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Keeping your RV roof clean is the best way to make it last for full-time RVers, and yet finding the right cleaner can feel like an endless goose chase. Some cleaners come with a protectant, some are biodegradable, some cut through the mold, some are large, and some are small – so how do you decide what’s right for your RV?
A good cleaner needs to check a lot of boxes. It should help eliminate and protect from sun damage, water damage, mold, rust, and grime, and it shouldn’t be too hard to use. Finding all of this is possible with a little bit of help.
In this article, we’ve reviewed six of the highest quality and best RV roof cleaners, then divided them into categories for their best feature. We will also go over four significant factors to consider before purchasing your roof cleaner.
Table of Contents
- Keep Your RV Roof Clean and Protected with These Products
- Our Roof Cleaner Reviews
- Recap: The Best RV Roof Cleaner
- Factors to Consider When Buying an RV Roof Cleaner
- Final Thoughts
- FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Keep Your RV Roof Clean and Protected with These Products
Best RV Roof Cleaner | Best For: |
Camco 41453 Pro-Tec Pro-Strength | Rubber Roofs |
Protect All Rubber Roof Cleaner | Biodegradable Cleaner |
Protect All Rubber Roof Treatment | Cleaner and Treatment |
B.E.S.T. Rubber Roof Cleaner/Protectant | Protectant |
Dicor RP-RC-1GL Cleaner | Heavy-Duty Cleaner |
Bio-Kleen RV Roof Cleaner/Protectant | Eco-friendly Option |
Our Roof Cleaner Reviews
The table above is a great start to narrow down what category of roof cleaner you’re most interested in purchasing. Let’s dive into detailed reviews for each of these products and the pros and cons to consider as you search.
Best for Rubber Roofs
Camco 41453 Pro-Tec Pro-Strength
Camco might be the most recognizable brand in the RV business. Most of us have used various Camco products, and this particular product is one of the best on the market for rubber-roofed RVs.
Our favorite feature is that it’s a two-in-one – both cleaner and protectant. The cleaner does a great job erasing the stubborn grime that makes your life miserable, like tree sap and bird droppings, as well as streaks and oxidation.
After cleaning, wait two hours and then apply the protectant, which seals out dirt and grime and protects from UV damage. Once dried, this protectant is a life-saver for an RV, bringing your rubber roof back to mint condition and helping it last longer over time.
Camco Pro-Tec has a few downsides. While the cleaning solution is biodegradable, the protectant is not. If you’re like us and likely to make a few spills, you might want to think twice before purchasing. Additionally, the final dried surface is quite slippery, so be careful up there!
- Deep cleans RV rubber roofs
- Helps extend roof life with sun and dirt protection
- Cleans away tree sap, oxidation, and road grime
Last update on 2024-11-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros:
- Two-in-one cleanser and protectant
- Removes and seals out dirt and grime
- UV protection
- Extends roof life
Cons:
- Not biodegradable
- Very slippery when dry
- Time-intensive
Best Biodegradable Cleaner
Protect All Rubber Roof Cleaner
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly cleaner, you really can’t do better than this product. The ingredients are biodegradable, non-toxic, and non-abrasive and still manage to dissolve the heaviest grime and roof chalk buildup. This makes it one of the best RV roof cleaners on the market.
The Protect All Rubber Roof Cleaner is one of the fastest working products for removing grime. The cleaning process is easy, as well. To clean, you only need to follow three simple steps: spray, mop or scrub, and let air dry. No rinsing is necessary. RV owners know the value of saving our often limited water supply.
Remember, when cleaning, never allow the cleaning product to drip down the RV’s sides, as this can cause staining.
The only downside of this Thetford product is the price point. However, the price may be worth it for the combination of excellent cleaning power with safe and biodegradable ingredients.
- [VERSATILITY]: ProtectAll Rubber Roof Cleaner is specially formulated to clean your RV's EPDM rubber...
- [PERFORMANCE]: The active components of the cleaner dissolve and clean heavy grime and chalk...
- [CONVENIENCE]: Easy and fast application - no rinsing is necessary - spray, mop, and air dry
Last update on 2024-11-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros:
- No rinsing
- Biodegradable
- Effective on any EPDM roof
Cons:
- Expensive
Best Cleaner and Treatment
Protect All Rubber Roof Treatment
Another Thetford product with stellar reviews, this treatment promises to reduce the time spent on maintenance by 75%. In our world, time is money, so this is a fantastic guarantee. When applied correctly, the treatment will last from three to six months and helps keep you from needing expensive roof repairs.
UV protection is vital, preventing damage and deterioration from the sun. You will need to reapply in hotter climates more often, but the treatment still lasts longer than many others on the market.
Anti-static helps prevent dirt from attaching to your roof and, best of all, prevents the buildup of roof chalk. You won’t find those ugly gray streaks on your roof if you apply this on a regular cycle.
Overall, Protect All Rubber Roof Treatment is a bit pricier than some similar products, but it delivers quality and endurance. In terms of time saved, we believe it may be worth the money for most RV owners.
- [VERSATILITY:] ProtectAll Rubber Roof Treatment with UV Protection is easy to apply on any EPDM...
- [PERFORMANCE]: The formula coats the roof in a tough polymer with anti-static properties, preventing...
- [CONVENIENCE]: Reduces maintenance up to 75% - More protection, less cleaning required
Last update on 2024-11-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros:
- Reduces maintenance by 75%
- Prevents dirt and chalk buildup
- UV protection
- Lasts 3-6 months
Cons:
- Expensive
Best Protectant
B.E.S.T. Rubber Roof Cleaner/Protectant
Another two-in-one, B.E.S.T. lives up to its name. This product does a superb job cleaning. Since protectant is also included, you won’t have to clean as often.
The protectant is best in class, guarding against dirt and grime buildup, cleaning streaks and oxidation, and preventing water damage. The feature we like the most is that it protects from mold and cleans out already existing mold. Water damage is one of the main things RV owners need to protect from, so this product is on the money.
As with some of the other products listed here, UV treatment protects from fading and discoloration. What sets this apart is the one-step application; though be careful, it can get messy.
A unique feature of B.E.S.T’s product is the bulk buying option. For large jobs, you’ll go through a lot of the protectant, so it’s great to have a large stock on hand.
B.E.S.T. can be very versatile as it works on any rubber surface. Great for RVs, trailers, or campers.
- Package dimensions :8.5" L x4.75" W x3.5" H
- Country of origin :United States
- Package weight :3.5pounds
Last update on 2024-11-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros:
- Great price
- Two-in-one cleaner and protectant
- Stop mold growth
- UV protection
- Bulk options
Cons:
- Not biodegradable
- The application can be messy
Best Heavy-Duty Cleaner
Dicor RP-RC-1GL Cleaner
The Dicor cleaner is perhaps the most versatile all-around cleaner. Unlike some of the other products on this list, the Dicor cleaner works on any roof material, including rubber, aluminum, fiberglass, or vinyl.
Application is easy, with instructions to spray on and scrub off with a soft bristle brush. The formulation cuts deeply through dirt and grime but is gentle on your roof’s surface material. You will need to rinse off after scrubbing for best results, which is not always ideal when you have a limited water supply.
Overall, the Dicor cleaner performs exceptionally well, delivering on every level for a basic clean. If you are looking to get rid of more stubborn issues like mold, you may want to try a more targeted product.
- USE: Helps care for your RV roof by cleaning off dirt and grime
- RV MAINTENANCE: Make sure your RV is ready for applications of coating and more
- EASY TO USE: Simply spray on, brush with a medium bristle brush and rinse off
Last update on 2024-11-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros:
- Affordable
- Biodegradable
- Removes dirt and debris
- Easy to use
- Can be used on any roof material
Cons:
- Requires rinsing
- May not work on stubborn grime or mold
Best Eco-friendly Option
Bio-Kleen RV Roof Cleaner/Protectant
The Bio-Kleen is another two-in-one cleaner and protectant, and best in class as an eco-friendly option for both. Like the Dicor, this product works on all roof materials, not just rubber. If you have a vinyl, fiberglass, or aluminum roof, Bio-Kleen provides excellent treatment.
Bio-Kleen guarantees up to six months of protection when applied correctly. The protection both extends the life of your RV roof and saves you the time of constant maintenance or repairs. It does a great job removing streaks, oxidation, and grime buildup. The ingredients are non-toxic and biodegradable and contain no harsh chemicals.
The application process is also one of the easiest out there, with one step for applying cleaner and protectant.
We found two main downsides. First, the product is a little pricey for its size, and second, it has a strong smell. However, if you’re looking for a genuinely eco-friendly option that does the job to perfection, you might be willing to shell out a little extra money.
- RV Rubber Roof Cleaner maximizes the life of rubber RV roofs.
- RV Roof Protectant with SPF 70 UV Blocker.
- Safe for EPDM, PVC, TPO, and most RV roofs.
Last update on 2024-11-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros:
- Non-toxic and biodegradable
- Easy to use
- Two-in-one cleaner and protectant
- Effective on all kinds of dirt and grime
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Strong smell
Recap: The Best RV Roof Cleaner
- Camco 41453 Pro-Tec Pro-Strength – Rubber Roofs
- Protect All Rubber Roof Cleaner – Biodegradable Cleaner
- Protect All Rubber Roof Treatment – Cleaner and Treatment
- B.E.S.T. Rubber Roof Cleaner/Protectant – Protectant
- Dicor RP-RC-1GL Cleaner – Heavy-Duty Cleaner
- Bio-Kleen RV Roof Cleaner/Protectant – Eco-friendly Option
Factors to Consider When Buying an RV Roof Cleaner
Before you’re ready to buy a roof cleaner, you’ll want to consider your needs, preferences, and unique RV roof. Knowing what factors are most important to you will help narrow down your options from the seemingly endless products available out there. Here are a few factors to consider before purchasing.
Quantity
Know the measurements of your RV roof and how much surface area you will need to cover. Do some research into how much product you will need to effectively clean and treat that surface area. If you have a big RV, you may want to find products with bulk buying options and discounts.
Type of Roof
Material is critical! Different products are formulated for different roof materials. Know what type of roof you have and search for materials specifically made for your roof or that are versatile enough for different surface types. Finding a product specifically designed for your roof’s material will ensure its longevity.
Ease of Use
How hard are you willing to work? Some people enjoy spending hours scrubbing, knowing that they have attacked that last little pesky bit of mold. Others prefer to spray, mop, and call it a day. Ensure you read instructions for use on each product and understand how many steps are involved, whether it requires extra rinsing, etc. Some products also require longer drying times or work best when applied in colder weather.
Price
With the variety of features and sizes available, the price range for RV roof cleaners can be pretty broad. You’ll want to evaluate your budget ahead of time and stick to products within that range, particularly if you need to buy in bulk. If nothing else, a budget can help you narrow your options!
Is it Eco-friendly?
While this may not be the most critical factor to everyone, many of us love full-time RV life because it allows us to be closer to nature. Choosing non-toxic and biodegradable products is a meaningful way to contribute to conservation. Many effective products are also eco-friendly, so it may be worth spending extra time checking ingredients and choosing biodegradable.
Final Thoughts
A quality roof cleaner and protectant are critical for extending the life of your RV. We want to choose from reliable products and brands we can trust while also looking for features that deliver on our specific needs.
With these six top-notch options for cleaners and protectants, you are armed with various products that offer the kind of treatment your roof needs. Once you find the right cleaner, you can rest easy knowing that your roof will last for many more years to come.
Also, be sure to check out our recommendations for the best RV roof sealant and Brian’s guide on replacing and repairing your RV roof.