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Old 04-19-2015, 06:21 PM   #1
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Cleaning secret

Upon return from Tennessee washed BlackJack thoroughly. Found that using the Mr. Clean white magic eraser worked wonders on the tough bugs, hard to get dirt in the belly band and removing gunk that washing would not, It also cleans up the dirty silicone around the windows and doors and hatches. Just saying...
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Old 04-19-2015, 07:38 PM   #2
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It's good to know that it works; I'm surprised that it works on relatively soft sealant. Just keep in mind that these are abrasive cleaning pads; they are made of melamine foam.
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Old 04-19-2015, 07:44 PM   #3
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I just spent hours washing Ten Forward. Poor trailer hasn't been washed since October and (currently) sits outside. I've always washed my rigs with Turtle brand wash and wax. It came through once again. A soft toothbrush, dipping it in the container and some scrubbing got rid of all the black streaks, etc. Now my fingernails, that's another story... they're green. . OMG my arms ache. I'm just glad the trailer isn't any bigger. Sure does look nice though! Sparkling and ready for Spring NOG!
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Old 04-19-2015, 08:36 PM   #4
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Hmm. We just got back from the Oregon Coast today (gorgeous weather in the 80s' in APRIL!) and the front is covered with bugs. I doubt we could wash it before the NOG... besides we figure it's going to be covered with bugs by the time we get to the campground anyway. I wonder what kind of light cleaning is practical to do at the campsite??
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Old 04-19-2015, 08:40 PM   #5
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Echo, don't worry about it. The NOGs are more about the people, truly. But, Ten Forward was green and black and red. I couldn't stand it. I don't like my stuff dirty. A few bugs and little grit, no one is going to notice or say a thing. Besides some smashed bugs shows you've been out enjoying your Escape and that's totally cool!
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Old 04-19-2015, 09:02 PM   #6
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I usually don't mind a dirty vehicle. Just that fiberglass look so good when it is clean!

Oh well. I will pack a couple of Mr. Clean just in case.
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Old 04-19-2015, 09:18 PM   #7
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Totally Awesome. From the dollar store. Sprayed it in full strength. Let it sit for 30 seconds. Most stuff came right off.
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Old 04-19-2015, 09:41 PM   #8
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I love Totally Awesome. Use it in my sticks 'n bricks home. Especially in the shower. Just be aware, it removes wax along with all the grung.
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Old 04-19-2015, 11:22 PM   #9
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Originally Posted by akoaoka View Post
I wonder what kind of light cleaning is practical to do at the campsite??
Driving the midwest last fall the front of the trailer was covered with grasshoppers every day. Picked up a windshield squeegee once we arrived in SD, the scrubby end worked pretty well but still took a lot of arm work. Scrubbed them off at the campground each evening standing on the back of the truck bed. Wasn't really "light" cleaning, but it was a small enough job that you were allowed to do it in your site. I had given the trailer and truck front a double coat of StarBrite before we left, and another after we got home. I hadn't thought of the Jack antenna, escape hatch, and the front awning arm.
FWIW, I used Mcguiar's Carnauba wax on half the truck and Starbright Marine w/PTEF on the other half, split down the middle of the hood. The Starbrite held up a good deal better.
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Old 04-20-2015, 05:28 AM   #10
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On our trip home from Chilliwack last year, I just used a wet towel and bucket of water to clean the front of the trailer when at campgrounds. That was my job in the AM while my wife prepared the inside to get ready to travel. If I had time to kill, then some more Starbright Marine. Beats telling the wife to hurry up!
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Old 04-20-2015, 08:35 AM   #11
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On our trip home from Chilliwack last year, I just used a wet towel and bucket of water to clean the front of the trailer when at campgrounds. That was my job in the AM while my wife prepared the inside to get ready to travel. If I had time to kill, then some more Starbright Marine. Beats telling the wife to hurry up!
I also get to clean the bugs off the Escape while DW makes final preparations for departure in the mornings. Seems to work out well.
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Old 04-20-2015, 09:56 AM   #12
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Lazy man's solution...
Attached Thumbnails
washing3.jpg  
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Old 04-20-2015, 01:08 PM   #13
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The protein in bug bodies can be dissolved by spraying on Hydrogen Peroxide. The remaining residue is easily washed off with a wet microfibre cloth.
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Old 04-20-2015, 01:17 PM   #14
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The protein in bug bodies can be dissolved by spraying on Hydrogen Peroxide. The remaining residue is easily washed off with a wet microfibre cloth.
This is fascinating! Can't believe we haven't heard this before. Thanks for the tip.

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Old 04-20-2015, 05:35 PM   #15
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Hi: All... We now have two springs worth of sticky yellow pollen...(Fla & Tenn) to wash off and another one coming soon at home. This is not to mention the green algae from two weeks of rain on the belly band and Oh...the tree bud stains.
We had a blast at Eggscursion again. More and more Escape's popping up there!!! Alf
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Old 04-20-2015, 05:36 PM   #16
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The protein in bug bodies can be dissolved by spraying on Hydrogen Peroxide. The remaining residue is easily washed off with a wet microfibre cloth.
Thanks for this great tip--we'll put it to good use.
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Old 04-20-2015, 07:33 PM   #17
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The protein in bug bodies can be dissolved by spraying on Hydrogen Peroxide. The remaining residue is easily washed off with a wet microfibre cloth.
Any suggestions/thoughts on good product (Turtle Wax?) that is OK for fiberglass surface for a monthly or "back from trip" cleaning, short of full polish with Star Brite? Have found that rag and water took off the minor black streaks under windows.
Thanks for any advice.
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Old 04-20-2015, 07:42 PM   #18
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Bug 'n' Tar will take care of the black streaks and insects.
I use Simonize Wash 'n' Wax for the rest.
I have plans to utilize my daughter's fiance for a proper wax and buff.
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Old 04-20-2015, 07:49 PM   #19
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Hi gbaglo -
Thanks for quick reply. Good suggestions.
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Old 04-20-2015, 07:55 PM   #20
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These all look like great solutions. Has anyone used them on their trailer or just on each other in the shower house?
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