Just like gutters and exterior facades on your home, the trim on your RV is pretty important. The trim keeps water and moisture from entering your RV, acts as a bit of an insulator, and generally keeps the lines on your RV looking nice.
We better keep that trim happy and working to avoid leaks and potential issues like it. One of the first steps in keeping trim safe is keeping it clean.
What should I use to clean the white rubber trim?
This is moreso for the most extremely soiled parts of your RV trim. While you can get solutions designed specifically to clean trims, you can also make your own. You’ll need a combination of ingredients:
- Liquid bleach
- Dish soap
- Water
- A soft RV brush
How do I make the mix for homemade white rubber trim cleaner?
Combine the liquid bleach, dish soap, and water in equal parts within a spray bottle.Spray the combination on the most heavily soiled parts of your RV trim.
Once sprayed, let the solution set in for a bit than spray it off with water as a rinse. Once the area is rinshed, you can also do the following:
A second step to cleaning your white rubber trim
Get a sponge and a bucket. In the bucket, you’’ll want to combine ⅓ cup of dishwashing liquid for every gallon of water.
Scrub the solution into the exterior trim. Be sure to rinse the trim before the soapy water dries off to avoid having the soap soak into the trim.
Step 3: Pressure washing
You have a choice here: Actual pressure washing with a pressure washer or a hose with a nozzle. Either one works well for completely rinsing off the trim.
Two rules here: Don’t use excessively hot water above 120 degrees and don’t stand too close with a pressure washer. Pressure washers have serious output meant to remove gunk from siding. Trim is a bit more sensitive than siding and is meant to stop a deluge of rain versus a direct shot up close from a pressure washer.
Products to use and not use for your RV trim
You’ll be able to find products at the hardware store meant specifically for cleaning rubber and vinyl trims. These are bottled versions of the same formula we described above.
The biggest difference is you get a bottle with a set amount and you can readily store the bottle for later. Of course, if you make a mixture, you can store that bottle too..
What you should not use
Don’t use harsh chemicals not intended for cleaning an RV trim. Alcohol based cleaners will cause premature wear and tear. Using too much bleach can also cause problems.
The brush is important too. You don’t need to use too much elbow grease or use the same harsh brush that you use to clean pans with caked on food, or a baby bottle. A softer brush is better because the trim is more there to stop water – it’s not quite a shield.
How about rust stains near trim?
Use a vinegar and water solution to remove rust stains. Note that we are talking about stains, not actual rush. Rust is the oxidization of metal, and can’t be removed with liquid.
Why is keeping your trim clean important?
First, trim is one of the first things you see on an RV. For first impressions, a nice, clean trim looks good.
A clean trim is also a usable trim. While trim will inevitable fade and leak, it can be useful to your RV for a much longer time if you remove the gunk that can separate and eat your trim.
Think of your trim as similar to clearing the leaves out of your gutter. A proper working gutter is clear of junk and debris, allowing water to flow to downspouts. Too much junk in your gutters can make them sticky and weakened, which can lead to easier punctures and leaks.
Conclusion
Cleaning the trim on your RV only requires some simple liquids that can be found in most hardware stores – or even in your home or RV right now
Be gentle with your RV’s trim. Even when using the pressure washer, don’t spray too hard or you’ll risk damaging it. Use basic, non alcohol or abrasive ingredients when making your cleaning mixture.
