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Outdoor elements take a toll on an RV roof.

In the long run, regular cleaning and upkeep is a must to keep your roof in great shape for many years down the road.

After a few RV-friendly products, backed by a good amount of elbow grease, you’ll have a squint-worthy, sparkling roof, ready for the season! 

Maintaining your RV roof is crucial, as you can see by this motorhome, above. If left neglected, RV roofs can become costly, causing water damage, mold, and major issues. Regular cleaning and treating maintains the roof’s condition, extending its lifespan for many years down the road.

Cleaning and Conditioning Your RV Roof

What’s Needed

It’s important to refer back to your RV manual for appropriate cleaning products and unit specific guidelines.

• Water Source
• Water Hose
• Bucket
• Dirt & Debris Removal
• Roof Repair
• Scrub Brush & Sponge
• Roof Cleaner
• Roof Conditioner & Protectant

Products and supplies in detail:

Water source – Position the RV to a nearby water spigot. Limited on water usage? Keep reading below.

Water hose or low-powered pressure washer – A water hose like the Flexi Hose has an eight function nozzle that’s both lightweight and easy to maneuver. If using a pressure washer, be careful about how much pressure is applied to the RV roof materials. High pressure washing can damage fiberglass and seals, crack plastic covers, and remove decals. If you do use one, use a fan-shaped stream, low pressure and be extremely careful around AC units, fans, antennas, satellites, etc.

Bucket – Whether filling up water or carefully transporting cleaning supplies up to the roof, a bucket, like here, comes in handy! RVers love anything collapsible, taking up minimal space when not in use.

Dirt & Debris Removal – Use a soft, angled broom, leaf blower, and/or microfiber cleaning clothes to remove dirt, leaves, and pine needles from the roof and around AC units, vents, and other protrusions.

Roof Repair – Before applying water, inspect your RV roof for any damage (cracks, separated sealants, or gouges). For quick repairs, use Flex Tape to seal cracks, gouges, or bad seals– keeping water and moisture out until proper repairs can be made. For long-term repairs, EternaBond RoofSeal is a one-step permanent repair system offering UV stable backing to protect against damaging rays. Likewise, Quick Roof Extreme Repair Tape is similar, permanently repairing EPDM, TPO, metal, fiberglass, vinyl, wood, OSB, PVC, and most other roof materials.

Aside from tape, Spray-n-Seal is a rapid-drying elastomer coating that’s UV-resistant; sealing leaks on TPO, PVC, EPDM, plexiglass, aluminum, fiberglass, and more.

Brush, roll, dip or pour Flex Seal anywhere you need a watertight, flexible rubberized coating.

Create a watertight seal along air vents, AC units, screw heads and other openings that can compromise your RV with Dicor Self Leveling Lap Sealant.

Your user manual should include sealants recommended for specific sealing applications; be sure to refer back to it for repairs.

Scrub Brush & Sponges – An extendable, no-scratch, scrub-brush, like Eversprout’s, Camco’s Flow-Through Wash Brush, or RV360 Wash Brush & Squeegee can be used to scrub large areas of the roof. Use a sponge around AC units, vents, the satellite, and other rooftop protrusions.

Roof Cleaner – Keep in mind, what you use on the roof will get rinsed down the rest of the unit. Cleaning products must be roof, paint, and exterior-friendly. Many manufacturers recommend a mild household soap solution and a soft brush to clean most roofs. While this is guaranteed the safest option for your roofing material and finishes, there are roof cleaners on the market geared towards combating stains, grime, and roof chalk. However, always refer back to your owner’s manual for appropriate cleaning products.

For rubber roofs, consider cleaners like:

Thetford’s Premium Rubber Roof Cleaner deep cleans, conditions and protects all in one step.The formula removes tough leaf and mildew stains, bird droppings and bugs. A UV blocker protects rubber materials making the roof look better and last longer.

Protect All Rubber Roof Cleaner is formulated for a quick and easy cleaning process, especially where water use is restricted. It removes buildup, roof chalk, and airborne pollutants– while incorporating a UV protectant to help extend the life of the roof. Spray, mop, and air-dry.

Dicor Rubber Roof Cleaner lifts dirt and grime with water-softening agents to combat water spotting. Simply spray, brush, and rinse.

303 Products Rubber Roof Cleaner safely removes buildup, deep cleans tough stains, is eco-friendly, and will not harm solar panels.

Camco Pro-Strength Rubber Roof Cleaner & Conditioner is a one-step treatment that removes black streaks, oxidation, and road film buildup while protecting it from further damage.

For Fiberglass roofs, most manuals will state to wash with warm water and a mild soap. While dish soap may come to mind, many manufacturers advise not to use it as it, or any other cleaners with degreasing agents, as they can cause damage to the finish. Most car stores carry mild car wash shampoos that are safe for clear coat finishes. Baby shampoo is often recommended as it doesn’t leave a film on the coach. Adding ½ cup food grade vinegar to the water can help boost cleaning ability and minimize water spots.

Other products like 303 RV Wash & Seal, BioKleen Fiberglass Cleaner, Protect All Fiberglass and STAR BRITE RV Wash & Wax are appropriate for fiberglass materials, however always refer back to your RV manual.

Roof Conditioner & Protectant – Most importantly, protectants can make roofs extremely slippery– even months down the road! With this in mind, use extreme caution when on your RV roof.

Protect All Rubber Roof Treatment provides a barrier against damaging UV light and outdoor elements. Similarly, Star brite Ultimate Xtreme Protectant, Camco Pro-Tec Rubber Roof Protectant, and Dicor Roof-Gard repels dirt and stains while protecting surfaces from fading and cracking.

Protect All Fiberglass Oxidation Remover and Color Restorer is a one-step application for cleaning, polishing, and sealing the surface.

Cleaning and Conditioning Your RV Roof

Cleaning & Treating Your Roof

Make sure the RV’s surface temperature is cool, under 90° F, and out of direct sunlight. A shaded area is ideal for washing your vehicle as direct sunlight causes water spotting.

1.Carefully, climb up to the roof. Use caution as roof materials can be very slippery. If your unit does not have an exterior ladder, check out the Telesteps Telescoping Ladder. It’s extremely convenient, extending up to 16 feet and retracting to just 32 inches for storage. 

2.Remove debris, leaves, and surface dirt.

Any soft, angled broom or brush will do. Angled bristles can work well removing dirt, leaves, and debris around AC units, vents, fans, and in the cracks of the awning. A microfiber cleaning cloth may help remove buildup around seals. Additionally, a leaf blower may assist in quick debris removal.

3.While removing the surface dirt, look for any concerning areas, such as: cracks, broken seals, gouges, or scuffs.

If anything is in need of prompt repair, do so before taking a hose to it and getting it wet. First, spot clean the area, removing the dirt and grime. This preps the material so that repair tapes can properly adhere. Flex Tape makes quick patch work– instantly sealing cracks and keeping water and moisture out.

EternaBond RoofSeal, Quick Roof Extreme Repair Tape, or Spray-n-Seal are permanent repair systems that are easy to use, quickly sealing cracks, gouges, or bad seals. For sealing around air vents, AC units, or screw heads consider Dicor Self Leveling Lap Sealant.

4.Use a water hose or low-powered pressure washer to rinse the roof and loosen dirt and grime. 

5.Scrub ‘er down with an RV-safe, roof cleaner and gentle brush.

Again, it’s extremely important to check your owner’s manual for proper guidelines and appropriate products.

While some RV owners skip the pricey products and opt for dish soap, our RV manual strictly instructs us against doing so— as it can cause damage to the finish on the coach. Instead, baby shampoo or mild car wash shampoos are often safe for your RV roof and clear coat finishes.

For other cleaners, checkout our recommendations under the products and supplies list, above.

Don’t forget cleaning sponges and/or a gentle brush! Extendable, no-scratch, scrub-brushes like: Eversprout’s, Camco’s Flow-Through Wash Brush, or RV360 Wash Brush & Squeegee are suitable for this task.

You may find that working in sections or scrubbing half, rinsing, then cleaning the other half works better. Doing so can help prevent the cleaner from drying on areas.

6.Time to rinse the roof. Naturally, what is rinsed will flow down the sides of the RV. To avoid dirty streaks, you’ll want to give the whole unit a good rinse. 

7.Last but not least, now is a great time to apply a roof treatment. After all, protecting your RV roof preserves your hard earned investment.

Protect All Rubber Roof Treatment provides a barrier against damaging UV light and outdoor elements. Similarly, Star brite Ultimate Xtreme Protectant, Camco Pro-Tec Rubber Roof Protectant, and Dicor Roof-Gard repels dirt and stains while protecting surfaces from fading and cracking.

Don’t forget, be very careful walking on your RV roof as protectants can make roofs extremely slippery– even months down the road.

Water Usage an Issue?

Many times, campgrounds or storage lots restrict water and prohibit campers from on-site washing due to excessive water usage.

For this, Protect All Rubber Roof Cleaner removes built-up dirt using minimal water without needing to be rinsed off.

Ultimately, while nothing compares to a good scrub, wash, and rinse, this would be ideal for on-site cleaning or roof upkeep during the season where campgrounds may restrict washing units on the premises.

Remember…

• Use caution when climbing up and walking on the RV roof. Cleaning products can make materials slippery, especially certain roof conditioners months after application.
• If you do use a power washer, use low pressure and be cautious around seals, vents, and AC units.
• Follow manufacturer guidelines for unit specific products and cleaning methods.
• Complete a thorough roof cleaning at the beginning of the season. Then, maintain the roof throughout the season with products like Protect All Rubber Roof Cleaner— that doesn’t require much water at the campground.
• Keep your eyes peeled for cracks, broken seals, or roof damage and repair immediately.
• Treat your RV roof to keep your hard earned investment in tip-top shape for many years to come.

RVING IS BEING clean, for the camping scene!