The Best RV Roof Cleaners

Camper maintenance should always be a ritual among RV owners. Maintaining the function and style of the vehicle’s roof is critical in avoiding issues like water leaks and deterioration of goods inside the trailer.

Oxidation and other issues can destroy the roof. Thankfully, you can prevent these concerns from happening by using the best RV roof cleaner.

In this article, you will learn about the best roof cleaners for RVs. Our buying guide will also include several RV cleaning tips to help you purchase the best roof cleaning solution for your camper.

Best RV Roof Cleaner Reviews

1. Camco 41453 RV Roof Care System

Most RV roof cleaners on the market come as ‘All-in-One’ formulas. But, Camco decided to stray from the crowd and offer the Camco 41453 Pro-tec pro-strength rubber Roof Care System.

This set does not have one container but two bottles in one package. One container is a cleaner and conditioner while the other jug is a protectant. At first, I thought it would be an inconvenience to use two products in one RV roof-cleaning session. But, separating the cleaner-slash-conditioner and protectant into two containers allows each dedicated formula to work its best.

For instance, some products might provide cleaning, conditioning, and protecting properties in one container. But, this two-piece set offers those traits with more potency, thanks to the dedicated formulation.

This dedication allowed me to see the cleansing and protecting qualities of this RV roof care system. It did more than a great job in eliminating substances like grime, oxidation, and tree sap. Also, the cleaner and conditioner eliminated those awful black streaks on my camper like they were nothing.

As for the protectant, it also does an amazing job in sealing the roof from harsh elements, especially from the sun’s UV rays. I left my camper trailer in the open for days, and the roofing did not show signs of serious damage.

2. Aero Cosmetics Wash Wax Kit

The last item on this list, but not the least, is this car-cleaning system from Aero Cosmetics. You might not be able to tell from the product’s name, but this cleaning solution is usable on different surfaces, and not only those on recreational vehicles.

Its versatility exceeds many competing products. I used it on sedans, convertibles, and SUVs, and the results were nothing short of satisfying upon applying this wash and wax kit to these vehicles’ surfaces.

Aside from its excellent versatility, it is also easy to use. I might even go as far as to say that it is one of the most convenient vehicle cleaning formulas I’ve used. All I did was spray it on the surface, let it sit for a few seconds, and wipe it off with one of the microfiber towels included in the kit.

It also makes surfaces shine with a premium luster. Before, all I could see was dust and dirt contaminating my car’s doors. After a quick application of this product, I can now see my reflection on my vehicle. Although I won’t see my reflection on the camper’s roof while driving, the clean finish is still a testament to the product’s efficacy.

However, I found that some gel coats require more than one application for maximum benefits. Still, it is a great addition to car maintenance procedures.

The product’s package also comes with a 16 oz. spray bottle, a product guide, a How-to-Use guide, and a full gallon of the cleaning and waxing solution.

3. Dicor RP-RC-1GL Rubber Roof Cleaner

I may call this product the best RV rubber roof cleaner because of one particular trait – it is biodegradable. This Dicor rubber roof cleaner lets me have peace of mind, knowing that I will not hurt Mother Nature and her gifts if I accidentally spill some of this cleaner’s contents on plants and other organic objects.

Further, this cleaner does not contain any abrasives. Hence, it does not damage my camper roof’s design, which would otherwise happen if I use a cleaning agent that might have a similar performance to sandpaper.

It is also quite easy to use as cleaning with this Dicor RV roof cleaner is only a four-part process. First, I need to wet the roof. Then, I spray the damp RV roofing with this cleaner. Next, I use a mop to help spread the solution across the roof’s surface area. Finally, I reach for the hose to rinse the product and the dirty substances with it.

In my experience, this rubber roof cleaner does a reasonably good job of getting rid of different unclean objects. It removed substances like mildew, grime, road film, and oxidation without giving me headaches.

Furthermore, this product comes in an economical one-gallon container. With that amount, I can clean a 19-ft. trailer three or four times before I need to purchase another roof cleaning solution.

4. B.E.S.T. 55128 Rubber Roof Cleaner

The B.E.S.T. 55128 Rubber Roof Cleaner and Protectant raises the competition to the next level with its plethora of first-rate features.

Starting off its list of amazing features is its convenience. Unlike some other cleaning products, this RV rubber roof cleaner and conditioner does not use a two-step process. It only requires one application for most cases, which helps me save a significant amount of time and effort while cleaning and maintaining a camper trailer’s roof.

Also, it carries a professional-strength, non-petroleum formula. This commercial-grade formulation efficiently cleans different elements. In my experiments, it cleaned various types of filth like black streaks, oxidation, and road film.

It can also clean mold, mildew, and fungus growing on a rubber roof. As a bonus, it protects the camper’s roof from the growth of these harmful elements. In turn, this product extends the life of the RV’s surface in more ways than one.

5. Gel-Gloss WW-128 RV Wash and Wax

This might be the best product to use to clean an RV rubber roof as it delivers most of its promises, based on my experience.

First, it is a highly-concentrated RV roof wash manufactured using bar soap. With this component, the formula is free of harsh chemicals, which also makes it biodegradable and eco-friendly. Further, it does not contain phosphate, which can cause harm to some parts of RVs.

This product functions by using the three dimensions of its features. In other words, it cleans, protects, and gives surfaces that much-needed shine. The carnauba wax ingredient creates a final look that makes it seem like the camper recently came out of the showroom.

It is also quite surprising to experience the economical properties of this cleaning formula. It comes in a one-gallon container, and a quart of its contents should be enough to create up to 16 gallons’ worth of cleaning solution.

6. B.E.S.T. 55048 Rubber Roof Cleaner

A reasonable price, fungal growth prevention, and protection against UV rays – these are some of the first-rate traits this camper roof cleaner has to offer.

Let’s face it, mold is a problem experienced by many RV owners. The thought of mold growing on the roof of a camper and scrubbing it off can make anyone cringe in disgust. Thankfully, this RV rubber roof protectant removes and prevents that filthy substance from growing. Aside from mold, this product can also eliminate other substances like grime, dust, dirt, and black streaks in one cleaning session.

Also, this variant solidifies its place in the best RV roof cleaner and protectant products list as it protects rubber camper roofs from harsh UV rays. Thus, it extends RV life, especially for trailers that stay under the sun for long periods.

Then, it is found with a reasonable price tag. I did not have to break the bank to purchase this product. This characteristic also makes this roof cleaner an ideal choice for fairly strict budgets.

Additionally, it is quite versatile. I used it on different types of RV roofing, such as rubber, EPDM, TPO, and membrane. Each material that underwent this experiment did not show signs of visual or structural damage.

7. Thetford 67128 RV Rubber Roof Cleaner

Cleaning EPDM rubber roof should not be a hassle, especially with this product. This EPDM rubber roof cleaner is one of the best things that can come to the lives of many RV owners everywhere. It has a plethora of useful features found in a sufficiently large container.

The one-gallon size is enough to clean large campers. Cleaning a 34-ft. Class A vehicle only took me about 1/3 of this formula’s content. This is an economical choice that I did not regret purchasing from the get-go.

Next, this Thetford rubber roof cleaner provides the recreational vehicle’s roof with extra resistance. Specifically, this product improves an EPDM roof’s UV resistance and overall durability. My camper’s roof did not show signs of damage after going through different weather conditions from a long road trip.

Surprisingly, it is also quite easy to use. All it took was to spray or mist it on a mop. The cleaner blended with the mop’s fibers, and it only took a few scrubs until I saw positive results.

Sealing the deal (no pun intended) is this cleaning formula’s non-abrasive nature. While cleaning, it does not harm the roof’s material, unlike other RV roof cleaners that try to remove filthy elements by grinding against the surface.

8. Bio-Kleen M02409 Roof Clean

Giving an excellent RV rubber roof treatment may include providing the best in UV protection. As far as excellent protection goes, this product from Bio-Kleen might be the reigning champ in this category.

Formulated with an SPF 70 UV Blocker, it does an excellent job in protecting my RV’s roof from the harsh rays of the sun. I can also confirm that it is safe to use on relatively every recreational vehicle roof, particularly those with EPDM, PVC, and TPO.

This cleaning agent also provides a case of “spray it and leave it.” I sprayed it on my camper’s roof a few months before writing this review, and it is clear that the UV-resisting properties are still in effect.

Aside from offering excellent sun protection, this product also provides other means to extend the life of camper roofs. It helps enhance the surface’s durability against other harsh elements, such as deterioration, chalking, and streaking.

The formula is also reasonably safe to use with organic life nearby. It is because it does not contain petroleum solvents, citrus ingredients, or harsh abrasives. This product is also non-toxic and biodegradable.

9. Dicor EPDM Rubber Roofing Coating System

Dicor tends to be quite popular in the RV roof-cleaning category, and with good reason. The brand’s RPCRPQ EPDM Roof Coating System might even be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about quality roof cleaning products.

This roof-cleaning compound delivers high-quality performance by providing both weatherproofing and waterproofing to surfaces. Therefore, I can relax, knowing that rain will not wash off this protectant. Additionally, I can use almost a gallon of this product without spending too much of my hard-earned cash.

Plus, I find it pleasantly surprising that the product spreads nicely over a broad area. For context, a quart of this solution can spread to about 125 square feet.

Another trait that you should not miss out on is the durability it offers to RV roofs. I applied this roofing cleaning and maintenance system to a camper’s roof a few months before writing this review. The recreational vehicle’s roof has only needed some minor cleaning and maintenance since that time. After my quick cleaning operations, the roof looks like it was brand new.

One unique feature that this product offers is its ability to seal vents and AC systems. Hence, it will not only lengthen the life of RV roofs but the vehicles’ cooling systems as well.

10. Thetford 32513 Premium RV Rubber Roof Cleaner

I can contentedly say goodbye to oxidation, dirt buildup, and bird droppings on my RV’s roof with this product. Most of the unclean elements on the surface of my RV were gone after one application of this cleaning agent.

It is also quite easy to use with its 4-step cleaning process. The first step is to sweep or wipe loose dust and dirt off of the roof. The next step is to spray the surface with this roof cleaner. Then, users can use a mop and a brush to deep-clean their RVs. The last step is to rinse the roof and call it a day.

Still, I should give a fair warning to interested users of this product as the cleaner makes surfaces slippery after application. Hence, make sure that there will be something to hold on to when exiting the roof’s premises.

Aside from removing tough stains, this roof cleaner also acts as a conditioner and protectant. It makes the rubber material more durable than before by preventing damage from harsh UV rays and other harmful elements.

11. Thetford 68128 RV Rubber Roof Treatment

Thetford brings another great roof cleaner to this list in the form of this product, which brings excellent value to its users. This high-quality roof-cleaning concentrate cleans and conditions surfaces with ease. In my experience, it can efficiently get rid of dirt, grime, and roof chalks.

It is also quite easy to use. Like other great roof cleaning systems, this product also has a 3-step process. First, I make sure that the camper’s roof does not have loose dust or dirt. Then, I apply a reasonable amount of the product per 2 to 3 square feet while spreading the cleaning agent with a mop. The last step is to wait as it requires at least 24 hours to cure.

I would call that last step to be a slight shortcoming. A 24-hour drying process is quite slow, particularly after comparing it with other similar products that can dry completely in about 16 hours.

Still, the advantages far outweigh this product’s shortcomings, and another benefit to using this cleaner is its protective coating. It seals rubber EPDM roofs with a tough polymer that improves the materials’ anti-static properties. In turn, camper roofs will become better at preventing grime and chalk from sticking.

12. EternaBond 801.1415 EC-1 EternaClean Spray

Many RV roof cleaners on the market come in large containers, which may not provide optimal portability. But, this product from EternaBond aims to remove that concern as it comes in an easy-to-use 14 oz. bottle.

Aside from its compact bottle, this roof cleaner also does not need many applications to make it effective. One application should suffice in eliminating most stubborn grime, oil, grease, and road film. Not to mention that this product is quite inexpensive, making it the perfect choice for RV owners on a tight budget.

Despite its excellent prowess, this RV roof-cleaning agent is environment-friendly. The non-chlorinating formula does not harm surfaces or nearby organic materials, flora, and fauna.

In addition, it readies the surface of your RV for the application of sealants, whether they’re made by EternaBond or other brands — another convenient attribute RV owners will appreciate.

What To Know Before Buying RV Roof Cleaner

Choosing the right RV roof cleaner boils down to the factors you consider while shopping. Purchasing based on gut feelings or emotions without taking into account the necessary elements may only lead you to experience a condition called buyer’s remorse.

Avoid the regret of purchasing the wrong product. Continue reading to know some of the essential factors you need to consider when buying a roof cleaner for recreational vehicles.

• Quantity

The quantity of the roof cleaner you buy should coincide with your camper. Keep in mind that a 32 oz. bottle might not provide enough coverage for a 40-ft. trailer. Also, buying a gallon of roof cleaner might not be the most economical choice if you are a proud owner of a reasonably small camper.

In short, consider the size of your vehicle. Then, use the measurement to help guide you in purchasing the right amount of RV roof cleaner you need.

• Convenience

Some roof-cleaning solutions may require more than one use to effectively remove dust, dirt, mold, and grime. But, some variants may only require one application to eliminate these filthy substances.

It should be part of your shopping list to purchase a cleaner that will not take up most of your weekend afternoon removing unclean elements from your RV’s roof. One way to ensure that you are going to purchase a potent cleaning agent is to read online reviews.

• Type of Surface

Most RV roof cleaners can safely clean, maintain, and protect rubber surfaces. However, the best options on the market are generally also useful for other materials, such as wood and fiberglass. If you want to gain excellent value for your hard-earned cash, aim to purchase products that can help maintain the style and function of different objects.

• Eco-Friendliness

Some RV roof-cleaning products may contain harsh chemicals that endanger the life of nearby organic elements. Animals and even nearby human beings might be at risk of gaining health complications as they inhale the harsh fumes coming from these harmful chemicals.

Promote safety as you clean your camper’s roof by using biodegradable cleaners. Kindly note that some eco-friendly options might cost more, but this is a trait of a product that’s worth buying for Mother Nature’s sake.

• Online Reviews

If you search for Camco rubber roof cleaner and conditioner reviews on the Internet, you will most likely find and read the experiences of customers stating their feedback about cleaning products from that brand.

Reading online reviews can help you make informed decisions if the product you are planning to purchase fits your specific requirements. One excellent place to start your search is by checking the reviews in the list above.

The Different Types of RV Roof Cleaners

Several RV roof-cleaning solutions are scattered across the market. Each manufacturer will have their unique formulas that differentiate their products from the rest of the crowd. But, we can classify those variants into two major categories: spray bottle and container cleaners.

RV roof cleaners in spray bottles tend to offer more convenience than their counterparts in containers. However, the options in large containers generally offer more of the product to help clean and maintain larger recreational vehicles.

Choosing the correct type of RV roof cleaner may depend on each person’s specific needs. Consider the essential factors while you shop, and you should be able to purchase a product that is worth every penny.

Benefits and Drawbacks of RV Roof Cleaners

Although the market sells different types of RV roof cleaners, many models tend to share common benefits and drawbacks. The following are some of the advantages and shortcomings that you may find in some cleaning solutions for camper roofs.

Benefits of RV Roof Cleaners

• Excellent cleaning performance. At its core, these products are designed to eliminate dirt, dust, grime, mold, bug carcasses, pollutants, and other harmful elements.
• The right RV roof-cleaning product is reasonably easy to use and will not take a massive amount of time and effort.
• Using traditional household cleaners might mean using harsh chemicals like abrasives and bleach on RV roofs. Reliable cleaners made specifically for camper roofs are generally biodegradable and eco-friendly, promoting safety during and after cleaning operations.

Drawbacks of RV Roof Cleaners

• Several applications. Some cleaners might possess mild formulas that require more than one use before they can remove the filth.
• Certain RV roof cleaners leave a residue after applications, and these may or may not be easy to remove.
• Some variants might be more expensive than others.

Who Makes The Best Roof Cleaner For RV

Trustworthy brands offering reliable roof cleaners for RV stand above the crowd by providing customers with high-quality products. Some of these companies are Dicor, Thetford, and Bio-Kleen.

In particular, Dicor has been a trusted brand in the RV cleaning sector since 1984. It is a notable roofing product supplier that actively seeks solutions that meet the growing demands of customers.

How Does An RV Roof Cleaner Work

The standard RV roof cleaner works by using its ingredients to eliminate different harmful and filthy elements from various surfaces. One component commonly found in many camper roof-cleaning solutions is sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).

SLS is a surfactant, which is a surface-active agent that reduces the surface tension of certain elements, making them easier to remove. Recreational vehicle roof cleaners with SLS are generally good options to eliminate grime and oily stains.

What Can I Use To Clean My RV Roof

Aside from commercial RV roof cleaners, you can also make and use a homemade RV roof cleaner. This option might be suitable if you are far away from the nearest hardware store but have the right components to make a homemade RV cleaner.

Here are the steps to make and use a mixture that might even be the best homemade RV roof cleaner for some scenarios.

Step 1: Fill a bucket with a gallon of water. Add one or two tablespoons of dish soap.

Step 2: Rinse the rubber roof to loosen and remove debris. The water will also help dampen and prepare the surface for the DIY roof-cleaning mixture.

Step 3: Use a long-handled scrub brush and dip it into the bucket. Scrub the rubber roof gently with the solution to remove dirt and stains.

Step 4: Rinse the roof again to remove the soap suds.

Kindly note that cleaning RV roof with bleach mixed into the solution is possible. But, you should only mix a decent amount of bleach as it is quite strong. Putting more bleach than intended may do more harm to your RV’s rubber roof than good.

This process might take more time and effort than using commercial-grade RV roof cleaners. But, it is still a viable option if you cannot purchase a roof-cleaning product at this moment.

Is It OK To Power Wash A RV Roof

Yes, it is OK to use a pressure washer to clean an RV roof. However, you should set the power washer to about 1300 psi. Using 3000 psi pressure may damage your camper’s roof.

How Often Should I Clean My RV Roof

You should clean your RV’s roof at least twice per year. But, you might need to clean it more frequently if the surface attracts more unclean elements than average.

Where Can I Buy

You can buy an RV roof cleaner from physical establishments or online retailers. But, you must consider the essential factors to purchase the right cleaning product for your camper’s roof, regardless if you are going to buy the product locally or online.

Conclusion

At this point, you should now have better knowledge to separate the best RV roof cleaner from low-quality variants.

In summary, the best roof cleaners for RVs should provide first-rate features. The right model would generally promote convenience, durability, peace of mind, and value for money to its users.

Still, if you want to follow my advice, go for the Thetford 32513 Premium Roof Cleaner. This product only needs one application for most cleaning scenarios. Also, it is safe to use as it is non-toxic, non-flammable, and biodegradable.

Philip Lopez

Okay, so I’m Philip Lopez. I join Riverside Trailer as an editor, where I will be doing research for both content and reviews. I contribute to studies aimed at understanding the most typical problems encountered by RVers on the road. I also keep up with the newest RVing gadget innovations so that I can promptly evaluate and recommend the best options.