How to Clean Fiberglass RV Siding? – 2 Easy Methods

There are numerous reasons why your RV’s exterior may appear dirty or worn out over time. This is why it is critical to clean the outside of a camper trailer to maintain its pristine appearance. Not only that, but it will also contribute to the longevity of your RV.

This article will show you how to clean fiberglass RV siding.

There are several ways to clean your camper trailer. In this article, we will discuss two methods you can use to restore camper exterior and make it look new again:

• Clean your RV exterior manually with a homemade RV wash solution
• Use fiberglass camper cleaner and RV polishing compound

Method 1: Using a Homemade Wash Solution

What to prepare

1. White Vinegar
2. Baking soda
3. Gloves
4. Sponge
5. Towel or rag
6. Broom or brush
7. Ladder

The following are the steps in cleaning RV sidings with a homemade solution:

Step 1: Clean the surface of the RV sidings

You may use a broom or a brush to clean the surface of the sidings.

Get a ladder as well when you sweep the roof surface. Keep in mind that there must be no dust or dirt that will get into the air conditioning equipment installed on the roof of your RV.

Step 2: Make your homemade wash solution

Gather all of the necessary ingredients, including 1 cup of white vinegar, 3 cups of water, 2 tablespoons of baking soda, and lemon or any other essential oil.

Combine all of the ingredients to make the DIY cleaner.

Step 3: Wash the RV exterior with the made-wash cleaner

Put on rubber gloves and start dipping the sponge into the wash mixture.

Then, use the wet sponge to clean the RV sidings gently. You should now scrub from the top to the bottom of the RV sidings to avoid wetting the clean surface.

If you’re having trouble cleaning a specific area of the siding, a wash glove could come in handy.

Step 4: Rinse the area and dry it.

Rinse the sidings scrubbed by the wash solution with a hose or a bucket of water. When rinsing, do so with caution because the pressure from the hose water may damage your RV sidings. This is because high-pressure water easily damages silicone sealants on windows and doors, rivets, and other siding materials.

After you’ve washed the solution away, dry the sidings with a rag.

Method 2: Using an RV Cleaner

The traditional way of cleaning does the job of cleaning the RV especially if it only needs mild cleaning. However, if your fiberglass RV has moderate dirt and oxidation, the best way to wash an RV is this method:

What to prepare

• RV exterior cleaner
• Laundry detergent
• Oxidation remover or polishing compound
• Sponge or brush
• Gloves
• Non-abrasive towels

Here are the steps to clean your RV exterior with the help of wax and camper cleaners:

Step 1: Wipe clean the exterior with a mixture of water and laundry detergent

Instead of making your own wash solution, use a laundry detergent mixed with water. Fill a bucket halfway with water and add an appropriate amount of laundry detergent, then mix.

Clean the sidings with a dipped sponge or a soft-bristled brush. Remember that it is best to wet the sidings from top to bottom to avoid wetting areas that have already been wiped clean.

Step 2: Clean the sidings using the RV cleaner

Rinse the sidings before applying the cleaner solution because this will aid in the removal of any dirt or debris that may be lingering on the RV.

Dip your sponge or brush and apply it to the RV siding. Begin at the top and work your way down the exterior. After that, rinse it with your hose.

It is important to note that you must apply the solution to each side and rinse it before proceeding to the next exterior.

After finishing the other side, dry the exterior with a clean towel.

Step 3: Remove stains from fiberglass rv using oxidation remover or a polishing compound

• Wear gloves to protect yourself from any irritation before you begin.
• Put a small amount of oxidation solution or polishing compound on a cotton rag.
• Scrub the RV sidings with the rag. Take note of surfaces made of vinyl or rubber, as the chemical may cause damage to this type of surface.
• Let it dry for a few minutes.
• After you’ve finished applying the solution, wipe it down with a clean towel.

Step 4: Polish RV fiberglass using wax

What I do to make my camper white again is use ceramic wax as a final touch. This is especially true if you have ceramic as a fiberglass protective coating for rv.

Before using the wax bottle, give it a good shake. Then, apply a generous amount of wax to the wet sponge.

Using the sponge, scrub the exterior. Then, clean the area with a microfiber towel to avoid damage on the sidings.

Other Tips for Cleaning Fiberglass Rv Sidings

Below are the tips you should take note of when you are cleaning your fiberglass RV sidings:

• Do not use any strong abrasive solutions and tools. This will cause damage to your RV exterior.
• Avoid using solutions with contents alkaline, ammonia, and caustic. Using them will give a darker touch to your white RV sidings.
• It is advisable to use a water hose or a bucket of water to rinse your RV instead of using a pressure washer. With this, you can avoid any damage to your RV due to the high pressure of the water and any leakage as well.
• Consider buying a cleaning agent with the following ingredients for effective cleaning: denatured alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and any other stain removers.
• When cleaning the RV exterior, make sure to finish one side first before proceeding to the other side of the RV.
• If your RV has strong oxidation and any cleaning agent is not up for the challenge of wiping it clean, consider putting your RV in a cleaning service or a body shop. Professional service is recommended, especially if it has started an erosion problem.

How Frequently Should I Wash Travel Trailer?

It depends on the intended use of your RV—whether you use it as a home or simply as a means of transport.

Either way, it’s a good idea to wash your camper trailer once a month, especially if you consider it your home.

However, if you want your RV to look cleaner, you can, of course, wash it more than once a month—depending on your preference.

Conclusion

If you have noticed that your RV exterior needs to have some cleaning, aside from reaching out to a travel trailer cleaning service, there are also other ways on how to clean fiberglass RV siding.

We hope this article has helped you clean your RV sidings and make them look like new again!

Your RV is your home, so you should keep it as clean as possible. It is simple to keep its cleanliness with these methods at any time.

You just need to be careful when scrubbing to avoid further damage to your RV’s exterior. Aside from that, your RV is secure with the mentioned methods.