How to Clean the Vinyl Trim or the Rubber Trim on RVs

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Things You'll Need

  • Liquid bleach

  • Dishwashing detergent

  • Spray bottle

  • Bucket

  • Hose or pressure washer

  • RV brush

  • Vinyl trim protectant

RVs are a great way to relax and enjoy a no-rush vacation while taking advantage of the money-saving opportunity to view the countryside without having to pay for an expensive hotel room. RVs spend so much time on the road traveling that they often become layered with filth and grime caused by road dirt, exhaust and flying debris. You will need to regularly detail your RV in order to get the exterior vinyl or rubber trim looking clean and fresh again.

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Step 1

Find a shady spot to clean your RV under that has access to water. Examine the exterior of your RV for any mold, mildew or other harsh marks or staining, especially in areas where the vinyl trim meets with the roofline.

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Step 2

Combine a solution in equal parts of liquid bleach, dishwashing detergent and water in a spray bottle and spritz over areas of extreme soiling on your vinyl trim. Use a soft RV brush to scrub the area thoroughly. Rinse with clean water.

Step 3

Add 1/3 cup of dishwashing detergent to each gallon of water you use in a bucket. Dip a large sponge into the solution and uniformly clean the exterior of the RV, making sure the soap solution does not dry before you have time to rinse it off. Scrub remaining tough areas with the scrub brush to remove excess soiling.

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Step 4

Use the spray nozzle on a hose or a pressure washer to thoroughly rinse the siding. If using a pressure washer, stand at a distance of 4 feet and do not use temperatures exceeding 120 degrees.

Step 5

Dress your RV trim with a protectant such as 303 Aerospace Protectant, following the manufacturer's instructions.

Tip

Avoid using harsh abrasive brushes or cleanser that will scratch the vinyl or rubber trim. A 30 percent vinegar/water solution may also be used to scrub harsh mildew stains.

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