Many an RVer has cursed the black streaks that accumulate on the sides of their rigs. But there are several ways to deal with them, and the best way is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. In this post, we look at the oh-so-handy product (the RV black streak remover) and how to deal with those stubborn black streaks that you may have now. More importantly, we’ll show you how you can keep those black streaks from forming, so you won’t have to deal with them again in the future.
Let’s get right to it!
- 1) What Causes RV Black Streaks?
- 2) How Can I Prevent RV Black Streaks?
- 3) What’s the First Thing To Try To Remove RV Black Streaks?
- 4) What If Washing Isn’t Enough? What RV Black Streak Remover Should I Use?
- 5) Dealing With Stubborn, Baked-On Black Streaks
- 6) No One Likes Dealing With RV Black Streaks!
What Causes RV Black Streaks?
RV black streaks have a few different causes, but they’re generally caused by water, (especially hard water). Runoff from rain and air conditioning units tends to drip down the sides of the RV. Once the water dries, what’s left behind are the dirt and various minerals & pollutants that were in the water (especially what it picked up as it ran across the roof of your RV). That dirt and debris are the basis of those black streaks that stain the sides of your rig.
If black streaks remain on the surface of your RV for a long period of time, they literally bake in and can actually become oxidized into the surface, so that even when you remove them, an outline of those streaks remains… like a faint shadow.
We’ve often heard it said that older RVs will inevitably have black streaks like these on the paint surface. We couldn’t disagree more, and our 18-year-old rig was proof! Prevention is key!
How Can I Prevent RV Black Streaks?
Generally, RV black streaks build up and cause staining if your RV isn’t washed frequently, and/or if it sits outside without protection for lengthy periods of time. We’ve read that RV black streaks are inevitable on older RVs, but we couldn’t disagree more. When we sold it, our motorhome was more than 18 years old, and there wasn’t a streak to be found on our rig. We were full-timers, so our RV had only rarely been in storage in our 18+ years of ownership. But, that also means that it spent 24/7/365 (or thereabouts) outside in the elements.
We never had to deal with black streaks because we didn’t allow them to accumulate. Here’s what we did to prevent RV black streaks:
Wash and Wax Your RV Regularly
We washed our motorhome (and we wash our current rig) regularly. That’s probably the most important preventative, in fact. Give your RV a thorough wax job about once a year, but also make it a point to KEEP your RV as clean as possible throughout the rest of the year. We have a few tools that we use toward this end, and we’ll share them with you here… so keep reading.
First, you can check out our post on the 5 best RV wash and wax products, and you can also check out our annual RV maintenance and spring cleaning video for additional details:
After washing, we use a water blade to squeegee the water off the surface of the rig, thus minimizing the chance that streaks could form. This is ESPECIALLY helpful when you’re washing your RV in an area with hard water, as the more you leave behind, the more hard water spots will form… which can lead to more pronounced black streaks forming.
- Patented T-Bar edge removes over 90% of standing water
- Included Pole Adapter gives extended reach
We also dry the surface using a soft drying chamois cloth.
- ABSORBENT. Spend less time drying and more time enjoying life
- SOFT & SAFE. Easy on your hands and easy on your car
With more than 20 years of experience washing and waxing an RV under our belts, our favorite wash and wax products are these from Meguiar’s. We used them exclusively for the cleaning of our motorhome, and we still use them for our truck and travel trailer.
- Washes and conditions in one step
- Rich, luxurious suds
- IMPROVED FORMULA: Experience the ultimate in automotive wax with Meguiar's Ultimate Liquid Wax. Our formula takes car care to the next level,...
- EASY TO USE WAX: Applying our liquid wax is a breeze, thanks to its easy spread-on and wipe-off application. Anyone can achieve professional results...
Keep Your RV Roof Clean
You may have seen our post offering the complete guide to your RV roof, where we discussed the different types of RV roofing and how to best care for each type ( including keeping them clean). Among the benefits of keeping your RV roof clean is that it helps to prevent black streaks. This is because dirt, debris, and minerals accumulate on the large, mostly flat surface of the roof… and then wash down the sides of your RV when it rains. As that water dries/evaporates, the dirt, debris, and minerals that it picked up on the roof are left behind to stain the sides of your rig.
So, keeping your RV roof clean helps substantially to prevent the formation of black streaks.
Keeping your RV’s roof clean is one of the keys to keeping black streaks from forming on the sides of your rig.
Store or Cover Your RV During Long Periods of No Use
Unless you store your rig indoors, it’s a good idea to cover it during periods when it isn’t being used (which for many includes the winter months). Now, we’ll admit that there are pros and cons to RV covers, but buying the proper type of RV cover can be very helpful toward the preservation of your rig’s paint and appearance.
If you’re researching the possibility of covering your RV, our post on RV covers may be helpful.
What’s the First Thing To Try To Remove RV Black Streaks?
As we mentioned, the best defense against black streaks on your RV is to mount a good offense and regularly clean it. However, if you’ve already got some stubborn stains to deal with or if you’ve purchased an older RV with black streaks you’d like to remove, we’ve got a couple of suggestions.
Before using any type of specialized streak cleaner, we’d suggest trying to remove the streaks with a product like the Meguiar’s Gold Class Car Wash linked above. Use a soft fiber car wash brush on an extension pole so you don’t have to climb up a ladder to reach them. We use these:
- RUBBER BUMPER: Prevents damage or dings to surface
- SAFE ON ALL SURFACES: Pole/Rod not included
- Fluted fiberglass handle for a comfortable grip in any climate.
- Medium duty pole with 1-1/16-Inch diameter composite fiberglass handle.
Power Pressure Washer
One of the tools we’ve found helpful in keeping our RVs looking new over the years is an electric power pressure washer. This allows us to use a higher-pressure wash on the rig’s surface as well as the roof, engine, and generator bays, all while also saving water!
- The Karcher Promise: Cleaner. Quicker. Best-in-class cleaning performance.
- Bonus $30 DirtBlaster Spray Wand Boosts Cleaning Power by up to 80%
PRO TIP: Be VERY careful when using a pressure washer on your RV. Getting the spray nozzle too close to a soft surface (EPDM/TPO roof membrane, Dicor/caulk seals, slide toppers, or awning fabric) COULD damage them. Keep the pressure washer’s wand far enough back that you don’t risk it hurting any of these surfaces.
Professional Wash Stations
We’re boondockers at heart, and we spend lots of time in areas of the desert or forest where dust and dirt can easily accumulate on our rig. It goes with the territory, and simply means that we need to get to the business of washing the RV when possible.
For the first 12 years of our RV ownership, we washed our rig ourselves… exclusively. But several years ago, after hearing lots of fellow RVers raving about professional truck washes, we decided to try one out for ourselves. And wow – did we love that pampering! For about $40 (at the time & location we used… pricing varies), we were able to get our rig professionally washed & dried, and it was well worth the cost.
Here’s our video showing you exactly how it happened – and why we found it worthwhile.
Of course, a place like a truck wash isn’t going to be able to do anything to remove existing black streaks from your RV’s finish. But knowing that a quick, easy, and relatively inexpensive wash is available may help you to keep those streaks from forming in the first place!
PRO TIP: Our (former) 2005 Newmar was built before some of the newer, deep-gloss finishes started being used on RVs. As such, it was more resistant to light scratches/hazing that can occur with brushes that are commonly used at truck washes. Coaches from about 2008 and newer often have a softer clearcoat finish (that provides a deeper, richer shine) that MAY be more prone to scratching if not washed gently… so be aware and check your owners manual for details!
What If Washing Isn’t Enough? What RV Black Streak Remover Should I Use?
If you’ve tried to remove your rig’s black streaks by washing and scrubbing, and the stains persist, you may have no choice but to resort to a dedicated product designed to remove RV black streaks.
Reliable 1 Super Spray All-Purpose Cleaner
Since we don’t allow black streaks to form on our RVs, we don’t have personal experience with this product. But Reliable 1 gets very good reviews from RVers who’ve had to deal with the plague of the dreaded black streaks. It’s safe, non-toxic, and biodegradable, so it won’t cause harm to your RV’s finish or decals!
Dealing With Stubborn, Baked-On Black Streaks
If, after all of the above, your RV is STILL left with hints of black streaks showing, you may need to step things up a bit. If the streaks were left on the finish for an extended period (and/or if your RV was left out in the sun for a long time) they may be baked into the surface as oxidation. While the steps/products above may have helped minimize them, they won’t address the oxidation that has occurred.
Instead, you’ll need to use a product that’s able to remove oxidation from fiberglass gelcoat or clear coat paint finishes. Because most of those products are abrasive and, if not used correctly, can leave scratches/swirls in your RV’s finish, we recommend Meguiar’s Ultimate Compound:
- REMOVE LIGHT PAINT DEFECTS: This car paint restorer effectively removes oxidation, scratches, water spots, and blemishes without scratching, using...
- BEST SCRATCH AND SWIRL REMOVER: Meguiar's Ultimate Compound quickly restores surface clarity, using modern innovations in micro-abrasives to cut as...
It’s exceptionally suited to removing RV black streaks WITHOUT causing scratches/swirls. Once removed, just be sure to thoroughly wax the treated area to protect the finish (the Ultimate Compound will have removed any/all protective finishes that were on the surface). We really like Meguiar’s Ultimate Liquid wax (available on Amazon), because it goes on easy (use only a very thin coating)… and comes off the same way! No hard scrubbing required, and the finish lasts a LONG time.
No One Likes Dealing With RV Black Streaks!
While they are annoying (and all-too-common), black streaks on your RV can be dealt with fairly easily. And, with some more regular washing, can even be prevented. We hope the tips and products we’ve outlined above help you to achieve your perfect “RV black streak-free” nirvana!
Free RVing Tips, Tricks, Reviews & Giveaways
As 20-year full-timers, we share everything we’ve learned about RVing over the years. Join our online community to receive a wealth of great RVing knowledge delivered daily to your inbox.
Whether you’re a new RVer or a seasoned full-timer, you’ll love the wide range of RVing topics we cover. Don’t miss a single article or any of our famous Giveaways. Subscribe to our newsletter today!
George
Thursday 9th of May 2024
I'll second the opinion of TJL - Magic Eraser! We've used those cleaning the seats of our pontoon boat and they, work like magic. And don't buy the knock-off cheaper versions from dollar tree or similar stores. They do NOT work the same magic. I haven't tried them on black streaks because at the first sign of a streak, I wash the rig and they come off with normal washing. But having used Magic Erasers for several years on a variety of surfaces, I can't imagine they wouldn't work well.
Ann H.
Thursday 9th of May 2024
After having read about your recommended product for washing and waxing an RV, I am wondering if it is safe or necessary to use a wax product on mine. I own a Little Guy Micro and the exterior sides are Adzel.
TheRVgeeks
Thursday 9th of May 2024
Hi Ann! It can be confusing when manufacturers reference the use of Azdel in their marketing materials (for its advantages against other materials) without making it clear what the actual outer layer of the RV is. Looking in the owner’s manual from Little Guy, it appears the exterior of your Micro is most likely a gel-coated fiberglass, so waxing it is appropriate. Here’s the Tex from Little Guy:
WAXING: As the gel coat begins to lose its gloss from constant exposure to the natural environment and pollutants, it will require some special attention to restore the original gloss and color. After washing with mild soaps and detergents, a good polishing with a self- cleaning automotive wax will restore most of the original gloss. A fall and spring wax job is generally all that is needed to maintain the original appearance. If the surface has been allowed to weather badly, and cleaning and wax polishing does not restore the finish satisfactorily, then compounding will be necessary.
But if you want to be 100% sure, your best bet is to call the manufacturer and confirm.
Sara B
Sunday 15th of May 2022
I’ve been wanting to try a truck wash, especially since our class c doesn’t have a ladder to easily get on the roof, but I’ve heard some negatives. Is there a particular truck wash brand you would recommend?
TheRVgeeks
Monday 16th of May 2022
Hi Sara. Truck washes can be a love 'em or leave 'em scenario... and, unfortunately, it can vary a lot by location (and the staff on duty). We've had good luck with Blue Beacon... but we also stay outside (and visible) while they're washing to keep an eye on things, remind them NOT to use the pressure washer too close, etc. But, as with ANY service-oriented business like this, so much of it depends on WHO is doing the work. Everyone has a bad day every now and again.
TJL
Monday 9th of May 2022
Two words for black streaks: Magic Eraser
TheRVgeeks
Tuesday 10th of May 2022
Good suggestion, TJL! Though we'd caution that it's advisable to TEST first on an inconspicuous location to ensure they don't scratch and/or leave swirl marks on full-body paint. For white gelcoat/fiberglass, we'd bet they do a great job!
Jim Poland
Monday 9th of May 2022
What are your thoughts re the use of waterless products for cleaning your RV, such as Wash Wax All? As I understand it, if your rig is excessively dirty or you've been near the ocean, you should at least rinse of the dirt/salt with water before using the waterless product for final cleaning and waxing. Thanks as always.
TheRVgeeks
Tuesday 10th of May 2022
Hi Jim... we tend to rely primarily on normal car wash soap and do a full-on washing to get our rig cleaned. But, yes, the waterless wash-and-wax products are convenient (especially for upkeep between major washings). Just like you said, be careful to ensure you're not using them on a rig that's TOO dirty/salty, as that could lead to scratching. If we were in that situation, we'd definitely want to rinse off the worst of it before using a waterless product.