Owner guides
How to clean a motorhome roof
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Banner image: Our H3 Motorhome_, for hire in Uttoxeter.
Motorhomes need to be cleaned every now and again, especially after time out on the road. Dust, dirt, bird droppings, moss and algae can all collect on your motorhome roof, leading to a grubby, green or even black appearance – not ideal if you’re renting out your motorhome! To keep your vehicle in excellent condition, you’ll need to know how to clean a motorhome roof properly.
While it’s easy to clean a motorhome exterior, things are a bit trickier when it comes to the roof. This part does take some time, so make sure you know exactly what to do before starting with our step by step guide to cleaning a motorhome roof.
Get your supplies ready before beginning too: the basics are a step ladder, access to water, detergent and a long handled brush – we cover equipment in more detail below.
Finally, remember you’ll need to clean your motorhome roof first before tackling the sides, as dirty water will trickle down from the roof. We also recommend having another person around to keep the step ladder steady and pass up equipment as needed.
How to clean a motorhome roof: 8 simple steps
1. Get your equipment ready
You’ll need a step ladder, detergent/body shampoo, brush and access to water to clean your motorhome. You can also opt for a finishing product or motorhome polish to add protection and shine.
This motorhome roof cleaning equipment list includes all you need:
Step ladder
Hose pipe
Tub/bucket
Microfibre cloths
Drying cloth
Motorhome cleaner/shampoo
Long handled or extending brush
Motorhome body polish
Water
The easiest way to clean your roof is to use a hose pipe and mains water. If you haven’t got access to these, try using a backpack sprayer, which will also be handy for quick spruce ups of the motorhome body in between trips. The most basic option is to use buckets of warm water, but you’ll need plenty of elbow grease for this method.
Use warm water, not hot or cold: hot can damage non-metal parts of your roof, and cold won’t be as effective in removing dirt and marks.
Cleaning agents
There are plenty of these on the market, with Dirtbusters, Care-avan and Fenwicks all noted brands. You can use a general shampoo on its own, or go for a shampoo first and then add a polish or protector. A “wash and wax” cleaning product will help with black streak removal.
Whatever you go for, make sure to use a specific motorhome cleaner rather than washing-up liquid, as the latter may be corrosive to metal surfaces.
Brushes
Look for a telescopic or long handled brush so you won’t have to overstretch while on the step ladder. If you have access to mains water, a brush with a hose connector makes things simpler.
Ladders
It’s best to use a self-supporting step ladder, rather than just placing a ladder against the side of your motorhome. A step ladder is not only safer, it avoids getting marks on the motorhome body. Look for a combination one with an extension to get the most value for money.
Motorhome roof cleaning products
Combination step ladder with extension, £78.45
Hose pipe, 15m, £14.59
Backpack pressure sprayer, 16L, £97.97
1.8m extendable brush, £24.50
Telescopic brush with hose connector, £15
Fenwicks 304 motorhome detergent, 1L, £9.95
[Care-avan motorhome shampoo and motorhome polish, 1L each, £25.99](https://www.care-avan.co.uk/shop# !/Motorhome-2-Product-Special-1x-Shampoo-1-ltr-1-x-Polish-1ltr/p/77311913)
Dirtbusters Premium Caravan Motorhome Wash And Wax, 5L
Fenwicks Bobby Dazzler protective coating, £8.89
60L flex tub bucket, £16.20
2. Park uphill or on a slope
If possible, drive your motorhome to a part of your campsite or driveway that slopes slightly, to allow the dirty water to drain easily off the roof.
Remember to take extra care on the step ladder if working on a slope - at the end of the day, it’s up to you where you park but it’s important to have a safe set up!
3. Prepare the roof surface
Once your ladders, bucket/hose etc are set up and ready, prep the roof surface by rinsing it down. This will get rid of loose debris. Be careful not to get close to the roof vents or lights.
4. Open the vents and roof lights
Next, open the roof vents and clean around them using a microfibre cloth and a tub/bucket of water with some motorhome detergent in it. Using an extendable brush with a cloth head fitting is the easiest way to do this. Do the same with the roof lights, then use a clean cloth to wipe them down.
5. Clean the solar panels
If you’re using a wax-based motorhome cleaner, you’ll need to clean any solar panels on your roof separately (wax cleaners protect against UV light, which your solar panels need to work).
Use warm soapy water and a clean cloth – again, an extendable brush with a cloth head fitting is the easiest way to do this. Take extra care around seals and cables. Use another cloth to wipe the panels down.
6. Clean/shampoo the roof
Apply your cleaning solution to the end of your long-handled brush, using horizontal strokes. You’ll probably need to apply pressure at some points to lift grime or dirt. Move the ladder around the motorhome and repeat.
7. Rinse and dry
Taking extra care around the solar panels, lights and vents, use clean water in a hose pipe or sprayer to rinse the roof off, or just use a bucket of hot water. Dry the roof with a large microfibre cloth (or leave it to dry naturally, but this might cause streaks).
8. Add a polish/protective agent
This step is optional but will keep your motorhome looking bright and fresh. Apply a protective coating such as Dirtbuster’s Bobby Dazzler to the roof, using the same horizontal strokes as in Step 6.
Learn how to polish a motorhome_ in more detail.
And that’s how to clean a motorhome roof in 8 simple steps!
What to consider when cleaning a motorhome roof
How often should a motorhome roof be cleaned?
At the very least, a motorhome roof should be cleaned twice a year to keep it looking sleek and shiny. If you’re keeping your motorhome outside/under trees or are on the road a lot, clean it and the roof twice per season - once at the start and once at the end. Giving the roof a hose down or rinse after a trip where you’ve parked under trees or been on dusty roads is a good idea too.
Can a motorhome roof be cleaned with a pressure washer?
It’s possible to use a pressure washer to clean a motorhome roof, provided this is on a low setting. But it’s not recommended, as water could get inside the motorhome seals/sealant or inside the roof vent. The most effective and safe way to clean a motorhome roof is with a hosepipe and mains water.
Ladder safety when cleaning a motorhome roof
When it comes to how to clean a motorhome roof, safety is a key consideration. As with any form of DIY, cleaning or renovation, please ensure you use your step ladder correctly. Make sure the ladder is placed securely on the ground, get someone to hold it, and don’t overstretch when you’re on it.
After you clean your motorhome roof
Although cleaning a motorhome roof is a big job, it’s best to get the entire clean over in one day. The motorhome body, wheels and windows can all be spruced up while your cleaning kit is handy – you can tackle inside another day.
And now that you know how to clean a motorhome roof, make sure you don’t forget to do it! Keeping your motorhome in tiptop condition is the best way to make it last longer and appeal more to holidaymakers.
Ourmotorhome renovation tips should give you some ideas too, as well as our guide onhow to remove black streaks from a motorhome!
Remember, any investment you make can be made back by renting out your motorhome – UK owners can make up to £10,000 a year listing their motorhomes on Camplify!
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