Best Cleaner for RV Rubber Roof in 2021 | Top 10 Picks by An Expert

RV roofs are one of the most neglected parts of an RV when it comes to maintenance. People tend not to clean them on a regular basis, but a leak in the roof can cause serious trouble if you're on tour. This is why you need the best cleaner for RV rubber roof. It’s not time-consuming or difficult!

What's more difficult is to find the right cleaner for you. Trust me on this, the market is filled with tons of different products, and choosing one isn't so easy.

Selecting a cleaner that suits you will require ample research, and we've done the work for you. We’ve taken multiple factors into consideration like efficiency, biodegradable or not, and price while choosing the cleaners.

All you have to do is go through the article, and boom! You've found the perfect cleaner for you!

10 Best Cleaners for RV Rubber Roof

Considering the cleaning formula, UV protection, and efficiency, we've rounded up ten RV rubber roof cleaners below. Here's what we think about them:

1. Aero Cosmetics Wash Wax ALL

Everyone loves a waterless car wash kit for its straightforward use. What if we told you there's one for your RV that not only cleans but also leaves a UV protective seal?

This two-in-one car wash by Aero Cosmetics will be a game-changer for your ride. First of all, you can use it as a roof cleaner and a gentle sealant. RV roofs are pretty well-made, but every once in a while, they'll get greasy.

It's one of those "A little goes a long way" products. For example, this one-gallon tub can thoroughly wash 23 cars.  What we really liked about this cleaner is that it's ammonia-free, biodegradable, and doesn't contain skin irritants.

Sun exposure can be damaging to camper roofs. Therefore, it was one of our concerns regarding RV roof care and maintenance. Luckily, this cleaner dries as a UV-resistant film over the roof.

The price is reasonable considering you get one whole gallon of this holy-grail cleaning product. Additionally, Wash Wax ALL packs a handy 16oz. spray bottle and four microfiber towels.

Pros:

• Aircraft-quality wash/sealant for all your vehicles
• Ammonia and alcohol-free, non-stick formula
• Fights stubborn grime and water damage
• Leaves a long-lasting UV-resistant sealant

Cons

• Takes time to remove heavy grime

Verdict

Wash Wax ALL is a miracle worker for cleaning cars and RVs every season. Its non-stick formula coupled with the UV sealant gives the vehicle a fresh, new look. Since it's a waterless car wash, you can also save a ton of water.

2. Camco Pro-Tec RV Rubber Roof Care

If your RV roof is looking chalky and oxidized, the Camco Pro-Tec cleaner will help you in a lot of ways. Basically, it's a two-step treatment like the previous Wash Wax All, except it takes the whole cleaning and sealing game more seriously!

To begin with, you get a gallon of high-quality cleaner and another gallon of sealant. A 30-foot RV will need half a gallon of this cleaning product. Once it's been thoroughly cleaned, you're going to need less and less of this cleaner. So, this package can easily last a couple of months.

Camco Pro-Tec is a great RV rubber roof cleaner for its brilliant formula and ease of use. It removes grime, stains, and chalky residues in a short amount of time. Moreover, the sealant prevents sun rays from damaging EPDM rubber roofs.

The directions are pretty much the same for all travel vehicles. Step one is to clean and condition the roof. And step two is to apply the sealant; speaking of which, it takes about 24 hours for the sealant to dry.

Pros:

• Two-in-one roof care system with a cleaner and a sealant
• Suitable for standard-sized travel trailers and RV roofs
• Professional-strength cleaning formula
• Works on road dirt, tree sap, oxidation, and grime

Cons

• The sealant is quite slippery throughout the curing process

Verdict

This cleaner and sealant combo saves RV rubber roofs from damage and discoloration. It's an all-rounder roof care kit for RVs and trailers. Besides, both the cleaner and the sealant are completely EPDE-safe.

3. Camco 41063 Pro-Strength Rubber Roof Cleaner - 32 fl. oz.

We had amazing feedback on the Camco Pro-Tec cleaner and wanted to try their Pro-Strength as well. This one is a powerful cleaner in a 32oz. spray bottle. It does a great job in cleaning RV rubber roofs.

The roof of your RV is a party spot for bugs, birds, and squirrels. Well, the amount of bug splatters, bird droppings, and half-eaten pulps we find on RV roofs is crazy. It was before we found this heavy-duty rubber roof cleaner.

We're more than satisfied with the end results. It's a fast-working rubber roof cleaner with strong surfactants. Moreover, it's specially formulated so that it doesn’t harm the roof membrane of your expensive RV.

Another interesting thing about the Camco cleaner is you can apply it with your garden pump sprayer. It's going to remove loose dirt and grime off the roof and make the surface glossy again.

It can get rid of those ugly gray streaks and make your camper look totally brand-new! It allows you to cut big maintenance bills on your RV and sustain the shine for many, many years!

Pros:

• Deep-cleans all the dirt
• Suitable for cleaning inside and outside the pop-up
• Contains surfactants for fast-cleaning
• Enough cleaner for the whole roof

Cons

• Not suitable for fiberglass roof

Verdict

Overall, the Camco Pro-Strength cleaner works great for years-old grease and grime. It's a spray bottle, so you won't be making a mess during or after the cleanup. The formula contains high-powered surfactants which are only meant to be used on an RV rubber roof.

4. Dicor Corporation RP-RC-1GL Rubber Roof Cleaner

If you have a large, 19-foot RV awning to clean, you'll find this 1gal. cleaner a great fit. Dior Corporation is a much-loved brand among RV campers, and we understand why.

For one, this rubber roof cleaner sports a high-shine formula. It's gentle on the finish but super tough on the dirt. One gallon of this product should last three to four uses, and we're talking about a standard 24ft. travel trailer.

Other users recommend that you divide the RV roof into 3'×3' sections and use a soft bristle brush. However, what most of them won't tell you is to keep the sides of your RV wet while cleaning. Not all cleaners can do that!

Unlike the Wet or Waterless Aero Cosmetics cleaner, this one doesn’t dry into a glossy sealant. So, you need to finish off the white cleaner streaks before they settle.

Apart from that, the Dio Corporation rubber roof cleaner is an excellent product. They sell a rubber roof sealant separately, and if that's something you're interested in, you'll find it right on the website.

Pros:

• Effective against tree sap and grime buildup
• Can be used multiple times for a standard trailer
• Its gentle, biodegradable formula won't leave streaks
• Also suitable for fifth-wheel trailers and RV awnings

Cons

• Might not lift black crud

Verdict

For a low-budget roof cleaner, this particular product included pretty much everything you get in a high-end product. The only thing that's missing is a sealant. So, after cleaning the RV roof, there's nothing protecting it from sun damage, or worse — chalking.

5. B.E.S.T. 55048 Rubber Roof Cleaner

In our search for a great rubber roof cleaner, we found out that a nonabrasive formula is actually the safest. This biodegradable cleaner by B.E.S.T single-handedly takes care of the nasty grime and grease, so you don't have to!

Nonbiodegradable cleaners are either too harsh for a specific roof type or too gentle. In the worst-case scenario, a harsh roof cleaner will leave white streaks on your roof. We're glad that we found the B.E.S.T cleaner when we did. In fact, we'll recommend this budget-friendly RV roof cleaner for a number of reasons.

The first one would be the fact that it's made of a biodegradable concentrate. It means you can hose it down in your yard and not ruin your wife's tomato patch.

Next up, the rubber roof cleaner comes in a huge quantity. If there are years worth of gunk piling up on your secondhand RV, buying this rubber roof treatment will be a good move.

Pros:

• Low-budget rubber roof cleaner
• Works great on camper roofs and travel trailers
• Suitable for EPDM roof and TPO
• Comes with step-by-step instructions
• Great spreadability; easy to scrub with a stiff brush

Cons

• Might be a bit harsh on RV awnings

Verdict

We wouldn't call this RV roof cleaner the most effective. However, it does have a gentle formula that protects the new paint and the coating on top. We'll pick these roof cleaners any day for removing recent stains off a Holiday Rambler.

6. Propack Rubber Roof Protectant 128 oz.

When it comes to RV maintenance, we have always looked for a cleaning formula for fighting stubborn grime. The fact that we got it from Propack rubber roof cleaner was pretty awesome. Not to mention, the number of features it offers for the price will blow your mind!

As of 2021, it takes about five thousand bucks to replace the roof of a 19ft. RV. In that case, you don't want harmful chemicals to ruin yours, right?

We liked the B.E.S.T rubber roof cleaner for a lot of reasons. First, it's equally suitable for all types of rubber roofs.

Surprisingly, it's something we can't say for every other roof cleaner out there. You can let the formula air dry for some time and then wash it off. It's because hard stains will need more time to loosen up and lift from the RV's roof.

Moving forward, there are very few roof cleaners that offer a conditioner and UV protection in the same package. It's the reason why we were a bit surprised to find sun protection from a forty-something rubber roof cleaner.

Pros:

• Provides additional protection with built-in UV blocker
• Suitable for cleaning dirt buildup and algae
• Safe on plastic elements and RV awnings
• Comes in a 128oz. container

Cons

• Not that suitable for removing black moss

Verdict

It's the easiest at-home rubber roof treatment can go. The product gets rid of loose dirt, roof chalk, and water damage. It's a ready-to-use roof cleaner for any type of roof.

7. Protect All 67128 RV Rubber Roof Cleaner

Most affordable RV rubber roof cleaners have one thing in common. They struggle to remove bird poop and fail royally when there's some amount of bug splatter. So, you must be wondering if there's a roof cleaner that has it all?

As far as cleaning is concerned, harsh chemicals will sadly work much faster than biodegradable ones. But we can't say for sure how the RV roof is going to hold up in the near future. That's why we prefer Protect All's biodegradable, nonabrasive formula.

While it will get most of the stains out, removing black streaks hasn't been the most productive. Therefore, we suggest that you use the biggest stick brush for the job. Well, the cleaner happens to dry quickly and leave a gray residue behind.

So, as soon as you're done with the scrubbing, crank up the hose and run it at full speed. Another tip would be to not clean your RV roof on a windy day. The splatter might get to your car or your garage door. And trust us when we say it — cleaning a filthy RV residue is a day's work.

Pros:

• Contains zero abrasive cleaners and harsh chemicals
• Affordable rubber roof treatment against UV rays
• Doesn't include harsh petroleum distillates
• Its biodegradable formula will clean streaks and filthy residue

Cons

• No UV protection

Verdict

We can say with certainty that Protect All is one of the closest to your dream RV roof cleaner. It contains heavy-duty cleaning agents to finish what it started. This EPDM RV rubber roof treatment is extremely effective against roof chalk.

8. Thetford Premium RV Rubber Roof Cleaner & Conditioner

The thing that we like about this very cleaner is the two-in-one feature it comes with. Unlike regular products, this is a premium cleaner that comes with a conditioner. Created specifically for EPDM rubber roofs, this can also work if your roof is aluminum or fiberglass.

One thing that strikes us with this roof cleaner is that it is eco-friendly and tough at the same time. It will clean nearly every possible dirt, chalk, or rust but will protect the rubber membrane with ease. The manufacturers can ensure you that no abrasive or toxic elements are used here, so that's another relief.

This biodegradable roof cleaner comes with a UV blocker as well, so even if you’re out in the desert, the sun won’t be of much harm. It's incredibly easy to use. Just apply the liquid and scrub it nice and gently with a sponge mop. Once you’re done, air drying it properly will give your roof a shiny, new look.

Pros:

• Specially designed for EPDM roofs
• Biodegradable and non-toxic
• Comes with a UV blocker
• 2-in-1 cleaner plus conditioner
• Has a universal fit

Cons

• Doesn’t work well against water damage

Verdict

This here is an easy-to-use and nature-friendly cleaner that does its work pretty well. The conditioner adds an extra bit of protection and shines after you’re done cleaning your roof. So, if you’re after that little bit of extra, this can be your pick.

9. Bio-Kleen M02409 RV Roof Cleaner and Protectant

Biodegradable and nature-friendly cleaners always get our nod when it comes to picking the best rubber roofs out there. This one is no different, as it has a unique petroleum-free formula. Expectedly, it is a non-aerosol cleaner that comes with a protectant to further save your roof from future problems.

This very cleaner specializes in maximizing the life of your RV roof. Coming with an SPF 70 UV blocker, the scorching heat from the sun won’t trouble your roof anymore with this! It is a universal fit, so no matter what size your RV is, it will fit in and work accordingly.

Be it EPDM, PVC, TPO, or any other material your roof is made of, this cleaner will effectively clean most types. It is very efficient and can clean and protect at the same time. With the cleaner and protectant combo, you can clean your roof properly and make sure that no rust or dirt can stick to it in the future.

Pros:

• Specializes in maximizing the RV roof life
• SPF 70 UV-ray blocker
• Non-aerosol and biodegradable
• Offers a petroleum-free formula
• Very simple application

Cons

• Difficult to remove its streaks after cleaning

Verdict

A versatile cleaner that comes with a protectant, so you don’t have to take the hassle to buy an additional protectant. Its performance seems decent enough to give it a go!

10. PROSOL Bugs N All - Multi Surface Vehicle Cleaner

Cleaners these days seem to have a mind of their own. They're super picky about what surfaces they work on. And that's exactly why Bugs N All is our all-time favorite! It's a heavy-duty cleaner for removing water scum, dirt, and every other thing you don't want on your RV roof- especially bug splatters!

This incredible cleaner won't just work on your camper roof, rather it's suitable for the entire vehicle. Its cleaning solution is effective against mildew, rust, brake dust, bug splatters, and haze.

Moving forward, its formula is free of bad chemicals and odors. So, it's alright to simply spray the Prosol cleaner as often as needed. Rest assured, your RV is not going to reek of a strong chemical smell when you switch to Prosol!

And the best part? This cleaner is super safe around pets, plants, and of course, kids! Give it a minute to clean bug splatters and bird droppings. There's no need to scrub; just make sure you've spread the product evenly across the RV roof.

By the way, its formula is highly concentrated. So, four ounces of this product make two quarts of cleaner. You won't be getting a good-enough deal like this anytime soon!

Pros:

• Biodegradable, non-toxic, and non-corrosive formula
• Removes dirty buildup under one minute
• Also works as a can and engine degreaser
• Safe on clear coatings, paint, wax, and decals

Cons

• Might take more time for lifting water scum

Verdict

It takes about 25 seconds for the Prosol Bugs N All to lift heavy stains such as grease, grime, black streaks, and algae. So, this RV roof cleaner is actually as good as it sounds. The cleaning process is also quite easy.

Comparison Chart of RV Rubber Roof Cleaner 

What to Look for Before Buying RV Roof Cleaners?

Now that you have got a decent idea about the ten best cleaners available on the market, time to do some research on the prospects you should look for before choosing one.

As we said, the market is filled with different products, and you need to select one that matches your preferred features and budget. Time for you to look at our criteria for the best rubber roof cleaner.

Efficiency

The most important question with RV roof cleaners would be how efficient the cleaner is. It’s no surprise that people would not want to spend hours trying to clean the dirt, dust, grime, and mold. So, you should look for a cleaner that can clean all of them at once, and as fast as possible.

A good way to know which cleaner is more efficient is to go through their customer reviews that are available online. Even though not all reviews are true, you’ll get a general idea about their ease of use from them.

Price

Like all other products, people tend to go for a roof cleaner that is as cost-efficient as possible. Since there’s a whole pool of options out there, it’s not very difficult to find cleaners with low prices and decent features. However, don’t be fooled by companies that provide fake features to increase their sales.

So, do your research, look for the product that fits your budget, but try to have a balance between your preferred features and your budget. If spending a few more extra bucks can bring you a good quality cleaner to keep for a long while, then why not?

Type of Rubber Roof

There are two types of Rubber roofs available, one is the EPDM roof, and the other is the TOP roof. These are made from different materials, so before finding a cleaner, you first need to know the type of your RV's rubber roof.

Using the wrong kind of cleaner on your roof might harm the texture, so be very careful about it. You can find the type of rubber roof in the manual that comes with your RV. Try to find a safe formula and avoid petroleum and silicone-based cleaners.

Biodegradable or Not

Next up, the burning question of this century — is the cleaner biodegradable? If you’re someone likely to spill a drop or more while cleaning, you have to check if the liquid is biodegradable. The planet is slowly decaying, and as a concerned human being, you should make sure that your cleaner is environment-friendly.

In general, the biodegradable and non-biodegradable cleaner has the same impact on cleaning. But it’s a common scenario to spill the cleaner here and there, so it’s best to be safe and buy one that doesn’t harm nature.

Size of RV

Last but not the least, size does matter when it comes to cleaners. It’s no rocket science that if your RV is a big, long one, you’d require a lot of cleaning liquid to fully clean it. So, check the size of your RV, then go for the size of your cleaner bottle.

A word of advice from us — it’s a hassle and a loss of money if you have to buy the cleaner liquid every once in a while. We’d suggest you purchase an ample amount of it at a go because roof cleaners are needed almost all the time!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How Exactly Does an RV Roof Cleaner Work?

Different cleaners come with different methods of cleaning. Two of the most common processes are spray-and-mop and the two-coat cleaning system.

The first one is plain simple- spray the cleaning solution and mop until the dirt or rust wears off. But the double-coat cleaning is a bit more complicated. Its first coat removes potential issues, and the second coat protects the roof from them in the future.

2. Do I Need to Clear My Roof Every Once in a While?

Unless there are exceptions, you should clean the roof at least twice a year. Once you clean it, the roof should be safe from dirt and other elements for at least five months. But be sure to check it at least once a month to see if everything is alright.

3. Can I Use Bleach To Clean Up My RV Roof?

We’d suggest you not to. Bleach can be effective for other roofs, but for a rubber roof, this cleaning process would be devastating. Cracks, tears, or even bubbles might appear if you’re not careful enough. You should take the risk only if you don’t have the money to spend on a basic cleaner.

4. Can I Power Wash My Roof?

Not recommended. Power washing anywhere near the seals around your roof can cause damage. However, if you’re adamant about using one, then be very careful and set the power washer to a maximum of 1300 PSI.

5. Should I Use a Protectant After Cleaning?

If you’re using a two-coat cleaner, then there’s absolutely no need to use a protectant. But if you’re not, then it is recommended to use one. The protectants will protect your RV roof from rust, dirt, and all other components for a long while. The best RV roof cleaners usually have both.

Final Words

So, this was our in-depth analysis of the best RV rubber roof cleaner. Now you know the features to look for in quality RV roof cleaners. All that's left for you is to pick the one that matches your budget and preferences. Be careful not to be fooled by fake improvised features from unethical people.

Best of luck on your journey!