Argosy Exterior Cleaning of Mildew

[teelamaria]

Hi all:
My husband and I have purchased a 1978 27' Argosy that is in need of some TLC. I want to get started cleaning the exterior which apwears to ahve mildew and/or mold on it.

Any cleaning combos anyone has used that they would want to recommend or think I should stya away from? I was going to strat with some bleach and elbow grease. Could we pressure clean safely?

Thanks for your time and thoughts.

[CanoeStream]

I'd probably start with dish detergent about like what you'd make up in a bucket for washing a car. My '74 Argosy has tended to get dark buildup if I've kept it in the shade -- it comes off fairly well. Don't pressure wash these old Airstreams -- you'll find enough leaks without pressure washing and you will cause more leaks in the old seals and caulking if you go that route.

[InsideOut]

Argosy's have steel end caps. The paint tends to fail on these after a while...its this what you are seeing?

I would NOT suggest power washing as it will break off any loose paint - and you will find leaks you never had before. Also, no bleach should be used on aluminum...bad combo!

Have you tried just water & a mild detergent?

Shari

[Moonshot]

If you use a pressure washer go with one that can heat the water. I've heard them called "steam jennies" and I used to own one made by Hotsy. The amount of psi from the washer will determine how closely you can get to the surface without risk of knocking off paint chips. Be extra careful around the seams and rivets by increasing the distance between the wand and the skin of the Argosy.

Also, the end caps are a different material (steel) from the rest of the Argosy as you may know and the paint there tends to deteriorate faster. So be extra careful there.

After you finish and get a good coat of wax on that Argosy it will really look spiffy!

Scott

[Moonshot]

Well, a couple of good comments came in before I clicked the post button.

I had no problem using a pressure washer on mine, but your mileage may vary and if you don't mind the extra elbow grease it may be best to avoid it based on what Bob and Shari mention.

Scott

[audiobox]

If it is truly a mildew problem, which usually shows up inside rather than outside, a strong solution of teatree oil will kill and remove the mold. At least on the inside, it keeps mold from coming back for quite some time.

[Happycampers]

Hello.. Used TSP and a nail brush to scrub ours... check out pics on thread titled Costalotta start to finish... it was really bad