Caravan roof cleaning

[RegandPat]

I have just cleaned the van with a long brush and hose but did not do the roof.
Can I do the roof with my presher hose as the van is parked under a tree and looks like it will need more than a brush/hose.
Has any one else used a presher hose on there van, I only use it on the pavement pateo.
Sorry for my spelling.
Reg

 

[RichardJ]

Hi Reg
I would not use a pressure washer on a van, although I do see the cleaners at the caravan centre doing it.
I use a extendable handle (2.5m) off a set of step ladders, a large bucket of water with a good cleaning chemical diluted to 20:1, the rinse off with a low pressure water hose, with the exception of the bits under the roof light, the roof is always very clean, to clean under the roof lights, open the light, put the steps in the van and clean from the inside.
Should the roof need a stronger cleaning agent, dilute to 10:1 , that should be plenty.

 

[JTQ]

I also would definitely not use a pressure washer on the roof as the jet will hit right on the sealant line of all the hatches/vents/ skylights etc.

 

[RegandPat]

That settles it, no pressure hose for me, just got to get Pat up the ladder.

 

[BernardinTring]

Only a word of warning in a ell intended way.
I have recently clean my roof using a long handled brush and a six step plus platform step ladder. All was going well until I rinsed and tried to remove some of the surplus water with a not so long handled squeegee. Result leant too far and now sporting a cracked rib. Ouch! Never again.

Bernard

 

[Parksy]

Sorry to hear about the cracked rib Bernard, I broke two last Christmas and I know from painful experience how awkward it can be.
I concur with the previous posts, don't use your pressure washer unless on very low pressure which means that you may as well use your hose.
A good caravan cleaner such as Fenwicks diluted in a spray bottle as per the instructions and sprayed on to the surface to be cleaned followed by agitating the suface with a long handled brush to loosen the grime will achieve perfect results after a gentle rinse.

 

[TheTravellingRooster]

I have just cleaned the van with a long brush and hose but did not do the roof.
Can I do the roof with my presher hose as the van is parked under a tree and looks like it will need more than a brush/hose.
Has any one else used a presher hose on there van, I only use it on the pavement pateo.
Sorry for my spelling.
Reg

Pressure hoses are not advised as is already stated.The NEW DRIVE into & STOP- Car Wash Systems (Brush/Wand are OK but not the wand DIRECT or IN THE DIRECTION OF VENTS.They are a large covered-sided affair with overhead mechanicals and a PAY & CONTROL BOX on the floor.Our caravan at NINE FEET HIGH ( 2.745mtrs overall height) sailed into position & left hooked up. There is plenty of room for a pair of STEP LADDERS. A WETSUIT IS ADVISABLE but THE FLIPPERS ARE AUKWARD on the STEP LADDER.The exercise cost me £7.50 for a 26foot Twin Axle.Well worth it for a quick pre-holiday spruce-up or post-holiday wash down.BUT you cannot beat a PROPER HAND JOB subject to being able to park-up at your own place.
I have a system bought 20+yrs ago by GARDENA(NOT CHEAP)(neither are their soap tablets)that is still available to-day & alternatives. It works in conjunction with a Garden Hose (Subject to NO BAN IMPLIMENTED).I have used my own tablets constructed in batches (when hands are idle)by using STARDROPS; FROZEN in the freezer to the size and shape of the RECEIVER for THE TABLET situated on the leading brush assemblies.MAGIC.

 

[weejock]

Even without a pressure washer it is best to be careful around any roof lights. Given the age of your van I would surmise that somewhere you have one of those mini heki type lights which if a jet of water from a hose is sprayed at the bottom of the glass it does seem to have a tendency to allow some to squirt up inside.

If you have one of those hozelock weed killer pressure sprays I find that these are very good for spraying Fenwicks onto the roof and then leave for a few minutes before taking the brush to it. (be sure not to let it dry out).

If you are having a bit of green from the roof marking the van I presume that your sealant edges will also be getting a little mucky so when you have the spray out give them a going over and after it has had a bit of time to work in use a soft bristled toothbrush on these bits to restore that white newness to them as well.