how-to-clean-mold-from-rv-rubber-roof

Owning and staying in an RV can make you realize that one of the bad things that might happen to it is its roof being filled up by molds and horrible black spots.

If the roof of your recreational vehicle is made of rubber, then you may realize how frustrating the situation is.

Your roof is at risk of accumulating black spots that often come in the form of black mold or mildew if it is often exposed to extensive moisture. That usually happens if you park your vehicle beneath trees that drop fruits or seeds, further exposing your RV’s roof to moisture even longer.

As soon as you notice that the black spots or molds appear, you have to remove them right away. Note that if it takes longer for these molds to stay on the roof, then you may even have a harder time getting rid of them. Fortunately, there are several solutions on how to clean mold from RV rubber roof efficiently, including the following:

Tip #1 – Use vinegar

clean-mold-from-rv-rubber-roof

One of the most effective ways to remove molds from RV rubber roof is to apply vinegar on it. What’s good about this solution is that it is readily available. You can get one easily from your RV’s kitchen. In addition, vinegar is non-toxic, so it makes it easier and less stressful to use on your roof, especially if there are pets and kids around.

Start your mold removal task with vinegar.

What you have to do first is to prepare a sponge and soak it in the vinegar. Once the sponge is soaked, spread the vinegar using it over all areas of the rubber roof with mold on them. Ensure that you also cover all surrounding areas to deal with early mold growth, which is not visible yet.

After spreading the vinegar with the sponge, leave it for a while so it can do its job. Use the sponge again to wipe off the vinegar as well as the dead mold after a few minutes. If you notice that there are still molds left, then do the process again.

If the mold is still there even if you applied the vinegar for two to three times, then consider applying it one more time and leave it there for at least one hour. If possible, use a stronger vinegar for this purpose to guarantee better results.

Tip #2 – Apply borax to the rubber roof

Another great solution for mold removal is borax. It is an excellent cleaning agent. However, take note that it is a bit toxic so it would be best to follow a few safety procedures prior to using it. One safety procedure to follow is to set a tarp up covering the areas beneath that specific spot you are cleaning.

Such helps in protecting plants beneath it or any other living things while also ensuring you can effortlessly get rid of the toxic borax right after you’re done. Also, ensure to keep pets and children away. Once that’s set up, you can move on to mixing a gallon of water with half a cup of borax.

Get a sponge then soak it in the mixture. Apply it to the affected spots on the roof using the sponge. Leave the solution on the affected spots for several minutes prior to wiping it off. Borax can be expected to work well in mold removal but there are also instances when you need to do multiple applications on the affected spots to really get rid of them.

After removing the mold, it is crucial to wipe off the borax solution from the areas, too. What you have to do is to use water to rinse it off. Collect it using the tarps you’ve set up earlier. Once done, dispose of the borax in the same way you do for other toxic chemicals.

Tip #3 – Spray it with a household bleach solution

You can also get rid of the accumulated molds in your RV rubber roof with the help of a household bleach. What you have to do is to combine a cup of this bleach with a gallon of water. Pour this solution into a large spray bottle. Spray it on the specific parts of the roof where molds, mildew, and stains appear.

Once done, leave the solution in those areas for around fifteen minutes. After that, check whether the solution has dried completely. If it does, get a soft scrub brush then use the bleach solution to add moisture to the brush. Use it in scrubbing the affected parts. You may need to spray the areas again in case you have a hard time scrubbing them off.

After removing all the stains and mold, you should use clear water to rinse the affected parts completely.

Tip #4 – Use water and dishwashing detergent solution

how-to-clean-mold-from-rv-rubber-roof-men

It is also possible for you to clean up the rubber roof of your RV with the mixture of water and dishwashing detergent. You just need to apply the mixture using a medium-bristle brush as a means of removing the molds and stains.

However, ensure that you avoid using a dishwashing detergent or cleaner, which contains citrus ingredients, harsh abrasives, and petroleum solvents. These ingredients might damage the rubber severely.

In case this solution is still incapable of removing stubborn mildew, molds, and stains, you can use a cleaner specifically designed for rubber roofs as an alternative.

Tip #5 – Always keep the RV roof dry

This tip actually works as a preventive solution for molds that tend to accumulate in an RV’s roof. Note that molds often grow in warm, dark, and moist environments. That said, you have to make it a point to keep the roof dry at all times to prevent the growth of molds.

Storing the vehicle, therefore, requires you to use some sort of covering for it. However, remember that some RV covers are not wind-resistant. There’s still a great chance for water to penetrate beneath the cover then reach the roof in the case of a windy rainstorm, especially if you are using a cover, which is not wind- resistant.

With that in mind, it is essential for you to make sure that you are investing in a wind-resistant RV roof covering. Alternatively, you can use a weather-resistant and water-resistant coating. You can find various coatings for your RV’s roof designed to protect it from too much moisture that might only cause molds to grow.

Some coatings that you can choose from are the liquid roof, liquid EPDM, and liquid rubber coatings. The good thing about them is that they are easy to apply so you can do the task yourself during a sunny weekend. Learn more best rv roof sealants.

Conclusion

Aside from the tips already mentioned, it is also a must for you to clean the roof of your RV at least three to four times annually. This is crucial in ensuring that it is free of dirt, molds, grime, stains, and any other elements that might damage it severely.

Also, inspect the roof thoroughly and regularly. Do a thorough inspection on a regular basis so you will know if there are already thriving molds. One sign that it is already the right time to clean it up is if you can no longer see the rubber roof’s surface because of the dirt and grime.