How to Use Bleach to Clean RV Siding

To keep your RV in its best shape and appearance, regular cleaning is required. This process might require the application of bleach in the cleaning process. Applying bleach will be necessary in situations where the RV's siding withstands the elements without proper maintenance and protection for some time. Mildew and mold can form, and bleach will be the quickest solution for removing them from the vinyl siding. Keeping a regular cleaning schedule will cut down on the amount of work it will take to keep the vinyl siding looking its best.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Bucket
RV wash
Water
RV brush
Laundry detergent
Bleach

Step 1

Select a shady area to clean the RV in, or wait for the area housing it to become shady before starting to clean it. Washing the RV in direct sunlight can cause the RV's siding to retain spots.

Step 2

Use a cleaner specified for use on RVs, as other cleaners can be too harsh and leave a film or remove protective coating from the vinyl siding.

Step 3

Rinse the RV off with water to remove any loose dirt or debris before starting the cleaning process. Then fill a three-gallon bucket with the correct amount of RV wash as specified on the container. Fill the remainder of the container with water.

Step 4

Dip a soft-bristled RV brush into the RV wash solution, and wash the entire siding. Remove as much as the dirt and grime as possible with the soapy mixture. Rinse the soap off the RV after cleaning it.

Step 5

Make a mixture of 1/3 cup powdered laundry detergent, one quart bleach and one gallon water into a three-gallon container. Mix thoroughly.

Step 6

Dip the RV brush into the mixture, and begin working it over the areas of the siding that still retain mold, mildew or built-up dirt and grime not removed in the initial washing.

Step 7

Continue dipping the brush into the solution and using it until the problem areas are clean. This might have to be repeated two to three times before the areas become clean, depending of the degree of dirt, mold and mildew. Rinse the solution with clean water.

Tips & Warnings

Substitute any powdered household cleaning product for the laundry detergent, if none is on hand.

Try to clean the tough areas with window cleaner or a spray-on household cleaner such as Formula 409 before using the bleach solution. Many times these products will wipe away the dirty areas.

Oxygen bleach can be substituted for chlorine bleach.

Article Written By Joyce Starr

Joyce Starr is a professional writer from Florida and owns a landscaping company and garden center. She has published articles about camping in Florida, lawn care and gardening and writes for a local gardening newsletter. She shares her love and knowledge of the outdoors and nature through her writing.

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