Community Forums

Don & Shirley · 08-26-2006, 04:15 AM

I would like to get some feed-back on what is the best product for cleaning rubber roofs? I have cleaned mine with dish soap so far but it don't seem to get it as clean as it was from the factory.
Do i need to put something on it after i clean it so the rubber won't crack?

Don & Shirley · 08-26-2006, 04:15 AM

I would like to get some feed-back on what is the best product for cleaning rubber roofs? I have cleaned mine with dish soap so far but it don't seem to get it as clean as it was from the factory.
Do i need to put something on it after i clean it so the rubber won't crack?

GreatWhite · 08-26-2006, 08:20 AM

You might try TSP. It's safe for the roof and is a powerful cleaner. I'm wondering if anyone has rid Awesome.. it's cheap and powerful. Doesn't appear to have anything that would cause a problem with a rubber roof.

Oh yes.. you can also get Spic n Span.. that'll work wonders and is avail at any supermarket.

If you have mold/mildew stains on the roof.. adding a bit of chlorox is recommended. I haven't read the instructions for my new fiver.. but the Alpenlite I sold suggested all of the above products for the roof.. (except Awesome)

Stylin' · 08-26-2006, 02:35 PM

I've heard of people using Simple Green and Murphy's Oil soap, but don't know how well they clean. I just read about a new product from Thetford called Rubber Roof cleaner and conditioner. The person interviewed claimed it worked better than anything else he's tried. Was going to try and track some down to try. Anybody have any home remedies that don't contain petroleum products?

Paul Heuvelhorst · 08-26-2006, 05:52 PM

I have used Simple Green, scrubbing with a sponge whenever I made a modification (roof vents & repair of radio antenna) around the area I was working and prepared to put down new caulking. It works wonderfully. However, I have never used it on the entire roof.

Recently I bought the new Thetford Rubber Roof cleaner but have not had time to use it yet, so I can't tell you how it works. Maybe by the end of the season.

Jeff_in_The_Dalles · 08-26-2006, 06:57 PM

I have some ProtectAll/Champion's choice roof cleaner, and roof protectant that works well.

The roof product I like better, though, is Full Timer's Choice (by Camco) RV roof cleaner/treatment. Mainly I like it better because it's a one-step kind of deal.

Both seem to prevent the roof from giving off the white chalky stuff, and both seem to reduce the dirty streaks on the siding by the rain gutters.

I'd be a bit reluctant to use something not specifically for rubber roofs. Dicor, the company that makes most of the EDPM rubber RV roofs, has their own brand of cleaner, and protectant, which is probably good.

They also say under installation instructions that a cloth dampened with Mineral Sprits (not Acetone) can be used for stubborn spots, and that anything that has ANY petroleum distillates can destroy the roofing.

Don & Shirley · 08-27-2006, 04:13 PM

Thanks all,
I used simple green,it seamed to work ok I still have some stains that didn't come off but it looks a lot better
Don

fmoore · 09-16-2006, 03:34 PM

No experience in cleaning rubber rooves, but I know I sprayed straight bleach on our awning underneath and w/o any scrubbing it's as white and clean as can be. We used a sprayer that's attached to a 3 gallon jug. We were amazed how well that worked!

allendp · 09-16-2006, 04:20 PM

I simply use one of those cleaning brushes with the long handle that the garden hose attaches to. I just use it to get the loose stuff. My instructions that came with my 5ver stated that the roof should last for at least 12 years with no heavy cleaning necessary, just a rinse off occasionly.

apackof2 · 09-17-2006, 04:15 AM

Your woodcravings are wonderful.
The female <span class="ev_code_RED">Cardinal</span> was exquisite!

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by GreatWhite:
You might try TSP. It's safe for the roof and is a powerful cleaner. I'm wondering if anyone has rid Awesome.. it's cheap and powerful. Doesn't appear to have anything that would cause a problem with a rubber roof.

Oh yes.. you can also get Spic n Span.. that'll work wonders and is avail at any supermarket.

If you have mold/mildew stains on the roof.. adding a bit of chlorox is recommended. I haven't read the instructions for my new fiver.. but the Alpenlite I sold suggested all of the above products for the roof.. (except Awesome) </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

rocinante · 10-02-2006, 04:40 PM

I would be very careful with rubber roofs. On a recent trip across the wide open areas of North Dakota we saw 3 rubber roofs seperating from 5 ers, in extreme cross winds of 50mph and more. One rig looked like it had a small sail above it. Our Hi-Lo has a metal roof, seems to me to be a better set up.

cdrsmr · 10-10-2006, 03:35 AM

All I use is a power washer and water about once every 3-4 months. Keeps the roof looking brand new.

offshore · 11-16-2006, 03:45 AM

I used a product I purchased from CW, it is designed for rubber roofs, and can be used without water. It cleaned very well using water. I don't remember the name of the product.