Ask Dave: What can I clean my RV ceiling with?

Dear Dave,
I looked up, really looked up, and ack! We’re getting ready to get back on the road. What do you recommend to clean RV ceilings? Blessings, Donna

Dear Donna,
I assume you are referring to the interior ceiling of your RV. The best product depends on what type of material you have. Some of the cheaper units just have paneling which would have a vinyl covering, while others would have either a soft padded vinyl or a fuzzy cloth material.

It also depends on what type of stains there are on the material. I have seen several issues such as water stains from a moisture leak, dust and dirt that has penetrated while driving and traveled up the sidewall and to the ceiling, and grease from cooking!

Vinyl paneling

Vinyl paneling is the easiest to clean, in my opinion, as the vinyl is typically not porous and dirt and stains usually wipe right off. For this type of material I would use my “go to” cleaner, Dawn Dish Soap (Blue) mixed with water. You can also use just about any mild household cleaner such as Pine-Sol, 409, or even Windex. Just make sure you do not use anything that has bleach or alcohol, which could deteriorate the vinyl or remove any print pattern.

Padded vinyl

This material is popular with RV manufacturers as it is easy to install, looks like plush material, and is a great sound insulator. There are two different types: a solid vinyl with the black foam padding, and one that has small holes in the vinyl. That still baffles me as to the benefit of this type of material.

Both materials can be cleaned with common household cleaners like the vinyl-covered paneling. However, the material with the holes might collect the cleaning solvent and “weep” some liquid back out.

Cloth material

We called this “hair cell” material or fabric. It is a great insulator and sound-deadening fabric; however, it does collect dust, stains from cooking, and stains from moisture. It can be cleaned with a light dusting of a cloth or even a shop vacuum. I have also used a rental vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment and the spot cleaner product. When I was at Winnebago we used Watkins cleaner to get almost any water stain or mildew removed.

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Dave Solberg is a leading expert in the RV industry and the author of the “RV Handbook.”

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