How to safely clean the roof of your motorhome without damaging it!

Cleaning the roof might not be the most glamorous part of owning and maintaining a motorhome, but it is crucial for keeping it in good shape in the long run. That being said, it’s also important to do it in the right way so that you don’t risk a trip to A&E - so standing on it is not the way to go! Let’s take a look at how to keep your roof clean - without the need to clamber up there or do yourself a mischief.

First things first – not all motorhome roofs are designed to hold your weight. Some are sturdy enough, while others might flex, crack, or even give way if you’re too ambitious. All in all, it’s best to stay off the roof when cleaning it. Even if it’s supposedly ‘walkable,’ standing up there can still be risky if the roof is wet, or covered in grime and algae. Motorhome roofs often have awkward curves, vents, and things such as skylights just waiting to trip you up. And, of course, you always need to be aware of where the edge is – one misstep can turn an afternoon chore into a full-on emergency!

Here’s three main reasons to avoid standing on your motorhome’s roof! 

1. Motorhome roofs are often curved, slippery when wet, and they’re not designed for foot traffic. One little slip could easily lead to a nasty fall, resulting in broken bones - or worse. At the end of the day, no bit of stubborn dirt is worth a broken leg or a dented ego.

2. There might be some exceptions but motorhome roofs aren’t typically built to support the concentrated weight of a person. Stepping in the wrong spot can crack the roof, weaken the joints, or even cause the ceiling to sag over time.

3. Even a small crack or a weakened seal caused by standing on the roof could let moisture in, which could lead to damp setting in, then mould, and then costly repairs down the line.

A safer alternative to being on the roof

Instead of being on the roof itself, you could consider using a platform or ladder.

A sturdy work platform or a tall, secure ladder with a wide base will let you reach the roof without putting your weight directly on it. Just make sure it’s set up on flat, stable ground. You should be able to get the height you need, whilst allowing you to reach without leaning too far, if you clean in small sections and then keep moving along. You can always have another person foot the ladder if you’re feeling wobbly, too.

So, let’s get on to the actual cleaning now…

In terms of the equipment, it’s a good idea to invest in a long-handled, soft-bristle brush or mop to scrub away the dirt without you needing to strain to reach it - you could even get one that can be attached to a hosepipe for a constant flow of water. Try to avoid using a pressure washer - it can damage the roof and it’s too easy to lose control or blast a vent seal loose. Opting for a brush or mop lets you scrub without putting too much weight on any one part of the roof. 

Use a mild, non-abrasive cleaner that won’t damage the seals or protective coatings, and a microfibre cloth for applying the cleaning product by hand if that suits your needs.

Rinse off any loose debris first, then clean the roof by scrubbing in small sections.This keeps things manageable and reduces the chances of slipping on a soapy patch. Rinse as you go, and take your time - rushing is a recipe for disaster! Use a soft-bristle smaller brush on any solar panels, and while you are up there, you might like to clean the awning rail too. If you are only cleaning the roof, do have a quick check of the sides of the motorhome for any dirt or streaks that have emerged in the process!

To finish, you could towel dry the roof if you can safely reach it, or leave it to air dry on a sunny day. Drying it will hopefully help prevent streaks and discourage and further mould growth. You can also add some wax polish or sealant to make the job (hopefully) a bit easier next time!

The more often you check and clean your roof, the easier it’ll get each time, as regularly clearing away leaves, bird droppings and debris will prevent grime from building up in the first place. 

Happy roof cleaning!