Caravans are a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors, but over time, moss, algae, and lichen can start to build up - especially on roofs, awnings, and exterior panels. Not only does this make your caravan look worn and dirty, but it can also damage the surfaces if left untreated.
Thankfully, we have a full range of reliable products specifically suited for tackling moss and algae on caravans. In this post, we’ll guide you through what is growing on your surfaces and why, the best products to use, and how to apply them safely and effectively.
Most Common Cleaning Areas:
- Roof
The roof is prime location for moss, lichen, and algae to grow. It's flat or slightly sloped gradient allows water to pool or drain very slowly, especially around skylights and vents, and paired with the large surface area for beaming sunlight, the warm and damp surface is the ideal breeding ground for bacteria.
Contributing factors such as shaded areas under trees, accumulated organic debris (like leaves), and exposure to rain all come together to make it fairly impossible to have a caravan roof without moss, lichen, or algae.
- Seals and Rubber Trims
These areas retain moisture longer than the smooth surfaces and often have crevices that trap dirt and spores. Condensation, dew, and general lack of airflow mean that algae, mildew, and moss love to grow right where cleaning is the hardest.
Lurking dirt in these areas isn't just stubborn, it will eat away at the plastic the longer it sits, causing irreversible damage. It is a lot more expensive and time consuming to replace than clean, so make sure to check all trims and seals and follow our guide to ensure you get all the grub gone!
- Awning Rails and Roof Edges
These are very commonly shaded by overhangs and awnings, and accumulate dirt very easily. Limited sunlight with regular exposure to rain and splashback create warm, damp surfaces for algae, lichen, and mould to thrive.
- Underside and Wheel Arches
These areas are close to the ground, are often covered in grime and dirt collected from the road, and without any direct sunlight, remain damp for long periods of time in darkness. Splash from wet roads, mud, and limited airflow create the perfect breeding ground for algae and mildew that often goes completely unnoticed and therefore left to accumulate and cause irreversible structural damage.
That's why these areas are so important to mention. If crawling under your caravan isn't a frequent hobby of yours, you'd probably never notice the algae and mildew covering it - silent killers that can make the floor of your caravan weak, prone to bending and cracking.
The Best Surface Cleaners:
Now that you know where to look, what cleaners are best for these areas?
- Baticlean CR
Baticlean CR is a powerful, pH-neutral moss and algae killer that’s safe for use on a variety of surfaces, including those found on caravans. It’s easy to use: simply spray it onto a dry surface and let it work. There’s no need to rinse!
With outstanding customer reviews, it is recognised globally for its effectiveness - killing moss, algae, and spores on contact with one application lasting between 9 to 18 months.
It is also chosen by many for its environmental consideration - gentle enough that small amounts of overspray won’t harm nearby grass or plants, but powerful enough to get the job done.
For the best results, we recommend brushing the surface first to remove heavy moss build-up, using a sprayer from our extensive, professional range to apply - then simply spray and leave. Customers rave about its simplicity with our wide range of sprayer accessories making the job even easier.
- Baticlean ECR
If you prefer an eco-friendly option, Baticlean ECR is a great choice. It’s part of our ECO-Responsibility product range, free from harsh chemicals like chlorine and acids. ECR is ideal for plastic, fiberglass, aluminium, and glass surfaces - meaning all areas of your caravan are covered.
For this stronger option, you must dilute with water (1:9 ratio) before applying to a surface, and leave it to dry - still, no rinsing required. 1 litre of ECR covers up to 100 square metres of surface, so one purchase will last through all caravan cleans - whether a motorhome or a simple conversion van.
If you'd like to understand the full range of differences between Baticlean and Baticlean ECR, we have written a blog specifically outlining which should be right for you in our 'The Difference Between Baticlean CR & ECR' post.
We also have a 'Baticlean ECR Review' blog post written by a lovely customer as well as an abundance of testimonies found on our reviews page if you are interested in reading first-hand accounts.
Final Thoughts
Using the right moss treatment can make a big difference in the longevity and appearance of your caravan. Whether you opt for the heavy-duty power of Baticlean CR or the eco-conscious formula of Baticlean ECR, we provide trusted solutions that are easy to use and highly effective.
If you have any questions about which cleaner is best for you, how to best apply, or anything else, please contact us as we are more than happy to give specialised, professional advice to help you.
Have a look at our full range to explore these products and more, and keep your caravan looking spotless and ready for adventure all year round!