How to Remove Black Streaks

[Willy]

I am having a heck of a time cleaning the black streaks on my RV. It has aluminum sides. I have tried every brand of black streak remover I can find, without much luck. I know part of it is my fault, leaving the RV uncovered all year, and when it rains the roof dirt just makes the sides a mess. Now I am not having a lot of luck getting it off. Any ideas?

[mailfire99]

Keeping the roof clean on your camper will help a lot in keeping the black streaks to a minimum. I have used some stuff called purple power before that worked good, you should be able to get it at auto zone.

I have heard of others using bug and tar remover and evenn WD40 believe it or not. But I would wash it real good afterwards with soap and water.

[campingforfun]

A power washer might help too. They aren't as expensive as they used to be and you can use it for the house and car so it ends up being a great tool.

[glfortner]

Thanks for the info, we are having the same problem. We'll (meaning my husband--I always say we , when I mean him) have to give it a try!

[popuptrailercamper]

I don't know how big the streak is but what about that "magic eraser" from Mr Clean. The commercial even shows people cleaning filthy white lawn chairs and tires on trucks.

I use it on my ceramic tiles in the kitchen but have no clue about the RV. It is cheap enough to give it a try. I think they are only like $3 a piece.

[Willy]

Thanks for the tips everyone, will try some of these out and see how it goes.

My rubber roof also has little black spots on it. I dont think they are hurting anything but I want to keep the rubber healthy? Is this mold or something like that?

[mailfire99]

I do believe the black spots on the roof are mold, but you should be able to clean them too. Try using a rubber roof cleaning solution or mild detergent. Just do not use anything oil based on it.

[antigua]

I agree with popuptrailercamper. I was going to suggest that as well. Try the Magic eraser. It's awesome. My wife got a little to close to the trailer in the truck backing out of the garage and rubbed the rear fender of the truck along the awning arm and a very large white paint scrape was on the truck. The magic eraser took it right off with little effort. Give it a try, It's a cheap way to see if it works.

[l2l]

The other thing you may want to try is Rubbing Compound, you should be able to find it at any Automotive store.

Just be careful as this stuff CAN remove paint if used incorrectly!!!

[roadhouse]

Originally Posted by mailfire99

Keeping the roof clean on your camper will help a lot in keeping the black streaks to a minimum. I have used some stuff called purple power before that worked good, you should be able to get it at auto zone.

I have heard of others using bug and tar remover and evenn WD40 believe it or not. But I would wash it real good afterwards with soap and water.

I'll second the purple power cleaner. I picked mine up from Tractor Supply Co. Mixed it with some warm water in a buck and used a brush with long handle. Cleaned the camper up nicely.

[billyj]

I will have to try this method out. I noticed ours has become pretty streaked up, with the rain washing all the dirt down the side of the camper. I was going to try the black streak removal they sell at wally world, but it sounds like this may work better

[ctfortner]

Starbrite Black Streak Remover from Wal-Mart works well.

Mr Clean Magic Eraser does an great job on mildew on awnings.

Simple Green removes them too, but also takes away the wax job.

[sportsman]

my wife says scrubbing bubbles foaming bathroom cleaner works great.
what I have allways used is thetford brand rv wash and wax and ellbow grease.

[babills]

i use totaly awsome from the dollar store. best stuff ever and at only 1.00 you cant beat it.

[bill0830]

A power washer was mentioned earlier, but you really have to watch out using on, as they will also damage, or even take off the decals that are found on most campers. There is not an easy way to get the black steaks off. I have used awning cleaner on a sponge and that works really well, but it requires some elbow grease.