Regular cleaning of your RV keeps it in top shape. However, due to some uncontrolled circumstances, black streaks may start to appear on the sides of your RV. These are accumulated dust, grime, dirt, and bird droppings combined with moisture that usually runs down the roof of your RV when it rains or during a heavy dew. Getting rid of black streaks can be frustrating since your regular cleaning solution may not do the job efficiently. So we’ve gathered the top 5 best cleaner for black streaks on RVs to help you make your RV squeaky clean again.
Black streaks are more prevalent in moist environments. Most vehicles in polluted areas also experience this. Generally, streaks occur because of time and inconsistent cleaning routine. Streak build-up takes time. So if you forget to always clean or wax your RV, having black streaks should not come as a surprise. The good news is, there are plenty of effective black streak removers available in the market today. They provide the right mix of solutions to break down the streaks and permanently remove them. Here are our top five picks for the best cleaner for black streaks on RVs.
Comparison Chart
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIO-KLEEN Black Streak Remover | The Bio-Kleen Black Streak remover is a biodegradable, safe, and non-toxic product that’s best in removing grease and grime from your RV. It offers a quick and efficient way to remove streaks. Aside from that, the Bio-Kleen Black Streak Remover can also be used as a multi-purpose cleaner for slides, gutters, engine, degreasing your garage, and cleaning your RV parts and tools. | ||
| CAMCO 41008 PRO-STRENGTH Black Streak Remover | The Camco 41008 Pro-Strength is another multi-purpose cleaner. It can easily remove black streaks, bugs, tar, grease, oil, and dirt from your RV or other surfaces. It’s also perfect for heavy-duty cleaning and can be used for window trims, gutter rails, grills, and many more. The best thing about this product is it comes with a ready to use 32-oz spray bottle. So you won’t need to spend time mixing and diluting this product. | ||
| Protect All 54128 Black Streak Cleaner & Degreaser – 1 Gallon | The Protect All Rv Trailer Camper Cleaners Black Streak Cleaner & Degreaser is a heavy-duty multi-cleanser that is concentrated to remove even the toughest stains on your RV. It’s also made from biodegradable materials, and its low foam technology allows it to be used in automatic scrubbers, pressure washers, and steam-cleaning equipment. It’s an economical product that can give you a powerful cleaning action. | ||
| RVTECH Spray & Rinse Instant RV Black Streak Remover | The RVTECH Spray and Rinse is voted #1 in cleaning RV surfaces and effectively getting rid of black streaks. It’s known to instantly remove tar, scum, mildew, smoke, soot, brake dust, bug stains, and other unwanted residues. It cleans 85% quicker than any other cleaners in the market. This professional-grade formula is one of the best cleaners for black streaks on RV. | ||
| Thetford Premium RV Black Streak and Bug Remover | The Thetford Premium RV Black Streak works on all vehicles. It is specially made for RVs, boats, trucks, vans, motorcycles, cars, ATVs, etc. |
Detailed Reviews on The 5 Best Cleaners For Black Streaks On RVs
BIO-KLEEN BLACK STREAK REMOVER
Product Highlights
The Bio-Kleen Black Streak remover is a biodegradable, safe, and non-toxic product that’s best in removing grease and grime from your RV. It offers a quick and efficient way to remove streaks. Aside from that, the Bio-Kleen Black Streak Remover can also be used as a multi-purpose cleaner for slides, gutters, engine, degreasing your garage, and cleaning your RV parts and tools.
The Good
I always seek products that are of multi-use. It’s an excellent way to save money and reduce garbage by not buying tons and tons of different products for different cleaning purposes. The Bio-Kleen Black Streak Remover does just that. I also like the fact that it’s environmentally-friendly, thus, limiting your carbon footprint. It’s not only useful in clearing out streaks, but it can also be used to clean mildew stains and insect debris, which are normal, especially when RVing in forested areas. This tops our list of the best cleaner for black streaks on RV.
The Bad
The Bio-Kleen might be an eco-product, but that doesn’t mean it’s a mild solution. Some RV owners complained that this product stripped the natural finish of their RVs. So make sure to have the right measurements when diluting this solution.
PROs
- Eco-friendly
- Quick in removing streaks
- Multi-purpose
CONs
- Can strip your RV’s natural finish
CAMCO 41008 PRO-STRENGTH BLACK STREAK REMOVER
Product Highlights
The Camco 41008 Pro-Strength is another multi-purpose cleaner. It can easily remove black streaks, bugs, tar, grease, oil, and dirt from your RV or other surfaces. It’s also perfect for heavy-duty cleaning and can be used for window trims, gutter rails, barbecue grills, and many more. The best thing about this product is it comes with a ready to use 32-oz spray bottle. So you won’t need to spend time mixing and diluting this product.
The Good
Camco 41008 Pro-Strength is one of the best-reviewed products in the industry. It’s convenient to use and powerful in getting rid of black streaks and other unwanted stains clinging on your RV. The Camco 41008 is also convenient to carry around, and it requires a little space in your storage. Having one on your RV can surely make your everyday cleaning dead simple.
The Bad
The Camco 41008 Pro-Strength does not have noticeable bad reviews. However, some users did not like the smell of this product. If you have a sensitive smell, this product might be too overwhelming.
PROs
- Comes in a ready to use spray bottle
- Multi-purpose
- Heavy-duty
- Convenient to carry around
CONs
- Smell can be too overwhelming
Protect All 54128 Black Streak Cleaner & Degreaser – 1 Gallon
Product Highlights
The Protect All 54128 Black Streak Cleaner & Degreaser is a heavy-duty multi-cleanser that is concentrated to remove even the toughest stains on your RV. It’s also made from biodegradable materials, and its low foam technology allows it to be used in automatic scrubbers, pressure washers, and steam-cleaning equipment. It’s an economical product that can give you a powerful cleaning action.
The Good
Just like most of the products included on this list, the Protect All 54128 Black Streak Cleaner & Degreaser is also a multi-use product that effective for cleaning different surfaces. You have the option to use it full strength on big cleaning jobs, or dilute it for regular cleaning tasks such as furniture, windows, sinks, tiles, and the like.
The Bad
The concentrated solution of the Protect All Cleaner can also be quite strong for those with sensitive smell. We would recommend using protective equipment like masks when using this product. But over-all, this product is a great product to try.
PROs
- Multi-use cleaner
- Comes in spray bottles
- Best in removing black streaks
- Biodegradable
- Low-foam technology
CONs
- Strong scent
RVTECH Spray & Rinse Instant RV Black Streak Remover
Product Highlights
The RVTECH Spray and Rinse is voted #1 in cleaning RV surfaces and effectively getting rid of black streaks. It’s known to instantly remove tar, scum, mildew, smoke, soot, brake dust, bug stains, and other unwanted residues. It cleans 85% quicker than any other cleaners in the market. This professional-grade formula is one of the best cleaner for black streaks on RV.
The Good
RVTECH is a trusted brand in the RV community. They provide superb products that are convenient for RV owners and enthusiasts. The RVTECH Streak Remover is one of their flagship products. With just two simple steps, you can finally make your RV look brand new. The RVTECH Streak Remover neutralizes streaks to remove them easily from any surface. This product is a must-try!
The Bad
The only negative review for the RVTECH Streak Remover is the cost. It’s priced at $46 for a 32oz bottle.
PROs
- Voted #1 exterior cleaner
- Instant removal of streaks
- Professional grade formula
CONs
- A bit more expensive than other brands
Thetford Premium RV Black Streak and Bug Remover
Product Highlights
The Thetford Premium RV Black Streak works on all vehicles. It is specially made for RVs, boats, trucks, vans, motorcycles, cars, ATVs, etc. It quickly removes stains on various surfaces like fiberglass, gel coat, painted, and metal surfaces. This powerful cleaner breaks down black streaks upon contact and any other stains on your RV’s exterior. The Thetford Premium RV Black Streak also has an easy spray-and-wipe formula which means you don’t need to rinse your vehicle after.
The Good
The Thetford Premium RV Black Streak is a quick solution for stubborn streaks. It has a fast-action formula that requires less effort when used. Since it dissolves streaks immediately, you’ll only need mild rubbing to eradicate stains. You just have to spray an ample amount to any surface, and this product will do its magic. One thing about this product that I like most is its gentle formula. It will retain the natural finish and gloss for your RV. It leaves your existing wax coat intact even after use.
The Bad
The drawback of this black streak cleaner is it isn’t as powerful as compared to the other black streak brands. You might need to use a scouring pad to fully maximize the power of this cleaner.
PROs
- Fast-action
- Dissolves streaks immediately
- Gentle formula
CONs
- Not as powerful as other brands
- Need the help of a scouring pad
Preventing Black Streaks on Your RV
Typically, a good and consistent cleaning routine will help avoid the appearance of black streaks. However, you may not have the time to do it almost every day. So here are a few ways to prevent black streaks on your RV:
Plastic gutters– one of the fail-proof way to avoid black streaks is to stop them from coming down the sides of your RV. The way to do it is to use plastic gutters. These are affordable and easy to install. You won’t need to deal with black streaks anymore. Plus, the fact that it’s easier to clean and maintain.
Covers– covers are also a great way to prevent streaks. However, with large RVs, covers can be challenging to put and costly. So you might opt for other alternative measures instead.
Garage– one of the most practical ways to avoid streaks is putting your RV inside a garage. That will limit exposure to moisture and dew. Especially during off-seasons, it’s ideal for keeping your RV away from environmental factors to prevent dirt build-up.
Maintaining a Black-Streak Free RV
Now that you have cleaned and scrubbed all the black streaks away from your RV, it’s time to plan maintenance routines to limit, if not avoid, black streaks from happening to your RV again.
- One thing you can do is cleaning your RV roof as often as you can. Streaks are dirt build-up, so sweeping and getting rid of dirt and dust on your roof will help inhibit accumulation.
- You can also consider putting a waxing coat that leaves a dry-waxed finish. In this way, dirt won’t stick easily to the surface of your RV roof. Waxing creates a protective barrier and protection for your RV.
- Keep a black streak removal cleaner handy. As mentioned earlier, being consistent with our cleaning routine can sometimes be impossible. So it would be best to keep handy a bottle or two of your favorite black streak removal cleanser. In this way, you can clear them off right away when they start to become noticeable. You may refer to the list above on the best cleaner for black streaks on RV. Choose the one that will work best for you.
Final Thoughts
Black streaks are one of the prevalent concerns of RV owners. It’s usual, especially when you go on a trip often. However, there are preventive measures you can follow to avoid such a thing from happening. Just a consistent cleaning schedule is actually enough to prevent black streaks on your RV.
However, we may not have the time to check our RVs regularly. That’s why having a reliable cleaner is a crucial aspect to consider. There are many cleaners available everywhere. Most of them give a superb performance, while a few may not. Try to always check the products before purchasing them. That’s the only way you can get the quality you deserve. We hope the list above helped you find the best cleaner for black streaks on RV. Good luck! Get more tips on RV care