Is waterless caravan cleaning any good?

brissle
brissle Forum Participant Posts: 46
edited July 2021 in Parts & Accessories #1

Hi everyone,

I've seen advertisements for so-called "waterless cleaning" products for the caravan in recent Club magazines.

Has anyone had experience with this product?

I'm worried about grit or dust being wiped across the paintwork or windows and causing scratches.

Yet the Club appears to promote this product by offering a discount through Member Offers in the shop.

I often want to remove road dirt after towing to the site and also the streaks that appear below windows after rain.

But I believe we are not supposed to wash a van with water on the pitch......

I would be interested in any thoughts.

 

Comments

  • Cornersteady
    Cornersteady Club Member Posts: 14,426 ✭✭✭
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    edited July 2021 #2

    It does work more or less but it takes so long to do a whole caravan but it's Ok for smaller patches.

    You can use just plain water to wash down any road dirt and I found that quicker and easier.

  • Unknown
    Unknown Forum Participant
    edited July 2021 #3
    The user and all related content has been Deleted User
  • brissle
    brissle Forum Participant Posts: 46
    edited July 2021 #4

    Thanks - but are we allowed to use water to wash / rinse whilst on the pitch?

  • JVB66
    JVB66 Forum Participant Posts: 22,892
    1000 Comments
    edited July 2021 #5

    There is nothing to stop you using just water to rinse of your LV when on a pitch but the use of chemicals is a no ,no wink

  • brissle
    brissle Forum Participant Posts: 46
    edited July 2021 #6

    Ah, OK, thanks for that info.

    I was once asked by a warden not to wash my van on the pitch - but that was a few years ago.  And I was only using a bucket of water.  Rules must have changed.

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,138 ✭✭✭
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    edited July 2021 #7

    It's my understanding that only windows and lights can be washed on site.

    Perhaps contact the club direct for definitive up to date information?

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,138 ✭✭✭
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    edited July 2021 #8

    Here you go, Brissle, an extract from the site rules -

    8. Waste water

    a. Please collect your waste water in a suitable container and empty it at the disposal point provided. Please don’t allow it to overflow.

    b. Please do not carry out a full scale washdown of your outfit on site, unless there is a specific wash down area.  However, we do permit day to day mirror/screen/lights cleaning with a bucket, sponge and very light detergent i.e. to make road safe, providing the water from the bucket does not get thrown over the outfit onto the pitch. Full scale washdowns on the pitch can cause damage to other outfits, drainage issues and pitch damage

  • JVB66
    JVB66 Forum Participant Posts: 22,892
    1000 Comments
    edited July 2021 #9

    I would think he thought you were using detergent, as I have been approached as you, but when advised the site staff I was only using water he was OK with it

  • Graydjames
    Graydjames Forum Participant Posts: 440 ✭✭✭
    edited July 2021 #10

    I remember other threads on the question of washing the van on site. I have done some modest brushing down of my van on site, if very dirty, using water and a little washing up liquid. Not really a full wash. I had just quoted the rule but I see someone else beat me to it so removed.

    I have used the dry wash products, but only for parts of the van. It works well. I currently use Turtlewax Waterless wash.  

  • brissle
    brissle Forum Participant Posts: 46
    edited July 2021 #11

    all good stuff - thanks everyone.

    I think we've exhausted this subject now...!!

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,138 ✭✭✭
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    edited July 2021 #12

    Don’t be so sure 🤣🤣🤣🤣

  • BlueVanMan
    BlueVanMan Forum Participant Posts: 382
    100 Comments
    edited July 2021 #13

    I note the limitations in terms of club rules which seem sensible. I suspect that caravans and motorhomes may need some washing of windows on site to facilitate a view to the rear (whether to the rear via a rear view mirror or to the front through the windscreen of the tow- car or motor caravan although in some cases a direct view to the rear will not be possible). In addition there is a legal obligation to keep number plates clean and lights and indicators likewise need cleaning. 

    However my personal view is that I would never use waterless products because if there is insufficient liquid to wash away grit and other abrasive material scratching (however mild) to the surface being cleaned is inevitable and will eventually become a problem. This is especially the case on glass or "plastic" windows and in the latter case it is best to use a dedicated product. Likewise I would never use household detergent. Having gone to considerable effort to wax a van on a thoroughly clean surface why would you use detergent to break down that protective coat ? 

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