Cleaning.

[pensioner]

I've just been reading the article in the April edition on cleaning the caravan in spring, and was surprised to read a stage 4 Waxing.
I thought that modern polishes had built in wax protection.
I've used Mer ( other brands are available ) since I bought the van and it says on the container " contains Carnauba Wax" .
Do I still need to apply a separate wax solution and if so which one would you recommend please.

 

[Martin24]

Hopefully you don't have a Bailey caravan with Alu-Tech construction. They specifically state in the handbook, that Carnauba Wax should not be used on their caravans.

 

[PHOENIXFLIER]

I have just started using clay-bar on our Venus, and have completed one side so far. Stunning results. Finished with Angel Wax fifth element. Lot of work but showroom finish.

 

[pensioner]

Martin24,,,no it's a Lunar

 

[jamestaylor18]

I swear by fenwicks caravan cleaner, followed by a rinse off with fenwicks bobby dazzler. If you re apply the bobby dazzler near the end of summer, your spring clean will be a doddle! Just done my ‘van today and it’s gleaming!

 

[otherclive]

Like James I too use Fenwicks Cleaner and Bobby Dazzler but in late Autumn I use Fenwicks Overwintering which then makes the spring wash so much easier. The only negative with overwintering is that it does pick up muck when we use the van in winter but it spruces up well again in the spring. I used to use Autoglym polish two-three times a year, but this last year I’ve been using Autoglym Aqua Wax which can go onto a wet caravan/Car or a similar one from Mequirs which goes onto a dry car/caravan. They both give a good shine and bead for a good while. Then I use Autoglym polish if the surface needs a deeper clean as the two waxes don’t polish the surface. If you are feeling flush and energetic you could use Autoglym High Density Wax but talk to bank manager and GP first

 

[Parksy]

A lot depends on how far you want to go with caravan cleaning Pensioner.
For many caravanners a wash with a proprietary caravan shampoo (such as Fenwick's) and a rinse using Bobby Dazzler is perfectly adequate.
Polish and Wax are different things, many polishes contain some wax but their main function is to clean vehicle paintwork.
Any good car polish will remove grime and add some shine.
Wax can be applied after polishing to preserve the cleanliness and the shine for longer than it would have lasted using polish, but waxing after polishing can be hard work and good waxes can be a bit pricey.
Personally I add a coat of wax to my caravan paintwork twice a year in Spring before the weather is too warm and in Autumn after a good clean and polish.
This means that I rarely need to use polish, the wax coating usually lasts for up to six months and a good wash down with caravan shampoo keeps the caravan looking good.
There are many waxes on the market, personally I use Collinite insulator wax (warmed up in a bucket of warm water before application) on my cars every three months and on my caravan twice a year but it's a matter of choice.

 

[bertieboy1]

Never polished a caravan in my life,what added "protection" is expected from waxing/polishing.Never seen a rusty caravan yet.
I find a good rinse with clean water following a shampooing as you would a car with car shampoo perfectly adequate - and it keeps it's shine and looks good.

 

[chrisn7]

Its a mistake to assume that paint has a smooth surface. Wax effectively fills in the uneven surface allowing water to bead off, taking dust with it.
Run your fingres over a just washed surface taht hasn't been treated and you can feel the contaminants sticking to the surface. As previously mentioned a clay bar will remove these, and subsequent waxing will give a showroom finish if that is what is desired.

 

[PHOENIXFLIER]

Just finished the other side with the clay bar and wax. Although it looked clean before I started, the amount of dirt that came out was unbelievable. Well worth the effort IMHO.

 

[Buckman]

Last year we decided to have the caravan treated with Paintseal. Really pleased with it as the caravan still looks clean with no black streaks as they just wash off when it rains.

 

[Thingy]

Back to the forum after a break and reading this with interest.

Wasn't there an issue a couple of years back with polish affecting the front panels adversely, or did I dream this?