Do you want to keep your camper in shape? Cleaning it regularly is the best way of keeping it clean and fresh. The problem is that some circumstances are out of our control. The chances are that you have already encountered black streaks if you have been using your camper for some time. Every camper owner will experience black streak issues at one point.
Black streaks occur on the front, back, and side of campers. You are likely to have difficulties removing black streaks if you do not know where to start. Discover easy and safe steps for removing black streaks off your camper.
Black streaks from air pollution, dust, plant particles, and microscopic road debris form on a camper where air turbulence collect enough material for it to be seen. It can be removed with water, mild detergent, and biodegradable streak removers.
Why your camper has black streaks
Like all other surfaces and cars, your camper is susceptible to black streaks. New campers with smooth and semi-smooth surfaces are more susceptible to black streaks than old campers. Black streaks usually occur due to negligence.
Your camper is likely to have black streaks if you are in a moist environment. Campers in areas with evening dew are also likely to have black streaks. The same goes for campers in areas with high pollution.
You are only safe from black streaks if you live in an area with a dry climate and little or no air pollution or dust. However, your camper will still have black streaks if neglected.
How do campers get black streaks?
Black streaks are a product of negligence, time, surface contaminants, and moisture. The sad news is that you can do nothing to stop these naturally occurring particles. Particles like water, dust, plant spores, plant pollen, and dirt occur naturally.
These particles will combine and settle on a horizontal surface during the day. Moisture usually settles on the surface when the sun goes down. It collects on the film of dust in the form of dew. When this mixture becomes heavy, it starts to slide down. Part of the mixture remains on the camper. At this point, calcium, lime, and other minerals are also deposited on the surface.
The mixture evaporates when the sun comes up in the morning to end the process. Black streaks form on your camper when this happens. This process continues every evening to form a layer of resistant black streaks.
You can keep black streaks in place by washing your camper frequently. However, black streaks will form more quickly and difficult to remove if you leave your expose your camper to the elements.
When to expect black streaks?
As noted earlier, black streaks are a result of time and neglect. You will be better placed to combat black streaks when you know when to expect them. Black streaks begin to form in the evening. The process continues as long as moisture and dust are available. This means that black streaks become more prevalent when there are too much moisture and dust.
You will start to notice the black streaks within three weeks if moisture and dust are present. The process continues every evening. The black streaks will get a better hold on your camper if you leave it exposed to the elements for long.
Why do black streaks form?
Black streaks are the result of negligence over time. You are likely to become a victim of black streaks if you allow too much time to pass between washes. You only need simple products and patience to deal with black streaks. Avoid procrastination to keep your camper free from black streaks.
Why you should deal with black streaks quickly
Letting black streaks sit for too long without doing something is not a good idea. You need to clean them as soon as possible before they become permanent. The problem is that removing old black streaks is difficult than typical stains and debris. You will end up scrubbing for many hours even when you use the most powerful cleaning products.
The best way of dealing with black streaks is by using specialized black streak removers. Learn how to find the best black streak remover for your camper:
- It is advisable to go for biodegradable options
- Look for a remover that is compatible with pressure washing
- Go for a multi-purpose black streak remover if you live in a tight space
- Avoid strong scents if you are not comfortable with them
- Think about the budget
How to prevent black streaks from forming on your camper?
Now that you know how black streaks form, let us look at what you can do to combat black streaks. Below:
- Prevention is better than cure. The best thing to do is to catch black streaks before they become a major issue. You can add simple plastic gutters on the top of your camper. However, you still need to clean your camper routinely
- You can combat black streaks before they get a handle on your camper by using a cover. Although the initial cost of buying a cover might discourage you, the reality is that you will be saving more. You do not have to wash your camper routinely when you use a cover
- A garage will do it for you if you do not want to use a cover. It will provide a safe spot for your camper far from the moisture and the dust. However, this is not the ideal choice for you if you do not have space
- Cleaning your camper routinely will help. It is advisable to clean it a few times a month to keep black streaks away. You can also add a layer of wax to keep black streaks away.
How to remove black streaks
The best way of dealing with black streaks is by using biodegradable removers. Specialized black streak removers are very powerful and will get the job done. All you have to do when using one is to follow the instructions. Spray the remover on a towel and scrub the affected part. Re-wax your camper to keep it fresh. You might also have to treat the oxidized parts using oxidation products.
Keep in mind that routine maintenance and cleaning is the best way of dealing with black streaks on your camper.
If you want to look more into how to keep everything tidy and secure your stuff inside the camper, you should take a look at my article about that here…
