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Topic: Dawn Detergent, Simple Green, Murphy Oil Soap, Or....? (Read 564 times) previous topic - next topic
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Dawn Detergent, Simple Green, Murphy Oil Soap, Or....?
I've searched the forum and Companion for articles and posts on what to use to clean the roof.  I'm going to be starting the roof maintenance project when I pick up the new-to-us 2006 30IB next week, and from my inspection several weeks ago I know the roof is dirty, with lots of black that looks like it may include mold.

The one post I found discussed removing moss from units in the Pacific northwest.  I believe it discouraged the use of bleach because of the aluminum substrate.

So, is there consensus among us on what to use to make the elbow grease more effective?  I have both a stiff bristle and soft bristle brush heads, and a tall ladder.  Any suggestions, or recommendations based on experience?

I have the acetone and other supplies for the Eternabond/Dicor step, but want to do the general cleaning first.
2006 31' IB
Re: Dawn Detergent, Simple Green, Murphy Oil Soap, Or....?
Reply #1 –
I use the same car soap as what we use to wash our cars or LD, buying whatever car soap Costco has for sale, when out.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Dawn Detergent, Simple Green, Murphy Oil Soap, Or....?
Reply #2 –
I used Simple Green, warm water, and a stiff brush for the first scrub, rinsed it well with clear water, then followed with a second cleaning with white vinegar and warm water. Step #3 was to clean all the areas to be E-bonded with solvent. Ditto for sealing around the windows with 5200 Fast Cure.
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Dawn Detergent, Simple Green, Murphy Oil Soap, Or....?
Reply #3 –
Thanks for the replies.  I had also considered a step with white vinegar, and will give that a try.
2006 31' IB
Re: Dawn Detergent, Simple Green, Murphy Oil Soap, Or....?
Reply #4 –
Before putting the tarp on, I routinely use Simple Green and a brush on the roof.
I then use WashWaxall on the rig and put it to bed.
Joel & Terry Wiley
2013  31 IB   ORWAN   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE
Re: Dawn Detergent, Simple Green, Murphy Oil Soap, Or....?
Reply #5 –
Be careful with soap on the roof.  It is mighty slippery.  I've come to the point that I use water, a brush, bare feet, and no soap.  If you slip and fall off the roof, your RV days may be over.
2014 27 MB
Towd: Either the Jeep Wrangler or trailer containing the BMW R1200GS and 2 E-bicycles
Happy wife=Happy life
Re: Dawn Detergent, Simple Green, Murphy Oil Soap, Or....?
Reply #6 –
Use caution with Simple Green. The original version promotes corrosion as tested by the Air Force. Simple Green has a version that's safe for aluminum referred to as "Simple Green Extreme - Aircraft Precision" available at WalMart etc.



bumper
"Yonder" '05 MB
"WLDBLU" glider trailer
Re: Dawn Detergent, Simple Green, Murphy Oil Soap, Or....?
Reply #7 –
BUMPER....?!!! is that really you? Truely a voice from the past. Where you been dude? Hope you stick around.

Now back to the topic:
Thanks for the info about Simple Green Extreme. I have heard Simple Green (original) had issues on aluminun but I thought that was on unpainted aluminum. I have been using it on the roof of my 2003 since new but always with a very complete rinse of the roof and sides.

Steve K

Steve K

2003 Mid-bath
Re: Dawn Detergent, Simple Green, Murphy Oil Soap, Or....?
Reply #8 –
These are the MSDS 'ingredient' sheets for Simple Green; the Aircraft Extreme is first, the 'regular' cleaner follows. They both look pretty grim to me; I may re-think use of either!  :o

Water 7732-18-5 > 78%*
Triethanolamine 102-71-6 ≤ 10%*
Ethoxylated Alcohol 68439-46-3 ≤ 5%*
Propylene Glycol Butyl Ether 5131-66-8 < 5%*
Tetrapotassium Pyrophosphate 7320-34-5 < 1%*
Potassium Silicate 1312-76-1 < 1%*
*specific percentages of composition are being withheld as a trade secret

Water 7732‐18‐5  ≥ 78%
2‐butoxyethanol 111‐76‐2  ≤ 5%
Ethoxylated Alcohol Mixture Proprietary  ≤ 5%
Tetrapotassium Pyrophosphate 7320‐34‐5  ≤ 5%
Sodium Citrate 68‐04‐2  ≤ 5%
Fragrance Proprietary  ≤ 1%
Colorant Proprietary  ≤ 1%
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Dawn Detergent, Simple Green, Murphy Oil Soap, Or....?
Reply #9 –
I'm with Larry on this.    On the roof whatever car wash is on sale at the big box store. To me soap is soap.   Living in the PNW where it rains a tad we get a bit of mold here and there.   (I use to carry the bucket of soapy water up the ladder when one day it came to me I could fill it (the bucket) on the roof ......).    I pull off all the removable vents then do a good scrubbing with a soft brush.  

glen
personal fine art photo stuff
TF Mack | Flickr
It's all good .......
2014 Twin King
Re: Dawn Detergent, Simple Green, Murphy Oil Soap, Or....?
Reply #10 –
Quote from: Blueox25  - 
Be careful with soap on the roof.  It is mighty slippery.  I've come to the point that I use water, a brush, bare feet, and no soap.  If you slip and fall off the roof, your RV days may be over.

Yikes!  Can’t imagine that bare feet on the aluminum roof would not be slippery. When I wash up there (stiff push broom, hose and just water) I wear my Wellingtons.  Keep the feet dry and great grip. — Jon ( washed yesterday for trip to Paso Robles and The Morro  GTG, just in time for today’s rain 🥴)
(Former) ‘06 TK “Albatross.” And (former) Vespa 250.   Alas, no more; both are gone.😕 Great memories remain! 😄
Re: Dawn Detergent, Simple Green, Murphy Oil Soap, Or....?
Reply #11 –
Hi Joan. Those ingredients look pretty mundane to me. The Silicates were what makes it friendlier to aluminum. The largest ingredient is, of course, water. Safe to use. They put a lot of work into the fragrance and colorant, because that's about the only thing that separates it from other commonly available cleaners.
   I prefer KrudKutter. (don't drink it, or get it in your eyes.) Pretty amusing that apparently nobody proofreads the MSDS. At the bottom of page two it says " Individuals with pre-existing skin may be more susceptible to". Maybe they meant 'pre-existing skin conditions may be...."      It is rated by the NSF for use around food. (A-1)   RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Dawn Detergent, Simple Green, Murphy Oil Soap, Or....?
Reply #12 –
Quote from: Bumper  - 
Use caution with Simple Green. The original version promotes corrosion as tested by the Air Force. Simple Green has a version that's safe for aluminum referred to as "- Aircraft Precision" available at WalMart etc.

Hi bumper, it's been a while.
Good to know about the Simple Green Extreme .

An automotive soap is chemically balanced so it doesn't cause harm to the paint, so it's prefect for the roof.
The stuff is cheap when bought in the one gallon jugs, get it at Costco or Walmart.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Dawn Detergent, Simple Green, Murphy Oil Soap, Or....?
Reply #13 –
Thanks again for all the good suggestions. I’m going to try to do this without getting on the roof, so no worries about slipping. I’ll report late next week. I’d offer to upload photos but even when following the instructions word for word, I can’t do it. Oh well.
2006 31' IB