Bambi's First Bath

[luckydc]

Bambi gets its first bath this weekend. I plan on using a mild auto cleaner (something "gold", can't remember the name right now) and one of those soft, telescoping brushes. Any suggestions for getting out those stubborn squashed bugs and bird you-know-what stains?

Thanks!

[jcanavera]

My suggestion is to use Armor-All car wash liquid. It contains no petroleum products or ammonia products, both of which are bad for your finish.

I use a soft brush on a telescopic pole. Give it enough water and gentle scrubbing, bugs will come right off. It's even easier if you have Walbernized your trailer a couple of times a year and you also try to wash it upon return from each trip.

Jack

[InsideOut]

Doesn't Airstream recommend the Walbernize products on new trailers?

Airstream Website

Shari

[jcanavera]

Originally Posted by InsideOut

Doesn't Airstream recommend the Walbernize products on new trailers?

Airstream Website

Shari

Yes. But washing them is a different matter. A lot of folks both at Airstream and my dealership say Dawn dishwashing detergent is the preferred product. But if you look at the ingredients you will find an ammonia product. Not good for the finish and not good for Walbernize (if you want it to stay on). That's why I like the Armor-All product so well.

Jack

[luckydc]

Thanks, Jack. Just want to get the road dust and assorted dead bugs off of it for now. I plan on Walbernizing prior to winter storage and when getting it ready for use in the spring.

[yocomotion]

While on the subject of washing, what is the best product to use to clean/polish the front window rock guard/awning. I know not use any amonia based product because it may take away the shine and any normal waxes will leave scratches. Is Walbernize ok to use? If not, I am trying to find something more readily available that you would find at maybe a Wal-Mart or an Autozone.

[jcanavera]

Good question. I have usually washed the window guard with the same Armor-All solution. From my experience, Walbernize only works well on the aluminum. It doesn't do a good job on the stainless steel rock guards either.

Jack

[yocomotion]

I know that mequire's makes a cleaner and polish for clear vinyl plastic (the kind that are used on Jeep soft tops) but I have only been able to find it at specialty shops like auto paint suppliers. I was looking for something more easily available.

[luckydc]

do you mean meguiar's? I planned on using their gold class car wash shampoo and conditioner, which is clear coat safe. sending the company an e-mail to ask about ammonia and petroleum.

[markdoane]

Originally Posted by jcanavera

. . . A lot of folks both at Airstream and my dealership say Dawn dishwashing detergent is the preferred product. But if you look at the ingredients you will find an ammonia product. . . .
Jack

Jack,
Can't find any ammonia type stuff in the dishwashing liquid. Can you post a reference?
Thanks,

[crazylev]

As far as the window guards go, they feel and "sound" like they are made out of plexiglass. I'm not positive though. If that is the case, I wouldn't use anything to wipe/clean them with anything other than a soft cotton towell or equivilant. I know plexi scratches real easily and using anything abrasive would leave little scratches.

It is not going to be real easy to clean the front windows. You have to undo a couple of bolts which then allow you to swing away from the coach. This applies to the stainless steel guards as well.

As far as washing, I got a jug of Turtle Wax cleaner/wax that you put a couple of ounces in with a bucket of water that I use for my beloved Eurovan. Would this be OK to use on the AS?

Also, is the jury out as to whether one has to walbernize the top white part of tthe roof, or is that totally maintenance free?

I am having a hard enough time trying to figure out where I can wash my unit. Maybe a truck wash somewhere.

Jonathan

[jcanavera]

Originally Posted by markdoane

Jack,
Can't find any ammonia type stuff in the dishwashing liquid. Can you post a reference?
Thanks,

Label on my bottle mentioned ammonium laureth sulfate, it was the third ingredient, the first being water. A common additive in most dish washing liquids. I'm not a chemist but ammonium seems to indicate ammonia to me. If someone knows differently I'm open to correction..

Not all bottles list their chemical makeup.

Jack

[53flyingcloud]

Originally Posted by jcanavera

Label on my bottle mentioned ammonium laureth sulfate, it was the third ingredient, the first being water. A common additive in most dish washing liquids. I'm not a chemist but ammonium seems to indicate ammonia to me. If someone knows differently I'm open to correction..
Not all bottles list their chemical makeup.
Jack

Jack,
Using 'Google' for a search of the ingredient calls up this, amongs other listings:

When ammonium lauryl sulfate is reacted with ethylene oxide, the result is the larger molecule ammonium laureth sulfate. This larger molecule has the same detergent and surfactant qualities, but is larger, so it does not penetrate the skin and hair as easily. The term "laureth" is actually a contraction. The full name is "ammonium lauryl ether sulfate".

I take it to mean several things but, like you, I'd rather err on the safe side. Meaning, I'd avoid using it as well..
ciao
53FC

[jcanavera]

It doesn't penetrate the skin! Yikes! Like you I'll pass when I don't know. The Armor-All car wash doesn't have this ingredient. I used to use the Turtle Wax green wash and wax till I noticed that it had a petroleum additive....now if we only treated our human bodies so well...

Jack