Top tips for cleaning a motorhome roof

When you think of cleaning your motorhome, do you ever think about the roof? Often this area is overlooked, yet it pays dividends to give it a clean on a regular basis.

Some motorhome owners may ask for their roof to be cleaned while putting it in for a service at their local dealership. However, if you’re considering tackling it yourself, we have some top tips from specialists Fenwick’s and OLPRO, to help you get your motorhome roof squeaky clean and ensure it’s with all the right chemicals.

Why do I need to clean my motorhome roof?

Cleaning your motorhome roof may be on your list, but you might also be questioning why you should do it.

You would be surprised how much dirt can accumulate on your motorhome roof.

Over time the accumulation of dirt on your roof can lead to long-term damage. Dirt build-up such as bird poo, tree sap and general muck can erode the paint or protective layer on the outside of your motorhome, and girt may even lead to scratches.

How should I clean a motorhome?

Get your equipment prepared

Being prepared and taking your time really does pay off in the long run, as mistakes are more likely when you rush.

Before you start gather all of the equipment you’ll need, such as:

• Sponge
• Bucket
• Microfibre mitt
• Short and long handled brushes
• Drying cloth
• Any chemical cleaning products you intend to use

You may also be considering the use of a pressure washer and if so, you will need to bear some things in mind. Ensure you use the pressure washer on a low setting so that it does not impact the paint work on your motorhome. You will also need to be careful as water may get inside the sealant or on the inside of the roof vent and can damage the inside of your motorhome.

What chemicals should I use to clean my motorhome?

If your motorhome roof is rather mucky, then this is the best time to invest in a few chemical cleaners that will help you cut through the dirt. However, always read the label on cleaners to ensure they are safe to use on your motorhome as some substances can cause corrosion or even damage your seals.

Some cleaners you may want to consider include:

Shampoo—OLPRO Dub Scrub Shampoo Wash or Fenwick’s motorhome cleaner are specifically designed to safely clean the multiple surfaces on your motorhome. They help to cut through dirt and grime, leaving you with a spotless and streak free finish. The OLPRO Dub Scrub leaves surfaces with a water repellent finish for ongoing protection and easy rinsing.

Scrub and wax—a scrub and wax can be used to clean your motorhome all year round. OLPRO provides Dub Scrub & Wax which can be used on a variety of surfaces from paintwork, plastics, metals, rubber, acrylics and more. It helps to lift more stubborn dirt like algae and black streaks.

Black streak remover—these streaks can be very stubborn and frustrating to remove, as well as being unsightly. Fenwick’s has created a specific black streak remover to help lift black streaks, green algae, road traffic film, diesel fumes, over wintering grime and more.

Park up in the right place

This might seem like a simple step, but making sure your motorhome is parked on a flat, stable surface, which has a very slight slope to help with drain-off, is important.

If you have corner steadies, you will need to put them down to help with stability.

Don’t forget to check that all windows or openings are securely shut to prevent any internal leaks.

Ensure that you have access to a system for proper rinsing such as a hosepipe, however buckets can be used if necessary. If using a pressure washer, you’ll also want to check that you have a power source to connect to.

Prepare your vehicle

For optimum cleaning you’ll ideally want dull and damp conditions for applying cleaning solution, or if it’s going to be a nice sunny day, you’ll want to opt for cleaning early in the morning.

Before getting the buckets and shampoo out it’s best to remove any leaves, twigs, or other loose debris that have collected on your roof. A leaf blower is ideal for this, as there’s no chance of causing scratching by sweeping stuff away.

Begin cleaning

To start cleaning your motorhome, hose it down lightly with water will help loosen dirt and grime and start to apply your cleaner.

Applying cleaners using a pump-up garden sprayer or similar helps efficiency and efficacy as well as allowing you to access all areas. You might want to employ an additional trigger spray with a more concentrated cleaner, for areas where dirt is more stubborn.

Depending on manufacturer guidance, you may be able to apply solutions using a soft-bristle brush, starting from one end and working your way to the other. The brush can be used to gently scrub the roof, paying attention to any stubborn stains or areas with heavy build-up.

Work in sections so the areas being cleaned do not dry whilst you are still trying to clean. If cleaning products dry too quickly, they can leave streaks or spots.

Once you've cleaned the entire roof, thoroughly rinse off the cleaning solution with clean water. Make sure to rinse away all traces of detergent to prevent streaking.

Top tip: While up on your roof you may want to inspect for any signs of damage such as cracks, tears, sealant issues, that could be causing water ingress. You might also consider applying a specifically designed protectant to help prevent potential sun damage and prolong the life of your motorhome roof.

Do’s and don’ts for cleaning a motorhome roof

There are a couple of things to consider when thinking about how to clean your motorhome roof which we’ve covered below:

• Do use the wind direction to your advantage. Always clean working in a downwind direction. If the wind is hitting the front of the motorhome, start there and work towards the back.
• Don’t lean a ladder on the side of the motorhome as it may move with your weight or the wind and unbalance you.
• Do use the palm of your hand very carefully to clean rooflights etc as trapped dirt in cloths, sponges or brushes can cause scratching. 
• Don’t use abrasive materials or harsh chemicals, as they can damage the roof surface.
• Do leave to dry naturally if you can, dry cloths can scratch. You may want to use a damp cloth to wipe away any excess water, however.

Specialist motorhome insurance through Ripe

If you’re wanting to take care of your motorhome by cleaning it, then you may also want to consider protecting it via insurance.

Through Ripe you can get flexible motorhome cover protecting against things such as theft, accidental damage, fire, and flood, as well as providing cover for your equipment and accessories.

Click here to find out more about specialist motorhome insurance and if you’re curious about what’s available to you take out a quick and free quote online today.