Detergent recommendation for Scamp exterior

[Bill MN]

I'm looking for a recommendation for a detergent to clean the dirt off of my Scamp before putting the cover on for winter. I'm not interested in waxing until spring. What should I be using?

Thanks.

Bill

[Donna D.]

Whatever you'd use to wash your motor vehicle as long as it doesn't also remove wax.

[Bill MN]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

Whatever you'd use to wash your motor vehicle as long as it doesn't also remove wax.

Thanks, Donna, the only problem is that I've used a car wash to wash my cars for so many years that I have no idea what I used as a detergent to wash the car so many years ago.

[Rich G. and Val F.]

I have used a small amount of Dawn dish detergent in warm water. The main thing is to get bird droppings and leaf stains off. I wash again in the spring before I wax as there are usually some winter residue stains under the cover from condensation drying.

[Donna D.]

Stay away from "detergents" and most dish washing soaps too. They remove oil and wax. If it's only a one time thing, you can use hair shampoo! Truly, as long as it doesn't contain "conditioners." You didn't say how dang dirty the trailer is, I'm guessing you just want it clean enough to safely put on the cover. If all else fails go to a local auto parts store and buy a mid-range priced car wash. Look for one where the soap is white or clear in color.

[Bill MN]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

Stay away from "detergents" and most dish washing soaps too. They remove oil and wax. If it's only a one time thing, you can use hair shampoo! Truly, as long as it doesn't contain "conditioners." You didn't say how dang dirty the trailer is, I'm guessing you just want it clean enough to safely put on the cover. If all else fails go to a local auto parts store and buy a mid-range priced car wash. Look for one where the soap is white or clear in color.

You are correct, I just want to be able to safely put on the cover. It's a 2017 so it's not real dirty. In fact, it's mostly dirty on top, not so much on the sides. I suspect the dirt on top is largely dust and pollen that puddled in rain water and now exists as a dry residue.

I'm wondering if a baby shampoo would work.

Thanks,

Bill

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by Bill MN

I'm wondering if a baby shampoo would work.

Thanks,

Bill

Yep and you can baby your baby

[Glenn Baglo]

Why not use a product designed for the application?
I would, and do, use Simonize Wash 'N Wax. There are other brands. It's car wash soap with wax in it.

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by Glenn Baglo

Why not use a product designed for the application?
I would, and do, use Simonize Wash 'N Wax. There are other brands. It's car wash soap with wax in it.

I took the question as the OP was looking for something to use that was already around the house. Sure he could go to a store and buy car wash that's available.

[rbryan]

Originally Posted by Rich G. and Val F.

I have used a small amount of Dawn dish detergent in warm water.

Dawn is one of the best wax strippers on the market. But unless the OP wanted to wax afterwards (they did not), then I'd stay away from Dawn.

A good car "wash and wax in one" product should suffice until it's waxed in the spring.

[floyd]

Originally Posted by Glenn Baglo

Why not use a product designed for the application?
I would, and do, use Simonize Wash 'N Wax. There are other brands. It's car wash soap with wax in it.

DITTO!

[floyd]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

I took the question as the OP was looking for something to use that was already around the house. Sure he could go to a store and buy car wash that's available.

Donna, I'm bettin' that you already have some car wash soap around your house, I've got a few bottles myself!

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by floyd

Donna, I'm bettin' that you already have some car wash soap around your house, I've got a few bottles myself!

I literally buy it by the gallon! But, I'd use shampoo to wash my truck or trailer, if that's all I had at the time.

[Maine_Scamp]

I recently bought a bottle of Atwood Wash and Wax (a fiberglass boat wash) used many boat owners here in Maine and it proved to be a great cleaner for my Scamp .

[stevebaz]

Take it to the local do it your self car wash and take a short ladder with you and have at it. By the time you get it home and parked it will be dry enough to cover. The soap and rinse with the pressure wand will make short work of this chore.

[Bill MN]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

I took the question as the OP was looking for something to use that was already around the house. Sure he could go to a store and buy car wash that's available.

I decided to buy and use a car wash product. I couldn't find the recommended Simonize, so I purchased another name brand which promises not to strip or dull wax surfaces. I'm hoping all goes well.

Thanks for all the advice!

Bill

[Darral T.]

Definitely add me to the car "wash/wax" choice for my Scamp AND vehicles. The last I bought was ""Armor All".

[Captleemo]

I have always been happy with Turtle-wax Zip Wax car wash soap.

[Mike_L]

Any product from an automotive store for washing cars or boats.