HymerVan Posted August 17, 2010 Share Posted August 17, 2010 Finally got down to thoroughly cleaning my 2006 Hymer Van 522 last weekend. There is a build up of green algae deposited in cracks and crevices especially along mastic seals. Didn't want to be agressive with brushing or using cleaners/solvents lest I dislodge seals. Any advice ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JENIAN Posted August 17, 2010 Share Posted August 17, 2010 All you need here:- http://www.fenwicks.info/ Kind regards, Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
747 Posted August 17, 2010 Share Posted August 17, 2010 White vinegar diluted with an equal amount of water. Wear gloves, rub in with a cloth, leave for a few minutes and then wash off with plenty of water. Job done. White Vinegar --- It does what it says on the tin. :D Also useful for another 101 things, google it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KeithR Posted August 17, 2010 Share Posted August 17, 2010 is vinegar any good for black streaks, mine wont go aey any more????? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
747 Posted August 17, 2010 Share Posted August 17, 2010 Vinegar is no good for black streaks as far as I am aware. I use Mr Muscle household cleaner. Spray it on, leave it for a few seconds, wipe off with a damp cloth then hose the area down with water. You probably do not need the hose but I do not trust any chemical solution that I do not understand. :-S Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KeithR Posted August 17, 2010 Share Posted August 17, 2010 ive got some so i'll try it. also the vinegar on the algae where the window enters the door. ta Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Syd Posted August 17, 2010 Share Posted August 17, 2010 JENIAN - 2010-08-17 4:37 PM All you need here:- http://www.fenwicks.info/ Kind regards, Ian Believe me this is all that you will need for EVERYTHING I speak from experience as a lazy tugger who washes his caravan only once a year, usually Dirt wont stick afterwards, black streaks just melt away, excellent products. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tracker Posted August 18, 2010 Share Posted August 18, 2010 I use Flash liquid, or Lidl cheaper W7 version, in warm water and an old toothbrush to clean the algae out of joints and seals using enough force to get it off but not so much as to risk damage. Cheap and effective it also works well on the roof area prior to a good polishing to restore the original shine. To my knowledge nothing prevents the algae returning? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ralph Posted August 18, 2010 Share Posted August 18, 2010 KeithR - 2010-08-17 8:52 PM is vinegar any good for black streaks, mine wont go aey any more????? Fenwicks black streak remover (see link from Jenian) Actually it's just their motorhome cleaner diluted 10:1 and in a spray bottle so you might like to consider just buying that. It really works although my own van isn't a very good advert for it as I haven't cleaned it in ages :-S Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ralph Posted August 18, 2010 Share Posted August 18, 2010 Tracker - 2010-08-18 7:06 AM Cheap and effective it also works well on the roof area prior to a good polishing to restore the original shine. What polish do you use? Mine needs doing but I'm never sure which kind is best. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
747 Posted August 18, 2010 Share Posted August 18, 2010 Hi Tracker, I believe that white vinegar removes all algae and it is a long time before it returns. By scrubbing with other things, you get a better cosmetic look but the algae (spores, is it?) are still there. They reckon if you keep your roof clean, you get less black streaks. I hope that is true because it is a pain to do. I will not be offended if anyone volunteers to come and clean mine on a regular basis. There is a cup of tea in it for you. :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lennyhb Posted August 18, 2010 Share Posted August 18, 2010 The algae always appears to grow on the side of the van in the shade so to keep it at bay turn the van around occasionally so both sides get a dose of the sun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia Posted August 18, 2010 Share Posted August 18, 2010 I spent hours yesterday trying to clean my van. Unfortunately I cannot get anywhere near the roof so it will all be in vain when it rains again. Oh to be 6' tall (instead of 5') and to have a roof ladder! Used Fenwicks as previously recemmended with a small nail brush to get in the cracks. Should have added that there was lots of algae on mine (and still is on the roof!). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigal Posted August 18, 2010 Share Posted August 18, 2010 Hi Patricia, I clean and polish my van once every year with MER liquid polish, it removes algae and black streaks, no problem, and the van looks new throughout the year with just the occasional wash, again using Mer as a shampoo. It can be applied when the van is wet or dry and then dries to a white powder which is easily wiped off with a clean cloth leaving a shiny polished surface. I climb onto the van roof using a house ladder and clean the roof on my hands and knees which is not a good idea at my age, but it does the trick. Hope this helps, (lol) B-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ips Posted August 19, 2010 Share Posted August 19, 2010 I concurr with others ... fenwicks. Dont be a tight wad and use vinegar, thats for putting on your chips. Spend a couple of quid more and buy the right stuff for the job. Your van will be clean and it wont smell like a chippy ...... :-D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
747 Posted August 19, 2010 Share Posted August 19, 2010 ips - 2010-08-19 10:07 AM I concurr with others ... fenwicks. Dont be a tight wad and use vinegar, thats for putting on your chips. Spend a couple of quid more and buy the right stuff for the job. Your van will be clean and it wont smell like a chippy ...... :-D It is not about being a tight wad (although I can be canny when it comes to spending money :$ ) The vinegar trick means it is extremely quick and easy to do. Only took me a few minutes. That was early on this year and no sign of the 'Triffids' returning. :D As they say, work smart means work easy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia Posted August 19, 2010 Share Posted August 19, 2010 Thank you for those tips bigal. I had heard that MER was good and in fact bought some of their polish for the front bumper. However, take care using the ladder - my late husband did that, it slipped and he hurt himself badly. I don't think I will try that at my age despite the fact that I used to rock climb in my youth! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KeithR Posted August 19, 2010 Share Posted August 19, 2010 normally use fenwicks but the black streaks seem to be building up a tolerance!! i think the flies have been in the gym, too *-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigal Posted August 22, 2010 Share Posted August 22, 2010 KeithR - 2010-08-19 5:20 PM normally use fenwicks but the black streaks seem to be building up a tolerance!! i think the flies have been in the gym, too *-)Hi KeithR, Try MER, it works a treat, Black marks just rub off a dry van with a soft cloth once the polish has built up. MER is also available as a shampoo. See previous post! B-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mel64 Posted August 22, 2010 Share Posted August 22, 2010 One small point does Mer have silicon in it, I have been told this makes fibre glass go soft over time. I stand to be corrected over this statement, it would be nice to know if it is correct or not. Yes I use it because of nice shine and easy to use. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HymerVan Posted August 24, 2010 Author Share Posted August 24, 2010 Thanks for helpful contributions. I am already a fan of Fenwicks and will persevere with that. I need to get a brush that will go into nooks and crannies ! B-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PJay Posted August 24, 2010 Share Posted August 24, 2010 We used MER on our boat, and found that the sun turned in yellowy, so be carefull. The boat was white, and most MH are not quiet as white so maybe OK. PJay Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigal Posted August 24, 2010 Share Posted August 24, 2010 PJay - 2010-08-24 1:20 PM We used MER on our boat, and found that the sun turned in yellowy, so be carefull. The boat was white, and most MH are not quiet as white so maybe OK. PJayHi PJay, are you sure it was the sun and not the salt water? I've been using MER for a long time now without problems. ;-) B-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alf Posted August 24, 2010 Share Posted August 24, 2010 mel64 - 2010-08-22 6:39 PM One small point does Mer have silicon in it, I have been told this makes fibre glass go soft over time. I stand to be corrected over this statement, it would be nice to know if it is correct or not. Yes I use it because of nice shine and easy to use. I was told this years ago I contacted MER and was told it is quite OK for fibreglass and will not damage it in any way. I should still have the email somewhere Alf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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