Dawn Ultra or Borax to clean epdm roof?

ScottG wrote:
Unless it's just unsightly to you, just sweep it as you said. It will add no life to the roof and may actually shorten it by cleaning. It's an industrial roof material that's meant to go a lifetime without cleaning.

x2.

I will add though that between the brown fiberglass front cap and white chalky residue that the roof excretes it leaves white streaks on the front cap. Arrrrg!! I wish that on mid profile 5'ers that they would make the apex of the cap and roof higher so that the residue would run towards the rear of the 5'er and not down the cap.

It's useless to clean the roof because it naturally forms a residue.

mosseater wrote:
Soft bristle brush and Spin-N-Span. Twice a year, tops. I don't see the point in getting too carried away with it. It's meant to be in the weather.

Agreed. The manufacturer for my roof recommends Spic N Span.

I don't think you use Dawn ULTRA. There is another which has been around forever, I think it is Dawn concentrate. The Ultra has something in it that attracts birds and squirrels.

mosseater wrote:
Soft bristle brush and Spin-N-Span. Twice a year, tops. I don't see the point in getting too carried away with it. It's meant to be in the weather.

Times two, but then I put a protectant on it

Jack L

Just remember when you use Dawn, it will remove the wax from the sides of the RV.

BubbaChris wrote:

pappcam wrote:
This whole roof scrubbing and cleaning is somewhat confusing to me. I guess getting bird poop and other sticky residues off is a good idea but what's the purpose of shining it all up with chemicals?

For me, it's getting the stuff off that can create black streaks when rain runs off.

That's really the only reason I wash my roof from time to time. Most of the time I just hose it off.

Dawn should be fine. It's classified as a "mild" cleaner, and that's what you want. If you can find Spin N Span, that's always highly recommended on this board also.

I went for Murphy's Oil Soap, which is also recommended as a "mild" cleaner.

BubbaChris wrote:

pappcam wrote:
This whole roof scrubbing and cleaning is somewhat confusing to me. I guess getting bird poop and other sticky residues off is a good idea but what's the purpose of shining it all up with chemicals?

For me, it's getting the stuff off that can create black streaks when rain runs off.

X2

I believe that is one reason for cleaning, the main reason in my mind is to inspect and repair any lap sealant that is starting to show it's age. You can't repair what you can't see I would much rather clean the roof and touch up the lap sealant before i see the signs on the ceiling, by then it's kinda late.

I called Dicor on an other matter and while talking to the customer service rep I ask if my favorite all purpose cleaner Simple Green was OK to use. They said it was OK.

I buy Simple Green in the gallon jug and use it for everything from spot cleaning the laundry to degreasing engines and washing floors. It's just a matter of diluting it for the job at hand.

BubbaChris wrote:

pappcam wrote:
This whole roof scrubbing and cleaning is somewhat confusing to me. I guess getting bird poop and other sticky residues off is a good idea but what's the purpose of shining it all up with chemicals?

For me, it's getting the stuff off that can create black streaks when rain runs off.

I think we have a winner! Don't forget the gutters when doing the roof.

pappcam wrote:
This whole roof scrubbing and cleaning is somewhat confusing to me. I guess getting bird poop and other sticky residues off is a good idea but what's the purpose of shining it all up with chemicals?

For me, it's getting the stuff off that can create black streaks when rain runs off.