy

DutchmenSport wrote:I washed mine about 4 weeks ago and used Rubber Roof cleaner from my local RV parts store (dealer). I am one of those fussy-duddies that believes in using the product that is made for a specific function. Costs a bit more? Yes, but then there is no threat of using a product that may, or could, over time, cause the roof to deteriorate.The last time I washed was last Fall. Although the roof did not look dirty, when I began washing, the dirt rolled off. Amazing. It came nice and clean again.I then followed up with the Rubber Roof Conditiner. Now ... I was up on the roof barefoot (shoes were too slippery). Before using the conditioner, the roof had a rough texture to it. I didn't think too much about it. But after the conditioner was put down and dried and I walked on it, I was amazed how different the rubber felt. It was smooth and soft again. (and slick).You can use what you may, each one of us has the freedom to use what we think is best. But in my opinion, the product made for the job is the one that works. I really saw the difference after applying the conditioner.deleted as duplicate

TPO roof cleaning | Good Sam Community

Eddie_Griswold
Explorer
Oct 05, 2016
K_and_I wrote:
harold1946 wrote:
I use Murphy's Oil Soap. It is recommended by Dicor for TPO roofing.

My TPO roof is made by Alpha. As I have heard so many suggestions on how to clean it, I called them to ask. They said to use Murphy's Oil Soap as it not only cleans, but leaves a little oil behind to keep the membrane flexible. So that's what I do.

What is the mixture ratio using Murphy's Oil Soap or do you apply it full strength?
harold1946
Explorer
Oct 05, 2016
I don't remember the ratio, but it is mixed with warm water. It is available at most crocery stores. Mixing directions are on the bottle.
We also use it to clean wood surfaces.
seaeagle2
Explorer
Oct 06, 2016
I'm just going to throw this out, TPO besides being used on RV's is used on warehouses and other buildings, ever see anyone clean a warehouse roof ?
K-9_HANDLER
Explorer
Oct 06, 2016
I have never cleaned mine.
K-9_HANDLER
Explorer
Oct 06, 2016
I have never cleaned mine.
harold1946
Explorer
Oct 06, 2016
seaeagle2 wrote:
I'm just going to throw this out, TPO besides being used on RV's is used on warehouses and other buildings, ever see anyone clean a warehouse roof ?

Yes I have. As a matter of fact there are 5 businesses locally that do roof cleaning on commercial buildings.
Tvov
Explorer II
Oct 06, 2016
RinconVTR wrote:
My new TT is the first I've ever had with a "rubber/plastic" roof, TPO.

I was under the impression TPO did not need to be cleaned, I guess I should look into this more. There must be one or two threads on interest about this, eh? LOL

But I would NEVER use dish soap, I don't care what manual says its ok. Its more aggressive than any simple car wash solution and will take the wax (and shine) right off the sides of your RV.

My TT's instruction manual, which is a 2003, says it is not actually necessary to clean the roof, but just brush off leaves and dirt. I have washed and "treated" the roof a couple times, using something similar to what DutchmenSport uses (might be the same product). I do it mostly because the roof does get so dirty, and it makes it easier to see if there are any other maintenance issues -- But...

If you want to clean the roof, I have read here and other places to NOT use car wash. The vast majority of car wash products use petroleum distillates, which supposedly will degrade the roofing material of campers. As is said on the internet -- YMMV (Your mileage may vary - or it might work fine for you)
harold1946
Explorer
Oct 06, 2016
Both Dicor and Alpha advise not to use anything containing petroleum distillates or citric acid.
Community Alumni
Oct 06, 2016
seaeagle2 wrote:
I'm just going to throw this out, TPO besides being used on RV's is used on warehouses and other buildings, ever see anyone clean a warehouse roof ?

Yep. There's plenty of roof cleaning contractors out there. One of the advantages to the single ply roofs that you see on warehouses and retail stores is that they reflect heat. The dirtier it gets, the lower the performance. It's not very efficient when it's covered in mold and dirt. It also makes inspections a lot more difficult. All this isn't so important for our little couple hundred square foot roofs, but it a different story on a several thousand square foot roof. We RVers mostly wash ours for aesthetics because you know, people like to look at clean things.
Nvr_lost
Explorer
Oct 08, 2016
Thanks for your comments. I will do the job tomorrow using a combination of Turtle Wax's "Zip Wash" car wash solution and a little "Soft Scrub". The documentation said to use something that has a granulated content, like Spic and Span. Could not find Spic and Span in granulation form. Did find Comet though, but I have that.

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