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Aug 09, 2023

The Best Way To Clean Your RV Roof (A Simple Guide)

Home » Blog » RV Lifestyle » The Best Way to Clean Your RV Roof (A Simple Guide) Maintaining your RV is one of the most important tasks to keep your RV in good working order. The roof is your first

Home » Blog » RV Lifestyle » The Best Way to Clean Your RV Roof (A Simple Guide)

Maintaining your RV is one of the most important tasks to keep your RV in good working order. The roof is your first line of defense against the elements, and a weak defense will cost you a lot of money in the long run.

An improperly maintained roof will eventually allow water to seep and leak into your RV, damaging your ceiling, walls, and your electrical system. Furthermore, it can cause mold and mildew, which is very dangerous for your health.

So, to help you avoid all of these costly and dangerous issues, we'll walk you through the best way to clean your RV roof. A clean RV roof is a healthy RV roof!

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You should clean your RV roof 4 times a year, ideally every season. However, if your RV is stored covered for long periods, you may not need to clean it as frequently. Or, if you travel often, you may need to clean it more often.

Always refer to your RV owner's manual for specific instructions regarding your roof maintenance schedule.

There are 4 main types of RV roofs, each with its own characteristics. We'll break down the key points for you quickly.

Looking for the right RV roof cleaning product? We have an article on the Best RV Roof Cleaners to help you select the best product for your RV.

The following is how we recommend cleaning your RV roof. Keep in mind that owner's manuals and different cleaning products may have different instructions than what we outline below. If so, follow the instructions in your owner's manual and on your cleaning product's label.

The first thing you need to do is consult your RV owner's manual. Follow any special instructions regarding cleaning frequency and recommended products specific to your type of roof.

Honestly consider your own physical ability and safety when deciding if you can safely clean your RV roof. If you're unsure or have concerns, it's better to ask for help from a family member, friend, or professional RV cleaning service.

Ensure your safety while cleaning the RV roof by following these safety precautions:

Remove any debris by sweeping the roof or using a leaf blower. Then, it's a good idea to hose down the roof to remove any remaining loose dirt or debris. Be cautious not to walk on any wet areas.

Choose a roof cleaner that is safe and suitable for the type of roof on your RV. If you have an EPDM or TPO rubber roof, make sure to use a rubber roof cleaner.

For PVC roofs, you can use household cleaners like dish soap. Fiberglass roofs can be cleaned with dish soap or a designated RV fiberglass cleaner.

If you have an aluminum roof, use dish soap or an RV aluminum cleaner.

Some roof cleaners may not require scrubbing, so follow the instructions on the product label. For those that do, you'll need the right scrub brush to avoid scratching or digging into your roofing material.

For an RV rubber roof like EPDM or TPO roof, opt for a medium bristle brush or a soft bristle brush suitable for the type of rubber. Scrub the roof gently in a circular motion, paying close attention to stubborn stains or black streaks.

For fiberglass or aluminum roofs, use a non-abrasive scrub brush or a soft cloth.

Not all roof cleaners require scrubbing, so follow the product instructions in such cases.

For those that require rinsing, thoroughly rinse off the roof, removing any remaining cleaning solution. It's important to rinse off all the cleaner to prevent any residue from affecting the roof material.

If your roof type requires a UV protective coating, apply it as instructed. EPDM or TPO rubber roofs often benefit from a protective UV coating every two years.

This coating helps prolong the life of the roof and protects it from the damaging effects of the sun's rays. Follow the product instructions for the application process.

Take a moment to inspect the seals on your RV roof and check for any signs of damage. Look for cracks, tears, or any areas where water can potentially leak into your RV.

Address any issues promptly to prevent further problems and ensure the integrity of your roof.

Allow your RV roof to dry completely before covering it. The roof must be completely dry to prevent moisture-related issues such as mold or rot. Make sure to allow enough time for the roof to air dry before taking any further steps.

Using a pressure washer to clean your RV roof is not recommended. High-pressure water can potentially damage seals and remove protective coatings.

Stick to the gentle cleaning methods outlined in this guide for the best results and to avoid any unnecessary damage to your RV's roof.

Keeping your RV roof clean is a challenge, especially when it comes to sap. The sticky substance is bad enough when it’s wet but even worse when it dries and hardens.

It’s a problem most RVers have to deal with, which is why it’s no surprise a member of our RV Lifestyle Facebook group reached out for advice.

Tom posted: “Hi fellow campers. I do a lot of camping at state parks with big pine trees. I am so sick and tired of all the sap…”

He goes on to ask the community for advice on how to get this sap off, and the community answered with over 100 comments. We share their helpful advice in this article… Keep Reading…

Like what you see in these videos? We'd appreciate it if you would Subscribe to our YouTube Channel (easy to do right here) and consider “ringing the bell icon” to be notified of any new video from us. 🙂 Thanks!

Speaking of clever ways to keep your RV clean, Jennifer shares a great product for removing bug splatter in this video. Click here to learn more about the product.

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Last update on 2023-08-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Published on 2023-08-27

Mike Wendland is an Emmy award-winning journalist, traveler, and producer of RV Podcast, the RV Lifestyle travel blog, and the RV Lifestyle Channel on YouTube. Mike, traveling with his wife Jennifer and their Norwegian Elkhound, Bo, has vast experience and a great passion for exploring North America, previously working as a long-time NBC-TV News Channel Technology Correspondent and now sharing his love for the RV lifestyle with millions.Mike is not only an adept RV life enthusiast but also a skillful storyteller, bringing to his channels stories from the road that perfectly capture the magic and hardships of this lifestyle.

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