Washing the Expanda

[Feldty]

I need to give my expanda a good wash, to get the grime off, from the trip on the weekend

I was advised that simply a warm water is all that should be needed on most occasions, but I did get the wash and wax bottles supplied as freebies when we picked up the van. I don't think I will need to use them for a while, but I was just wondering what others use to wash their vans with. I am thinking about buying a nice soft broom, but do not want to scratch the Gel Coat.

Also, I could imagine that pressure washers would be a bit of a no no, forcing water in places that it should not be. Has anyone had experience with this.

Finally, do I need to open the van up after I wash it to let any water that may have snuck in dry out.

Thanks heaps.

Kev

 

[Capt. Gadget]

Hi Kev I just hose it down and then use Carwash and a soft broom. Just make sure you leave the awning out until it's dry I rolled mine up wet once and it grew some mould on it

 

[Burnsy]

I used to use car wash on our old van, soft brush for the top and awning, sponge for the sides. I always dry my awning out first but it seems to always be wet when rolling out again if we've had rain. I just check inside to make sure no water got in and the vents should be enough to air out.

 

[Feldty]

Thanks Capt. Gadget & Burnsy.

I thought as much.

Kev

 

[cruza driver]

I use Armoural wash and wax and and Enjo glove

The Enjo is nice and soft, I have a mate who used a soft broom and only once and it scatched his van. Personally I don't think they can be rinsed as well as a sponge etc and more rubs on the walls than clean them.

 

[Feldty]

Great heads up Cruza Driver. I will give the soft broom a miss and go for a sponge. The other option would be to search around and see if I can locate one of those $$$$$ Enjo cloths that the wife bought years ago and got soooo much use out of...

 

[Burnsy]

I only use the soft brush on the roof for 2 reasons. 1 it has an extension handle and I can reach the middle and 2 sometimes it takes a bit of rubbing to get things like bird crap off. Couldn't notice any scratches appearing but I wouldn't use any where else just incase. Our neighbor doesn't use anything on their roof but it's now black.....shame!

 

[straydingo]

I use a microfibre mitten with regular car wash. Diluted eucalyptus oil for stubborn stains, bird droppings and sap etc. Soft broom on the roof.
Using just a standard hose, I haven't found water gets in through vents, unless I was to spray water straight on to them

 

[Feldty]

Thanks again guys.

 

[relgate]

Anyone have any advise about the wax that comes with the van. Is it best to use it straight away to get a protective coat on or is the fglass already coated?

 

[Burnsy]

Hi relgate, if it was me I'd be putting a coat on as soon as it's convenient.....can't hurt!

Cheers.

 

[relgate]

It will be you soon!

 

[cruza driver]

Yep give it a polish as soon as you can. I have done ours maybe 4 or 5 times and it makes cleaning so much easier

We have a few of those enjo clothes, 1 for the expanda, 1 for the Pajero (a new one) and another couple that I use on the cruiser. I use to think they were a bit of a gimmick. It they do a much better job then a sponge

 

[Deano]

Rang the dealer yesterday and told him I was about to wax and clean the hard lids. He said I can use warm soapy water to get rid of bird poop etc. I applied the WAX & Cleaner (came with Van) with wet damp cloth. Created a haze. Then used my new Black & Decker electric buffer on the lowest speed. Gave it a nice shiny film. Took about 30 min per lid.
Be careful not to apply to much pressure to the buffer to avoid burning and streaking the fiberglass.

I was thinking of covering the Dometic Air con on the roof and then getting the Gerni to clean the roof?
Any suggestions...............
Thanks Deano

 

[Moto Mech]

I use Armoural wash and wax and and Enjo glove

The Enjo is nice and soft, I have a mate who used a soft broom and only once and it scatched his van. Personally I don't think they can be rinsed as well as a sponge etc and more rubs on the walls than clean them.

I use this stuff on all my vehicles, its great.

 

[Jennymay]

I want all you guys that have replied to this thread, lined up outside my house for cleaning duites this weekend...you all sound as if you are experts in cleaning so I wonder how you go with the bathrooms and floors...oops I forgot the windows.......lol lol

 

[Deano]

Gee Jen,
Haven't been to WA yet. Can we put the Expanda in the front yard? LOL.

 

[Jennymay]

Hi Deano..
no probs...........just park it on our very small front lawn next to ours!

 

[cruza driver]

I want all you guys that have replied to this thread, lined up outside my house for cleaning duites this weekend...you all sound as if you are experts in cleaning so I wonder how you go with the bathrooms and floors...oops I forgot the windows.......lol lol

I'd love too but I have to wash the Expanda again 1st :high5:

 

[Jennymay]

Go Cruza.....wash it until it shines.. Its like having a new car. Ours hasnt been washed yet but hubby plans to once the mods have been finished and its ready to cover up until our holidays in January.:washing: