No, not the running in-the-buff type; I mean the ones that occur from dirty runoff from the roof. If you own an RV, you know what I’m talking about. Finding a solution to remove those ugly blackish streaks that run down the side of the RV was a real challenge. But, I finally found a remedy.
I tried using various cleaners including streak remover, rubbing compound, rubbing alcohol, clay bar, and vinegar. But, none would do the job. One day, while searching the internet, I came across an inexpensive product that an RVer said works. It was only $1 at a dollar store for the 20oz spray bottom. So, I thought it was worth a try.
LA’s Totally Awesome All Purpose Concentrated Cleaner worked like a charm. And, it was easy to do with little effort and common supplies. A bucket with clear water, a sponge, a mild scrub pad, and a microfiber cloth.
Streak Removal Method
Do small sections at a time; maybe two feet, and work quickly.
1. Wash the surface to remove loose dirt
2. Wet the area with streaks with clear water
3. Spray the scrub pad with the cleaner
(if really bad you might spray the actual surface)
4. Gently scrub the streaky surface for just a little bit
5. Rinse off the cleaner using a wet sponge; rinse again
6. Dry surface with the microfiber cloth
7. Repeat if the first attempt doesn’t remove it completely
Note: In the photo above, I left the streaks at the top so you could see the before and after difference.
Polish & Wax
I followed the streak removal cleaning with a 3-step process using Meguiar’s products. I used this method on my car before getting the RV. Follow directions on the bottles. The Deep Crystal System uses the following:
1. Paint Cleaner to remove any residual contaminants and blemishes
2. Polish creates a deep high gloss shine
3. Carnauba Wax creates a barrier and protects the shine
4. Buff to a smooth shine
After buying my used rig, I tried a one-step cleaner and polish recommended by the factory. It did a somewhat good job, but the streaks were not completely removed. I wanted a solution that really got rid of the streaks before doing a proper waxing. The low price Awesome cleaner really did the trick.
I’m very happy with the results. It’s a lot of work, and doing the whole RV takes a good while to complete. Also, the red color of my rig is prone to oxidizing and fading. So, I wanted to have a clean rig and to protect the finish as best as I could.
That sounds like an awful lot of work! When I had a 5th wheel I bought some stuff that was absolutely guaranteed to remove streaks, but it didn’t work for me. Maybe I just don’t have the elbow grease necessary to do the job.
Removing the streaks was easy. Waxing was more like work.
Will give that cleaner a try for $1!
That’s too much work. Try Bounce sheets – wet, very wet – it removes bugs, streaks, even tar splatters.
Wow! We are gonna have to give this stuff a try. Thanks for the demo!
Glad to hear it was helpful to you. I appreciate the comment.
Great post!
Thanks Michael. Glad it was helpful.