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 build up on your motorhome and over time the accumulation of this dirt on your roof can lead to long-term damage 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 and the breakdown of sealants which in turn can turn in to leaks in your motorhome.
How often do you clean?
Motorhomes need to be cleaned every now and again, especially after time out on the road. Dust, dirt, bird droppings, moss and algae can all collect on your motorhome roof, leading to a grubby, green or even black appearance. To keep your vehicle in excellent condition, you’ll need to know how to clean a motorhome roof properly.
While it’s easy to clean a motorhome exterior, things are a bit trickier when it comes to the roof. This part does take some time, so make sure you know exactly what to do before starting with our step by step guide to cleaning a motorhome roof.
Remember you’ll need to clean your motorhome roof first before tackling the sides, as dirty water will trickle down from the roof. We also recommend having another person around to keep the step ladder steady and pass up equipment as needed.
Get all equipment ready before you start
You’ll need a step ladder, detergent/body shampoo, brush and access to water to clean your motorhome. You can also opt for a finishing product or motorhome polish to add protection and shine.
Water
- The easiest way to clean your roof is to use a hose pipe and mains water.
- The most basic option is to use buckets of warm water, but you’ll need plenty of elbow grease for this method.
- Use warm water, not hot or cold: hot can damage non-metal parts of your roof, and cold won’t be as effective in removing dirt and marks.
Cleaning agents
- You can use a general shampoo on its own, or go for a shampoo first and then add a polish or protector.
- A “wash and wax” cleaning product will help with black streak removal.
- Make sure to use a specific motorhome cleaner rather than washing-up liquid, as the latter may be corrosive to metal surfaces.
Brushes
- Look for a telescopic or long handled brush so you won’t have to overstretch while on the step ladder.
- If you have access to mains water, a brush with a hose connector makes things simpler.
Ladders
- It’s best to use a self-supporting step ladder, rather than just placing a ladder against the side of your motorhome. A step ladder is not only safer, it avoids getting marks on the motorhome body. Look for a combination one with an extension to get the most value for money.
Park uphill or on a slope
If possible, drive your motorhome to a part of your campsite or driveway that slopes slightly, to allow the dirty water to drain easily off the roof.
Remember to take extra care on the step ladder if working on a slope – at the end of the day, it’s up to you where you park but it’s important to have a safe set up!
Prepare the roof surface
- Prep the roof surface by rinsing it down.
- Get rid of loose debris. Be careful not to get close to the roof vents or lights.
- Open the vents and roof lights and clean around them using a microfibre cloth and a tub/bucket of water with some motorhome detergent in it use an extendable brush with a cloth head fitting is the easiest way to do this.
- Do the same with the roof lights, then use a clean cloth to wipe them down.
- Clean the solar panels (If you’re using a wax-based motorhome cleaner, you’ll need to clean any solar panels on your roof separately (wax cleaners protect against UV light, which your solar panels need to work).
- Take extra care around seals and cables.
- Use another cloth to wipe the panels down.
- Clean/shampoo the roof
- Apply your cleaning solution to the end of your long-handled brush, using horizontal strokes. You’ll probably need to apply pressure at some points to lift grime or dirt.
- Move the ladder around the motorhome and repeat.
- Rinse and dry taking extra care around the solar panels, lights and vents, use clean water in a hose pipe or sprayer to rinse the roof off, or just use a bucket of hot water. Dry the roof with a large microfibre cloth (or leave it to
dry naturally, but this might cause streaks).
- Add a polish/protective agent if wanted
These types of jobs can be very tricky if you do not have the correct equipment or are a bit nervous to go up on the roof. We are able to provide this service for you.
Please contact us for a no obligation quote.
