Power Washing Your Camper: What You Need To Know

Power washing a camper is possible, but caution is advised. Power washers can be very harsh on a camper's paint, seals, and caulking. The high-pressure water can also damage tires and peel off decals, reducing the resale value of the camper. It is recommended to use a pressure washer with reduced pressure and a nozzle pressure set to less than 1200 psi. Even then, caution is advised to avoid damaging the camper's roof, which is a critical component. A safer alternative is to wash the camper by hand with a soft brush and a hose with a sprayer attachment.

Power washing an RV can damage the paint, seals, and caulking

Power washing an RV is not recommended, as it can be very harsh on the vehicle's paint, seals, and caulking. The high-pressure water can damage or chip paint, as well as force water into the rig. It can also wear down the seals and caulking, causing leaks. This is especially true if your RV is older, as the exterior can't withstand harsh treatment.

The tires of an RV should never be pressure washed, as the powerful spray can slice the tires. Additionally, power washing can damage or remove decals, reducing the value of the RV at resale or trade-in. It is better to wash and wax the RV with a high-quality product that contains UV blockers to protect the paint and decals from fading or chipping.

RVs often have overlapping layers or gaskets that can be damaged by high-pressure water, resulting in leaks. Areas sealed with silicone or other pliable materials can be pulled loose and seriously damaged. RVs with metal bodies are also vulnerable to water damage, as the high-pressure spray can seep in between the seams.

If you do choose to use a power washer on your RV, it is important to use a washer with a lower psi (pounds per square inch). A maximum psi of 1200-1300 is recommended for cleaning an RV. It is also important to avoid using a power washer on the roof, tires, window seals, outside vents, and caulking.

Instead of power washing, it is recommended to wash your RV by hand with a soft-bristled brush, a hose with a sprayer attachment, and a gentle cleaning solution. This method will effectively clean your RV without causing damage to the paint, seals, or other components.

Power washing can be done on the rubber roof, but with reduced pressure

Power washing can be done on the rubber roof of an RV, but it should be done with reduced pressure. A pressure washer can be too harsh on the paint, seals, caulking, and decals of an RV. It can also damage the tires and force water into the rig.

If you are going to use a pressure washer on the rubber roof, it is best to use a setting that is not full power. A washer with about 1300 psi should be okay, but many power washers can go up to 3000 psi. It is recommended to avoid using a pressure washer on the roof and tires of an RV.

If you are unsure whether your RV will be damaged by a power washer, it is best to err on the side of caution and wash your RV by hand. You can use a soft-bristled brush to ensure you don't damage the rig with brushes that are too abrasive. An extendable handle can help you reach high spots on your RV.

It is important to use the right cleaning products when washing your RV by hand. If your roof has rubber on it, use a rubber roof cleaner to protect it from the sun and keep it looking new. Use soap that is not too harsh on your RV's paint. Avoid using dish soap, as it will leave a film that can deteriorate the gel coat over time, even with regular waxing.

In addition to hand washing, there are alternative methods to clean your RV's roof. You can use a leaf blower to remove leaves, moss, dirt, and other debris. For stains, you can use a garden spray nozzle and nontoxic chemicals, such as a mixture of baby shampoo and distilled white vinegar, to safely remove them.

Pressure washers can be used to clean tough dirt, decals, and bird droppings

Pressure washers are an effective tool for cleaning tough dirt, bird droppings, and decals from campers or RVs. However, it is important to exercise caution as using a pressure washer incorrectly can cause damage. For instance, pressure washers can be very harsh on paint, seals, caulking, and tires.

When using a pressure washer to clean tough dirt, it is important to prepare the surface beforehand. This includes sweeping away large debris like rocks and twigs, which could become dangerous projectiles when sprayed. Additionally, it is recommended to use a cleaning solution in conjunction with the pressure washer to help break down dirt and grime. Soap or detergent can be applied with a pressure washer, which is especially useful for reaching hard-to-reach nozzles and crannies.

Bird droppings can be challenging to remove, and if left for too long, they can damage the clear coat of paint on a vehicle. A pressure washer can effectively remove bird droppings, but it is important to first moisten the area with a light spray to avoid any abrasive damage to the paint.

Decal removal is a multi-step process and is rarely done with a pressure washer alone. Using a pressure washer to remove decals can tear up the paint on a vehicle. Instead, it is recommended to use other tools and techniques to avoid damaging the paint.

In general, when using a pressure washer, it is important to select the right nozzle and pressure setting for the specific surface being cleaned. For more delicate surfaces, a lower-pressure setting and a broader, less concentrated spray pattern are recommended. Additionally, it is crucial to follow safety guidelines, such as wearing protective gear and ensuring proper ventilation.

A medium-bristle brush is recommended for cleaning an RV

A medium-bristle brush is ideal for cleaning an RV as it strikes the perfect balance between firmness and softness. This brush type is firm enough to dislodge stubborn dirt and grime accumulated on your RV's exterior during your adventures, yet soft enough to prevent any damage to the exterior surfaces.

When selecting a brush for your RV, it's crucial to consider the type of bristles. Soft bristles are generally recommended for RV cleaning as they effectively remove dirt without causing scratches or other types of damage. However, for certain areas of your RV, such as the roof, a medium-bristle brush is the ideal choice.

The roof of an RV is particularly susceptible to a build-up of dirt, mould, and stains. A medium-bristle brush is perfect for tackling this challenge. Its slightly firmer bristles provide the extra scrubbing power needed to thoroughly clean the roof without causing any harm to the exterior.

When shopping for an RV brush, look for one with an adjustable handle. This feature will make it easier to reach the roof and other high areas of your RV. Additionally, a brush with rubber corners will provide added protection to your RV's exterior, reducing the risk of accidental scratches during the cleaning process.

It's also worth considering a brush with an integrated water flow control system. This feature allows you to regulate the water flow through the brush head, making it easy to switch between scrubbing and rinsing without having to adjust the settings at the water source.

By choosing a medium-bristle brush with these features, you'll be well-equipped to keep your RV clean and in top condition, ensuring that it looks great and performs well for years to come.

Waterless washing is an eco-friendly alternative to pressure washing

Waterless washing products are typically formulated with a blend of polymers and surface-active ingredients that effectively remove layers of grime. These products also create a low-friction surface that prevents scratching and protects the finish of your camper. One such product is the Aero Cosmetics Waterless Wash Wax Mop Kit, which includes a mop with an extendable pole, microfiber mop pads, microfiber towels, and cleaning solutions. This kit is designed for waterless washing and waxing of large vehicles and can be used on RVs, caravans, boats, cars, trucks, and buses.

Another benefit of waterless washing is its convenience and ease of use. Waterless washing products are typically designed to be quick and easy to use, allowing you to clean your camper anywhere and at any time, even when it is in storage or on-site. You can simply spray the product onto the surface, wipe it off, and buff it to achieve a sparkling finish. This makes waterless washing a great option for those who are often on the go and may not always have access to a water source.

In addition to being eco-friendly and convenient, waterless washing can also help extend the life of your camper by reducing the need for harsh chemicals and abrasive washing methods. By avoiding the use of high-pressure water and strong chemicals, you can minimize the risk of damaging your camper's paint, seals, caulking, and decals. This, in turn, can help maintain the value of your camper over time.

Overall, waterless washing is a great alternative to pressure washing for those who are conscious of the environment, value convenience, and want to protect their camper's finish. It offers a safe, effective, and efficient way to keep your camper clean and well-maintained.

Frequently asked questions