Cleaning under solar panel

[Ray4*]

Cleaning my caravan for the new season and trying to clean in the gap between the underside of the solar panel and the roof.
Toilet brush, or somethimg like a baby bottle brush or similar?
Any suggestions welcome, as the rest of the van is gleaming.

 

[JTQ]

Radiator cleaning brushes, LINK for various examples.

Not that I see much to be gained by cleaning under them unless the dirt is prone to migrate.

 

[Ray4*]

It's a bit green under there.

 

[Mr Plodd]

It's a bit green under there.

And who exactly is ever going to see it? Other than you when up a set of step ladders of course.

 

[Ray4*]

Don't want green streaks down the side of the van when it's raining, or on my awning.

 

[toad a caravan]

If there is a gap from one side to the other a length of 20mm pipe lagging may help

 

[birdman101]

Done it for years pushing a wet sponge underneath and out the other side with a garden cane. Present caravan not a problem as flexible type bonded directly to the roof

 

[GUMPY]

If it's green, just spray some Patio Magic under there and the green will disappear after a few days. Same goes for any green on awnings etc.

 

[borderbilly]

And who exactly is ever going to see it? Other than you when up a set of step ladders of course.

Exactly, or if you roll it on the motorway.

 

[Beachball]

It's a bit green under there.

Try some Fenwicks Caravan cleaner that should remove it

 

[Beardy]

Don't want green streaks down the side of the van when it's raining, or on my awning.

Don't worry, the streaks will be black.

I was surprised how much difference cleaning the roof / awning rail / tops of windows etc. made in reducing black streaks.

Would unscrewing the panel from the brackets be an option?

 

[Ray4*]

All sorted now. Thanks for the suggestions. I use Fenwick's caravan cleaner anyway but used a more concentrated version and used a radiator roller which just managed to get in the gap.

 

[trevormonty]

If it's green, just spray some Patio Magic under there and the green will disappear after a few days. Same goes for any green on awnings etc.

Wouldn't recommend using it as some of these outdoor cleaners are quite corrosive.

 

[GUMPY]

Wouldn't recommend using it as some of these outdoor cleaners are quite corrosive.

I've been using it on the covers on my boat for over 10 years, with no ill effects.
The only caveat is not to use it near watercourses, hence I always did the covers at home.
There is another product called Algae Zapper distributed by Kinver Canopies, who make boat covers, that is exactly the same but four times the price.
I wouldn't recommend something that I haven't tried and tested.

 

[trevormonty]

I've been using it on the covers on my boat for over 10 years, with no ill effects.
The only caveat is not to use it near watercourses, hence I always did the covers at home.
There is another product called Algae Zapper distributed by Kinver Canopies, who make boat covers, that is exactly the same but four times the price.
I wouldn't recommend something that I haven't tried and tested.

Boat covers aren't caravans. Wrong product can break down seals, cause galvanic reactions or corrosion of some metals directly. This can be even worst if product is designed to be sprayed on and left. The few $$ saved by not buying caravan specfic product could cost lot $$$ long run.

 

[Mr Plodd]

Risk aware, risk averse. There's a big difference!

 

[Beardy]

Risk aware, risk averse. There's a big difference!

It has to depend on the caravan as well. I probably wouldn't use it on a new £40k caravan, but on my old van with its collection of battle scars I'd be tempted to give it a go. Just test on a small area first.