Cleaning Starcraft roof

[huskerdooo]

ok...what is the secret?!

I have a 97 Starcraft.  The roof and sides are made of a bumpy metal.  I have been trying to get the dirt out of the surface, but it is not working as well as I would like.

What is the secret?  I used a scrubbing brush, it worked better than a regular sponge, but it did not get all the dirt out.

Can I use a scrunge? (non-metal rough scrubbing sponge)  Would this scratch it?

Thanks for any help,

Seth

[ScouterMom]

I have a 73 starcraft - the 'bumpy stuff' is only on the top, but I have the same problem.  however, you might look really closely - are you sure you haven't already scrubbed off the dirt and are seeing the silver/grey aluminum showing thru the paint?   Mine is no longer 'dirty', but it looks dirty, because the paint is patchy.

Any painted aluminum from years ago, like siding or campers, will get 'chalky' when exposed to the elements long term, and will come off after awhile.  You might just need to clean it the best you can, and re-paint.

Laura

[austinado16]

This is where the "cleaner waxes" mention in the other "waxing" thread will come into play.

You've got a couple of options here. All must be done with the roof cool and in the shade.  If you can't do this in the shade, you'll really have a mess on your hands and most likely damage the paint.

1) Jack the nose of the camper up really high so the roof is tilted back.  Mix up some Simple Green, wet the roof with a soft spray of water (not a blasting jet spray that will force water into cracks and maybe up under your vent lid), then go after the roof with the Simple Green solution.  Make sure to rinse well especially at the back of the camper so you don't get streaks.  Simple Green and other cleaners like Castrol Super Kleen are chemically "hot" which makes them work great, but you have to watch out that they don't streak finishes, melt clear coats off alloy wheels, etc.  With a scrub brush and a car wash sponge, your roof should come clean.  Personally, I'd used the car wash sponge before attempting the brush, and I might even wet the roof, pour the Simple green onto the roof and start working it in and rinsing every few minutes.

2) A "Cleaner Wax" such as Meguiar's #6 or Zymol, etc. will polish the dull paint and the dirt that's trapped in it, right off the roof.  Then wax over this to seal it up and protect it in the future.  Then future cleaning can be done without wetting the roof using Prolong Waterless Wash and Shine, and then waxing again.

3) Personally, having seen and repaired some really terrible water damage in the roof of my Starcraft, I'd avoid wetting the roof.  If you have to, you have to, but use the water judiciously.......and prior to all this, inspect all your caulked seams and redo them as needed.  Trust me when I say you don't want water inside the roof for any reason, in any amount.

[huskerdooo]

Well, I am pretty sure I am not down through the paint and am dealing with stubborn dirt.  I will try to use some simple green to see if that will make things go better.

My roof will and has to get wet because I leave the camper outside.  I will take heed about water pressure though.  

I wanted to clean the roof, replace the vent, and recaulk all seems with white silicone caulking.  Then I was going to wax it to help keep dirt from getting into the nitty gritty surfaces again.

I am also considering getting a cover to keep dirt and stuff from falling on the camper and staining it.  I hope a cover won't trap mosture in and ruin the camper.

[ScouterMom]

A cover is a good idea - whether it's a cover, or just a well- tied tarp, it might be a good idea to put something ON the roof, UNDER the tarp to let the air flow thru, and the snow and rain run off - like an upside-down bucket, or box.  Just to raise the tarp a few inches and not have it stick to the top and trap humidity ( and mildew!)