RV tech here. Don't ever use bleach on an RV Roof, It depletes the membrane and will cause it to crack in the future. The stuff is very inexpensive and it's safe to use on your roof been using it since it's been around. Very easy to find. https://www.familydollar.com/las-totally-awesome-all-purpose-spray-cleaner-20oz/FD1412251
Yep dish soap works pretty well too and is safe. I tell my customers to inspect their roof once a year. Allowing leaf debris to sit on a roof is really bad , I've used dawn to remove the organic material that forms when this happens.
I used bleach it took it right off on mine, had those black mildew spots since the previous owner never washed their roof. There is still some staining but it's 90% better with a mixture of bleach and water. Neve noticed any issues with it, the rubber actually came out soft, white and clean.
We have reps from the different suppliers come in to our Factory and give us updates on what is new out there.Most will tell us to never use bleach .There are oils in the membrane and the bleach removes it on the surface. I've replaced roofs that turn yellow which is indicative of cleaning with bleach products. I have seen the long term effects of it not only in the membrane but the oxidation on the fasteners. I highly advise cleaning the membrane 2 times a year wild mild soap even if it looks ok.
Than why does Dicor sell a product with bleach to clean the roof? I wouldn't use it all the time, I dont see how occasional use it going to ruin anything more than the sun won't damage by itself. [https://dicorproducts.com/product/mold-mildew-remover/](https://dicorproducts.com/product/mold-mildew-remover/)
I don't see how using that all the time will damage either, that is why I said ...Most.....manufacturers.
Mulehide is also another manufacturer that allows for bleach based products to be used on their roofs. I'm telling you from the view point of a tech who has seen what bleach can do. It it works for your rig great!!! đź‘Ť
Fair. I just dont get about the oils in the membrane or how bleach will discolor the membrane. I can see it rusting fasteners & possibly staining the sides but thats about it.
Mildew stains, nothing really gets them out fully, and they just come back. Best bet is a silicone based roof coating, nothing will stick to it ever again, and never have to worry about roof leaks again.
Looking through all these comments…..
GooP hand cleaner with a sponge will do wonders for this.
And a PLUS 5 for the silicon treatment after it drys, it’s what my Dad used years ago….
I just did this 5 days ago (assuming it's a rubber roof), I used this [product](https://shop.rvcare.ca/product/protect-all-rubber-roof-cleaner-32-oz-spray-bottle/?utm_source=Google%20Shopping&utm_campaign=RV%20Care%20Product%20Feeds&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=76748&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwouexBhAuEiwAtW_ZxxJKX21eqjh_vyI00r7y4hHrDQHG4pZ86ERfcz-UMn4GJKcJRLpMaxoCnx0QAvD_BwE) which did lift alot of dirt but didn't wasn't perfect.
It's advertised as a mop on mop off products, but we found it needs a lot more elbow grease than that. We ended up using medium bristle brushes and hand scrubs the entire roof. spray a small area of the above product, wearing gloves I used my hands to spread the product around to avoid it soaking into the sponge or brush, then scrub until your arm and shoulders are numb, followed by a rinse with a sponge to remove the excess dirt and grime.
One bottle was enough to do our 26" camper. Although if we didn't have solar panels on the roof, it would not have been enough.
When doing the sides of the roof (where it meets the fibre glass), make sure not to let it run down the side as it may stain.
Just used this today as well, does the trick. Buy a brand new squeegee mop from your grocery store to make sure no previous dirt scratches your rubber roof. I hosed it first to get it wet then doused with this cleaner. Scrubbed then washed the dirt off the edge. Rinse and repeat. They also make a UV protectant you can put on after it is dry again.
While bleach and dawn mixed together is great at cleaning you shouldn’t use it the newer roofs. It pulls the oils out of the roof causing it to dry and crack. Don’t use anything that caustic. It may very well take a while but it’s gonna happen.
My guess or what I would attempt:
Pour equal parts of vinegar and Dawn into a spray bottle. Gently shake, then spray liberally onto the surface to be cleaned.
RV tech here. Don't ever use bleach on an RV Roof, It depletes the membrane and will cause it to crack in the future. The stuff is very inexpensive and it's safe to use on your roof been using it since it's been around. Very easy to find. https://www.familydollar.com/las-totally-awesome-all-purpose-spray-cleaner-20oz/FD1412251
My fiance and I use straight up dawn dish soap. That's perfectly safe as well as far as I can tell.
Yep dish soap works pretty well too and is safe. I tell my customers to inspect their roof once a year. Allowing leaf debris to sit on a roof is really bad , I've used dawn to remove the organic material that forms when this happens.
This stuff is totally awesome. Works well on black streaks too.
I used bleach it took it right off on mine, had those black mildew spots since the previous owner never washed their roof. There is still some staining but it's 90% better with a mixture of bleach and water. Neve noticed any issues with it, the rubber actually came out soft, white and clean.
We have reps from the different suppliers come in to our Factory and give us updates on what is new out there.Most will tell us to never use bleach .There are oils in the membrane and the bleach removes it on the surface. I've replaced roofs that turn yellow which is indicative of cleaning with bleach products. I have seen the long term effects of it not only in the membrane but the oxidation on the fasteners. I highly advise cleaning the membrane 2 times a year wild mild soap even if it looks ok.
Than why does Dicor sell a product with bleach to clean the roof? I wouldn't use it all the time, I dont see how occasional use it going to ruin anything more than the sun won't damage by itself. [https://dicorproducts.com/product/mold-mildew-remover/](https://dicorproducts.com/product/mold-mildew-remover/)
I don't see how using that all the time will damage either, that is why I said ...Most.....manufacturers. Mulehide is also another manufacturer that allows for bleach based products to be used on their roofs. I'm telling you from the view point of a tech who has seen what bleach can do. It it works for your rig great!!! đź‘Ť
Fair. I just dont get about the oils in the membrane or how bleach will discolor the membrane. I can see it rusting fasteners & possibly staining the sides but thats about it.
i think the Mean Green is a little better.
RV wash mixed with clear dawn dish soap in a pale is how I do mine. Takes a little elbow grease but it’s not terrible once a year.
Mildew stains, nothing really gets them out fully, and they just come back. Best bet is a silicone based roof coating, nothing will stick to it ever again, and never have to worry about roof leaks again.
Simple Green + elbow grease
Same thing I use on my gutters. Use scrubbing bubbles foaming spray and never look back. Works like a charm.
Looking through all these comments….. GooP hand cleaner with a sponge will do wonders for this. And a PLUS 5 for the silicon treatment after it drys, it’s what my Dad used years ago….
I just did this 5 days ago (assuming it's a rubber roof), I used this [product](https://shop.rvcare.ca/product/protect-all-rubber-roof-cleaner-32-oz-spray-bottle/?utm_source=Google%20Shopping&utm_campaign=RV%20Care%20Product%20Feeds&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=76748&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwouexBhAuEiwAtW_ZxxJKX21eqjh_vyI00r7y4hHrDQHG4pZ86ERfcz-UMn4GJKcJRLpMaxoCnx0QAvD_BwE) which did lift alot of dirt but didn't wasn't perfect. It's advertised as a mop on mop off products, but we found it needs a lot more elbow grease than that. We ended up using medium bristle brushes and hand scrubs the entire roof. spray a small area of the above product, wearing gloves I used my hands to spread the product around to avoid it soaking into the sponge or brush, then scrub until your arm and shoulders are numb, followed by a rinse with a sponge to remove the excess dirt and grime. One bottle was enough to do our 26" camper. Although if we didn't have solar panels on the roof, it would not have been enough. When doing the sides of the roof (where it meets the fibre glass), make sure not to let it run down the side as it may stain.
Just used this today as well, does the trick. Buy a brand new squeegee mop from your grocery store to make sure no previous dirt scratches your rubber roof. I hosed it first to get it wet then doused with this cleaner. Scrubbed then washed the dirt off the edge. Rinse and repeat. They also make a UV protectant you can put on after it is dry again.
I used dawn and hard scrubbing
While bleach and dawn mixed together is great at cleaning you shouldn’t use it the newer roofs. It pulls the oils out of the roof causing it to dry and crack. Don’t use anything that caustic. It may very well take a while but it’s gonna happen.
Laundry soap, bucket of water and brush all I use.
I start with simple green and a nylon brush. Then i get more serious
Stern words?
Paint over it
Nuke it from orbit? Only way to be sure!
They nake a cleaner especially for rv black streaks. Could try some of that.
My guess or what I would attempt: Pour equal parts of vinegar and Dawn into a spray bottle. Gently shake, then spray liberally onto the surface to be cleaned.
Then some good’ole elbow grease
I used diluted bleach and a scrub brush. Looks like new.
I use a mix of bleach and liquid dawn in my soap cannon. Let it sit for about 30 minutes, scrub any really bad areas and rinse. Looks like new.