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The RVer's Open Forum / GENERAL RV DISCUSSIONS / Black streak removal?

janers
User ID: 1028194 Aug 1st 3:10 PM
Hi, hubby and I were washing the motor home and noticed brown marks. We used the suggestion about "using dryer sheet like bounce" on the bugs and it works. NOW we need ideas to get the black marks off the top of the motor home. The area that just comes down from the roof area. YOU know that little black streaks that make it look dirty?
any suggestion on cleaning it and keeping them at bay?
Can you tell this is new to us?? But retirement is getting near and we will be moseying out more and more. thanks again GREAT group

Lou
User ID: 0554384 Aug 1st 8:41 PM
Janers, I use car washing soap on mine and it seems to work real well on my rig. It has a rubber roof and I am able to wash it each time I use it. When not being used I am lucky and have a building that I park it in. I would think that a cleaner such as "409" or the likes of it will do the job. I have a 10 inch brush with a handle that I can entend to reach the height of the rig.

Mike
Administrator Aug 4th 9:12 AM
The only way to prevent black streaks is to store your RV in a hermetically sealed area and never expose it to the elements (dust, dew, rain, etc.).

True, there are expensive gutter systems you can install but, even with these, you'll still have areas on your rig which will be susceptable to dirt runoff from the roof.

The best thing to do to make black streaks easier to remove is to wash the roof and keep the sides of the RV well waxed.

As long as you keep your rig well waxed/polished the most any cleaner should do is remove the surface dirt/black streaks. It shouldn't harm the RV surface at all.

Remember though, really nasty black streaks may be *stains* rather than surface dirt and that a stronger cleaning solution and/or increased
agitation may be necessary to remove them. This would also remove the wax/polish in that area because that's often what's really stained. After
that small spot is clean and well rinsed it will be necessary to rewax/polish just that area. In some cases, especially where there is no wax/polish on the RV, the black streaks can actually penetrate and stain the paint/gelcoat of the RV. These are considerably more difficult, and sometimes impossible, to completely remove.

As long as you protect the surface of your RV from the effects of the sun and the elements through regular cleaning and wax/polish efforts, it should stay shiny. Just touch up as needed after spot cleaning.

Mike

cybersue
User ID: 9238183 Aug 4th 9:26 AM
My husband uses a product, purchased at the Dollar Tree Stores called Awesome...he said it really is Awesome for those black streaks, he sprays it on a rag or if you can't reach it you could use a mop, he said it comes off real easy...as far as keeping them away never heard of anything, but washing the roof more often helps, a lot.

john
User ID: 9600383 Aug 4th 10:42 AM
I heard about Awsome on this board and tried it! It works better than 409 for ALL cleaning, and it is much cheaper since it can be diluted depending on the job. I used it on the roof of the TT once and thought better of it after. I believe Awsome is petroleum based--bad for the rubber, but fine on the fiberglass.
The black streaks haven't returned yet.

Mike
Administrator Aug 4th 12:09 PM
FYI,

The primary cleaning ingredients in Formula 409, Fantastik & Awesome are basically the same. Like general use Simple Green, care must be taken to not let the product dry on glass (it/they can etch glass) and they really shouldn't be used on unpainted aluminum as it can pit/corrode. Otherwise, when diluted as much as possible but still be effective for a particular job, they are fairly good cleaners. Be sure to rinse very well and to touch up the wax/polish in the just cleaned area.

Also, a 'white' scrub pad (or a well used old green one) works very well for removing dirt streaks and cleaning windows. A new green pad is too abrasive for many/most RV painted or fiberglass and glass surfaces.

Mike

Beavis
User ID: 8394983 Aug 4th 9:14 PM
I use Simple Green. Works great on black streaks and does a number on bugs also.
I mix it one part SG and four parts water in a spray bottle. Apply on the dry surface then wash with wet mit and rinse, so easy. Plus its really cheap as you dilute it. One gallon makes five.
It can also be used full strength for extremely dirty areas.

Sum Trk
User ID: 1961724 Aug 22nd 3:22 PM
Use Nu-Finish. Get it at Wal-Mart. In an orange bottle along side other car waxes. Waxes and cleans off black streaks at the same time.

Dreke
User ID: 9349783 Nov 1st 1:32 PM
Once you have the streaks off, there is a way to keep the junk from above from running down the corners. If your r.v. has any sort of gutter along the top, those spouts at the end arn't long enough. So I put a clothespin on all 4 corners to let it drip out farther. It dosen't eliminate the problem, but sure cuts it down and the pins stay on up and down the road.

Barb
User ID: 8681043 Sep 5th 9:09 PM
Has anyone else on the board used Nu-Finish to wax their RV besides Sum Trk. Ours needs a wax job and I really don't want to be out the $ to have someone do it for me. Will The Nu-Finish do a good job, or will some other product do a better job of waxing it.

Thanks

Gus Weber
User ID: 1578334 Sep 14th 8:59 AM
If you have fiberglass sides with no wax, black streaks can be removed with Dow Bathroom Cleaner in the spray can. It will remove wax, however, so if you use it over wax you have to reaply the wax.

Hope this helps

Gus Weber

Bill
User ID: 0847534 Oct 29th 10:06 AM
I haven't used Nu-Finish, but I have used Turtle Wax 2001. I think they are about the same. It works well....a little extra rubbing on the black steak, but it goes on and comes off easily. As previously mentioned, touch ups will be necessary from time to time.

Bill

Scooter
User ID: 9551723 Nov 16th 1:13 PM
I just puchased an a-frame folding camper. The camper was a used unit and the dealer had it in the set-up position for some time. I asked him to give the camper a bath before I took it off the lot. He agreed and told me that a gentleman who restore campers as a hobby. Told him to use a formula of "Grease Lighting" and bleach mixed 50/50. This mixture would remove mildew and black streaks off of any camper. Now, this dealer uses this mixture on all his campers when they need to be washed. He did cautioned me, to only mix what I would be using that day. The mixed cleaner has a shelf life of about a day and would be useless after setting for that time.

Mike
Administrator Nov 22nd 5:12 PM
Hope the "dealer" has good insurance because sure as heck some unknowing innocent trying to be a home chemist is going to get hurt due to an adverse chemical reaction!

FullTimer
User ID: 1348824 Nov 26th 6:55 PM
Scooter, Forget the bleach just use the Greased Lightning as it come from the bottle. Recently I used Greased Lightning on a badly stained rubber roof and could not believe the results. The roof was nearly as white as the day it was new. I also used it on the filthy caulking using a tooth brush and that also cleaned up nicely. And it did nothing to the finish of the fiberglass or the windows.
Prior to Greased Lightning I was a confirmed user of Simple Green. Simple Green is good but Greased Lightning is better and cheaper.
You can buy it at Wally World, Lowes or Home Depot.

Jerry Larson
User ID: 8973393 Jan 25th 11:35 PM
For black streak removal,no one mentioned a product sold at camping world called "Black Streak remover. I have used most of the items mentioned before, but have never had the success I have had with this product. I also found it works better than anything for removing stains on aluminum patio awnings which were giving me a real problem. Give it a try and provide feedback.

philo
User ID: 8771373 Apr 4th 1:50 AM
Now here is a subject that could use a very detailed book on removing them black streaks on new ones and older ones also. Alot depends on how deep the stain is, how fussy u r. decals,no decals, mixing different stuff, what tools and the like.Heck their could even be a section on what worked for others. I used the mr clean eraser on my rig to clean it up. This might be better for older units , I don't know but its one more way added to the list. Heck I would pay for a book just on cleaning up a motorhome.

bob
User ID: 7253233 Feb 15th 2:29 PM
We use Mean Green. Cheap and easy to use. Dollar Stores, Wal*Mart, etc. sells it.

Mod

janers User ID: 1028194	Aug 1st 3:10 PM Hi, hubby and I were washing the motor home and noticed brown marks. We used the suggestion about "using dryer sheet like bounce" on the bugs and it works. NOW we need ideas to get the black marks off the top of the motor home. The area that just comes down from the roof area. YOU know that little black streaks that make it look dirty? any suggestion on cleaning it and keeping them at bay? Can you tell this is new to us?? But retirement is getting near and we will be moseying out more and more. thanks again GREAT group
Lou User ID: 0554384	Aug 1st 8:41 PM Janers, I use car washing soap on mine and it seems to work real well on my rig. It has a rubber roof and I am able to wash it each time I use it. When not being used I am lucky and have a building that I park it in. I would think that a cleaner such as "409" or the likes of it will do the job. I have a 10 inch brush with a handle that I can entend to reach the height of the rig.
Mike Administrator	Aug 4th 9:12 AM The only way to prevent black streaks is to store your RV in a hermetically sealed area and never expose it to the elements (dust, dew, rain, etc.). True, there are expensive gutter systems you can install but, even with these, you'll still have areas on your rig which will be susceptable to dirt runoff from the roof. The best thing to do to make black streaks easier to remove is to wash the roof and keep the sides of the RV well waxed. As long as you keep your rig well waxed/polished the most any cleaner should do is remove the surface dirt/black streaks. It shouldn't harm the RV surface at all. Remember though, really nasty black streaks may be stains rather than surface dirt and that a stronger cleaning solution and/or increased agitation may be necessary to remove them. This would also remove the wax/polish in that area because that's often what's really stained. After that small spot is clean and well rinsed it will be necessary to rewax/polish just that area. In some cases, especially where there is no wax/polish on the RV, the black streaks can actually penetrate and stain the paint/gelcoat of the RV. These are considerably more difficult, and sometimes impossible, to completely remove. As long as you protect the surface of your RV from the effects of the sun and the elements through regular cleaning and wax/polish efforts, it should stay shiny. Just touch up as needed after spot cleaning. Mike
cybersue User ID: 9238183	Aug 4th 9:26 AM My husband uses a product, purchased at the Dollar Tree Stores called Awesome...he said it really is Awesome for those black streaks, he sprays it on a rag or if you can't reach it you could use a mop, he said it comes off real easy...as far as keeping them away never heard of anything, but washing the roof more often helps, a lot.
john User ID: 9600383	Aug 4th 10:42 AM I heard about Awsome on this board and tried it! It works better than 409 for ALL cleaning, and it is much cheaper since it can be diluted depending on the job. I used it on the roof of the TT once and thought better of it after. I believe Awsome is petroleum based--bad for the rubber, but fine on the fiberglass. The black streaks haven't returned yet.
Mike Administrator	Aug 4th 12:09 PM FYI, The primary cleaning ingredients in Formula 409, Fantastik & Awesome are basically the same. Like general use Simple Green, care must be taken to not let the product dry on glass (it/they can etch glass) and they really shouldn't be used on unpainted aluminum as it can pit/corrode. Otherwise, when diluted as much as possible but still be effective for a particular job, they are fairly good cleaners. Be sure to rinse very well and to touch up the wax/polish in the just cleaned area. Also, a 'white' scrub pad (or a well used old green one) works very well for removing dirt streaks and cleaning windows. A new green pad is too abrasive for many/most RV painted or fiberglass and glass surfaces. Mike
Beavis User ID: 8394983	Aug 4th 9:14 PM I use Simple Green. Works great on black streaks and does a number on bugs also. I mix it one part SG and four parts water in a spray bottle. Apply on the dry surface then wash with wet mit and rinse, so easy. Plus its really cheap as you dilute it. One gallon makes five. It can also be used full strength for extremely dirty areas.
Sum Trk User ID: 1961724	Aug 22nd 3:22 PM Use Nu-Finish. Get it at Wal-Mart. In an orange bottle along side other car waxes. Waxes and cleans off black streaks at the same time.
Dreke User ID: 9349783	Nov 1st 1:32 PM Once you have the streaks off, there is a way to keep the junk from above from running down the corners. If your r.v. has any sort of gutter along the top, those spouts at the end arn't long enough. So I put a clothespin on all 4 corners to let it drip out farther. It dosen't eliminate the problem, but sure cuts it down and the pins stay on up and down the road.
Barb User ID: 8681043	Sep 5th 9:09 PM Has anyone else on the board used Nu-Finish to wax their RV besides Sum Trk. Ours needs a wax job and I really don't want to be out the $ to have someone do it for me. Will The Nu-Finish do a good job, or will some other product do a better job of waxing it. Thanks
Gus Weber User ID: 1578334	Sep 14th 8:59 AM If you have fiberglass sides with no wax, black streaks can be removed with Dow Bathroom Cleaner in the spray can. It will remove wax, however, so if you use it over wax you have to reaply the wax. Hope this helps Gus Weber
Bill User ID: 0847534	Oct 29th 10:06 AM I haven't used Nu-Finish, but I have used Turtle Wax 2001. I think they are about the same. It works well....a little extra rubbing on the black steak, but it goes on and comes off easily. As previously mentioned, touch ups will be necessary from time to time. Bill
Scooter User ID: 9551723	Nov 16th 1:13 PM I just puchased an a-frame folding camper. The camper was a used unit and the dealer had it in the set-up position for some time. I asked him to give the camper a bath before I took it off the lot. He agreed and told me that a gentleman who restore campers as a hobby. Told him to use a formula of "Grease Lighting" and bleach mixed 50/50. This mixture would remove mildew and black streaks off of any camper. Now, this dealer uses this mixture on all his campers when they need to be washed. He did cautioned me, to only mix what I would be using that day. The mixed cleaner has a shelf life of about a day and would be useless after setting for that time.
Mike Administrator	Nov 22nd 5:12 PM Hope the "dealer" has good insurance because sure as heck some unknowing innocent trying to be a home chemist is going to get hurt due to an adverse chemical reaction!
FullTimer User ID: 1348824	Nov 26th 6:55 PM Scooter, Forget the bleach just use the Greased Lightning as it come from the bottle. Recently I used Greased Lightning on a badly stained rubber roof and could not believe the results. The roof was nearly as white as the day it was new. I also used it on the filthy caulking using a tooth brush and that also cleaned up nicely. And it did nothing to the finish of the fiberglass or the windows. Prior to Greased Lightning I was a confirmed user of Simple Green. Simple Green is good but Greased Lightning is better and cheaper. You can buy it at Wally World, Lowes or Home Depot.
Jerry Larson User ID: 8973393	Jan 25th 11:35 PM For black streak removal,no one mentioned a product sold at camping world called "Black Streak remover. I have used most of the items mentioned before, but have never had the success I have had with this product. I also found it works better than anything for removing stains on aluminum patio awnings which were giving me a real problem. Give it a try and provide feedback.
philo User ID: 8771373	Apr 4th 1:50 AM Now here is a subject that could use a very detailed book on removing them black streaks on new ones and older ones also. Alot depends on how deep the stain is, how fussy u r. decals,no decals, mixing different stuff, what tools and the like.Heck their could even be a section on what worked for others. I used the mr clean eraser on my rig to clean it up. This might be better for older units , I don't know but its one more way added to the list. Heck I would pay for a book just on cleaning up a motorhome.
bob User ID: 7253233	Feb 15th 2:29 PM We use Mean Green. Cheap and easy to use. Dollar Stores, Wal*Mart, etc. sells it. Mod