Maintaining an asphalt roof helps extend its life and keep a home looking its best. This guide highlights top cleaners designed specifically for asphalt shingles and related roof types, focusing on safety, effectiveness, and practicality. Each product below prioritizes mold, mildew, and algae removal while avoiding harsh, damaging formulas. Read on to compare options, usage tips, and purchasing considerations to choose the right cleaner for your roof care routine.
The following table provides a quick snapshot of five solid picks for asphalt roof cleaning. Consider factors such as concentrate vs. ready-to-use, coverage area, and application method when deciding which product fits your needs.
| Product | Brand | Format | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spray & Forget 1-Gallon Concentrated Roof Cleaner | Spray & Forget | Concentrate | Shingles, algae/mold/m mildew stains | Bleach- and phosphate-free; fast-acting |
| pray & Forget Super Concentrated Revolutionary Roof Cleaner with Hose End Adapter – 1 Quart | Spray & Forget | Concentrate (quart) | Outdoor roofs; reaches higher areas | Treats large areas; hose-end delivery |
| Trick Shot Asphalt Solvent and Cleaner | TrickShot Penetrating Lubricant | Solvent/degumb cleaner | Tool and equipment cleaning | Biodegradable; eco-friendly formulation |
| THETFORD Premium RV Rubber Roof Cleaner & Conditioner | Thetford | 1 Gallon | RV rubber roofs; protection and cleaning | Non-toxic, non-abrasive; UV blocker |
| Bio-Kleen M02409 RV Roof Cleaner & Protectant | Biokleen | 1 Gallon | RV rubber roofs; UV protection | Safe for EPDM, PVC, TPO |
Spray & Forget 1-Gallon Concentrated Roof Cleaner
Spray & Forget’s concentrated formula is designed to remove stains and black streaks caused by algae, mold, and mildew on shingles and other roof types. The product is bleach- and phosphate-free, which helps reduce harsh chemical exposure during cleaning. Its fast-acting formula aims to deliver visible results within minutes rather than weeks, making it a convenient option for homeowners looking for quick improvements. The concentrate is suitable for asphalt shingles, wood shingles, slate, clay, and tile roofs, offering versatility for mixed roofing environments.
The concentrate requires mixing as directed, enabling coverage control based on roof size. Homeowners should follow safety guidelines, including protective gear and adequate ventilation, especially when applying near plantings or landscaped areas. When used as directed, it can help restore curb appeal by lifting algae and dark staining from the surface of asphalt shingles.
pray & Forget Super Concentrated Roof Cleaner (Quart)
This super concentrated roof cleaner uses a garden hose-end delivery system to simplify application and covers large areas efficiently. It’s designed to remove stains from algae, mold, and mildew and is suitable for outdoor use on asphalt, wood, slate, and clay/tile shingles. A quart can treat a substantial area, including second-story surfaces, making it practical for multi-story homes. Users should apply uniformly and allow the product to dwell according to label directions for optimal stain removal and surface revitalization.
As a concentrated product, ensure proper dilution and follow safety precautions to protect vegetation and non-target surfaces. The hose-end design can facilitate even coverage, but careful nozzle handling is recommended to prevent overspray. With appropriate use, it can brighten roof aesthetics by diminishing dark streaks and surface grime.
303 Products Rubber Roof Cleaner
303 Products Rubber Roof Cleaner targets rubber roofing on RVs, campers, pop-ups, and motorhomes. The formula dissolves heavy dirt buildup without harming solar panels or siding, making it a solid choice for rubber roof maintenance. It’s positioned as part of a broader care routine, often paired with protective coatings like 303 Aerospace Protectant for added longevity against dirt and UV exposure. The product rinses clean, leaving a surface ready for post-cleaning protection.
While primarily marketed for rubber roofs, this cleaner’s gentle yet effective composition can be suitable for maintaining clean, streak-free appearances on RV surfaces. Proper rinsing and post-cleaning protection help extend the roof’s life and appearances, especially in sun-drenched environments where UV exposure accelerates grime buildup.
BEEST RV Roof Cleaner & Degreaser
BEEST RV Roof Cleaner is a powerful yet user-friendly cleaner and degreaser designed to remove dirt and stains from RV roofs, including rubber surfaces. This product is formulated to be tough on grime while remaining gentle enough to avoid harming surrounding plants or wildlife when rinsed appropriately. The concentrate’s strength allows for efficient cleaning before applying any protective coatings, helping to restore the roof’s appearance and prepare it for long-term protection.
The BEEST formula emphasizes environmental safety and safety for various roof substrates, including rubber and metal surfaces. It supports a thorough cleaning process and is suitable for use in conjunction with protective sealants or coatings after cleaning. Following manufacturer directions ensures effective stain removal without risking damage to roofing materials.
THETFORD Premium RV Rubber Roof Cleaner & Conditioner
Thetford’s Premium RV Rubber Roof Cleaner & Conditioner provides a dual-action formula that cleans, conditions, and protects EPDM rubber roofs. Its non-petroleum, non-toxic, and biodegradable composition makes it a popular option for RV owners seeking a safer cleaning routine. The included UV blocker helps maintain a roof’s appearance over time by reducing chalking and weathering. This product aims to simplify maintenance by combining cleaning with protective conditioning in one step.
Using this cleaner can extend roof life by minimizing surface wear from environmental exposure while reducing the likelihood of staining from bird droppings, pollen, or other contaminants. The product line often includes additional sizes, offering flexibility for different RV sizes and maintenance schedules.
Bio-Kleen M02409 RV Roof Cleaner & Protectant
Bio-Kleen RV Roof Cleaner emphasizes versatility and roof protection. It cleans rubber RV roofs while offering a protectant with SPF 70 UV blocking. The formula is designed for compatibility with EPDM, PVC, and TPO roofs, making it a broad option for various RV roof materials. It supports prolonging roof lifespan by reducing UV-related damage and surface degradation while maintaining a clean and presentable exterior.
The product is positioned as part of a protective system, potentially paired with other Bio-Kleen protectants for enhanced durability. Users should follow label instructions to maximize safety and effectiveness, especially on coated or sensitive roof materials.
Buying Guide
- Roof material compatibility: Asphalt shingles and rubber RV roofs require different formulations. Check that the cleaner is suitable for asphalt, EPDM, PVC, or TPO as appropriate to your roof.
- Concentrate vs ready-to-use: Concentrates offer cost efficiency and flexibility for large roofs, but require mixing. Ready-to-use products are simpler for quick jobs but may be pricier per square foot.
- Stain removal targets: Look for products explicitly designed to remove algae, mold, mildew, and dark streaks common on asphalt roofs. Some formulas also offer UV protection or post-cleaning conditioning.
- Application method: Hose-end sprayers, traditional spray bottles, or bucket-and-brush methods each have pros and cons. Consider ease of use, reach, and safety, especially for multi-story homes or RVs.
- Environmental and safety considerations: Bleach- and phosphate-free options are gentler on vegetation. Biodegradable and non-toxic formulas reduce risk to pets, plants, and wildlife when used as directed.
- Post-cleaning protection: Some products include conditioners or protectants to extend the look and durability of the roof after cleaning. Consider pairing with a protectant if long-term maintenance is a goal.
- Coverage and yield: Review square footage coverage per container or per gallon to plan purchases for your roof size and future maintenance cycles.
In selecting a cleaner, balance cost, ease of use, and roof compatibility. For asphalt roofs, choose products that remove streaks and stains efficiently while remaining safe for shingles. For RV-oriented roofs, consider rubber-specific cleaners that also offer conditioning or UV protection to extend roof life.