How to remove black streaks from your caravan

Over the winter and during the season unsightly black streaks can start to appear down the side of your static caravan.

They’re often below windows, vents, and other fittings on the side of your holiday caravan and if left untreated they can be difficult to remove – one of the reasons why it’s important to keep on top of cleaning your caravan.

What causes black streaks on a caravan?

Many black streaks are caused by dirt and algae which build up around windows and doorframes and then when it rains this is “washed out” and runs down the side of your static caravan or lodge. Some black streaks could also be caused by debris from the seals on your static caravan’s window frames.

How to remove black streaks on a static caravan

There are a number of products on the market to remove black streaks, many of which are designed for touring caravans and motorhomes. But they should also be safe to use on a static caravan – always check the labelling.

It will often involve agitating the black streaks with the product using a soft brush or sponge and then rinsing off with clean water.

Black streak removal products include:

• Silky: A non-scratching, cream cleaner which effectively removes dirt and grime from caravans and even boats. Apply the cream cleaner with a wet paintbrush to the black streak or algae, rinse and wipe clean. It can also be used to remove other marks and stains on the side of your static caravan. Expect to pay £7.49. Find out more: www.silkyleisure.co.uk

• Rhino Goo! Black streak and algae cleaner: This concentrated cleaner is for stubborn black streaks and cleaning window seals. It also has a wax finish to repel water and is safe on aluminium, acrylic and rubber. Expect to pay £29.50. Find out more: www.rhinogoo.co.uk

• Pro-Kleen Caravan Black Streak Remover is a ready-to-use spray which claims to remove all stubborn black streak marks and green algae from the exterior of your caravan. This is another caravan or motorhome product but is suitable for cleaning windows, plastics, aluminium, and rubber seals. Expect to pay £11.99. Find out more: www.prokleen.co.uk

• AutoGlym caravan and motorhome cleaner is another spray-on solution. After cleaning your static caravan bodywork, spray the solution onto the area to be cleaned and lightly agitate the surface with a cloth or sponge. Rinse with clean water and repeat if needed. It can be used to clean paintwork, plastics, metals, rubber, acrylics, fibreglass, windows, work surfaces, synthetic fabrics, carpets, hobs, washable wall coverings and similar surfaces. Expect to pay £17.50 Find out more: www.autoglym.com

• WD40 can be effective at getting rid of black streaks, as well as bird lime and tree sap. Clean the area first with a caravan shampoo, spray a small amount of WD40 onto a cloth then rub over the black streaks on your caravan and wipe over with a clean cloth. Expect to pay £7.49 Find out more: www.wd40.co.uk

Preventing black streaks on your static caravan

Cleaning your holiday caravan at regular intervals throughout the season, particularly in the wetter months, will help to prevent black streaks.  Regularly wiping down window and door frames and the tops of vents and cleaning out your guttering with also help to prevent a build of dirt and algae and the cause of those streaks.

Applying a protective coating after washing will also help to repel dirt, therefore making it harder for black streaks to form. If you don’t want to tackle this job yourself you could always call in a specialist caravan cleaning service.

Over to you…

Got any tips for removing those stubborn black streaks on your static caravan to share? We’d love to hear them! Simply comment in the box below.