exterior cleaners

[afp]

I have a 1995 Jayco popup with the aluminum texture siding on the exterior. I'm looking for a cleaning product that would help remove the dirt that builds up on the surface. I've used Simple Green which removed a good portion of the dirt, but there's still some left. I've noticed several cleaners available at the local RV dealer, but I didn't want to buy something that works as well as Simple Green......any suggestions?

[JonesFamilyJayco]

I also have a '95 Jayco and I need to wash it too.  I tried "Greased Lighting" which is an all purpose cleaner.  It helped, but it just did not seem to be able to remove all of the light stain from being outdoors.  

I bought some of PUT "Insta-Gone" mildew remover for my awning. I plan on trying it on the camper, too.

I hope someone has a good suggestion.

[afp]

It was suggested I use "Tilex Mold & Mildew Remover", but my concern was the strong bleach content of the product. Looking at the label it mentions to "avoid contact with aluminum, clothes, fabric, carpet or paper surfaces as they will discolor".

The other Tilex product I tried was "Tilex Mildew Root Penetrator & Remover Foaming Action" which was used on the awning. The label indicated use on plastic, rubber, vinyl and other surfaces, and this seem to do a decent job cleaning the awning. I also used a green scorning pad and did not leave the cleaner on very long (less than a minute). Again, avoid aluminum.

[2manytoyz]

I use a 3 gallon mop bucket, some auto car washing soap that contains wax, a cup of bleach, and an RV brush.

I sop the solution on the camper, and let it soak for 5 minutes to soften up the dirt, and allow the bleach to work.  I then dunk the RV brush, and scrub the entire camper.  Rinse throroughly, towel off if your a nut (like me).

My camper is 9 years old, has an aluminum roof, and plastic sides.  This makes the camper look new again.  I have no streaks or stains on my camper.  My camper lives outside all year under an awning.

[jawilson]

ProtectAll has a couple of products that might work.

[afp]

Thanks for the cleaning tips, I'll have to give it try.

JFJ and 2manytoyz,

Thanks for providing pictures of your modifications to you PU's, you have given me a couple of ideas. The 1995 Jayco (12 UDK) I own was purchased this past weekend (March 13) and this is the first RV my wife and I have owned so we are looking for ideas and tips.

[2manytoyz]

Afp,

Congrats on the new rig!  Most important thing to take is notebook and a pen.  You'll make lots of notes and a long list of things to buy and do.  Nine years with our camper, and I'm still doing it.

If you haven't seen my ever growing list, here's a link: http://2manytoyz.com/camp/campinglist.pdf

Not everything goes, but having the list prevents me from forgetting something.

Keep your maiden voyage close to home.  A credit card and a nearby Walmart can sure take care of a lot of initial issues.  

Enjoy,