Streaking

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.

Close-up of streaks on side of RV

Photo shows streaking before removal

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.

Bucket, spray bottle, sponges

Streak removal supplies

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

streaksafter

Results after using Awesome cleaner

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

Three bottles of cleaner, polish and wax

3-Step Deep Crystal System

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.

Shiny reflection in motorhome door

Shine after final wax

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.

8 Responses to Streaking

  1. Gypsy March 2, 2014 at 5:37 pm #

    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.

    • Pleinguy March 2, 2014 at 7:43 pm #

      Removing the streaks was easy. Waxing was more like work.

  2. Jim and Gayle March 2, 2014 at 8:37 pm #

    Will give that cleaner a try for $1!

  3. Melinda March 3, 2014 at 2:08 am #

    That’s too much work. Try Bounce sheets – wet, very wet – it removes bugs, streaks, even tar splatters.

  4. Debbie Goode March 4, 2014 at 12:28 pm #

    Wow! We are gonna have to give this stuff a try. Thanks for the demo!

    • Pleinguy March 4, 2014 at 3:56 pm #

      Glad to hear it was helpful to you. I appreciate the comment.

  5. Michael March 4, 2014 at 7:24 pm #

    Great post!

    • Pleinguy March 4, 2014 at 11:44 pm #

      Thanks Michael. Glad it was helpful.

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