How to remove black marks and prepare your camper for winter
By The ABNET® Technical Team |Last update | Reading time: 8 min
Winterizing a camper, van, or caravan is not just a simple sponge job. To prevent the deterioration of the sealing joints, corrosion under the chassis, and mold during downtime, a technical de-rusting process is essential. Find the step-by-step protocol and professional ABNET® solutions in this comprehensive guide to protect your vehicle before winter.
As autumn approaches, a thorough end-of-season cleaning of your recreational vehicle is a crucial step to prolong its lifespan and preserve its resale value.
Over the miles, the black scuff marks under the headlights, the oily road film, the insect residue cooked by the sun and the embedded brake dust accumulate. Without proper treatment, these dirt deposits eventually alter the finish, weaken the silicone seals and dull the painted or polyester bodywork. However, keep in mind that the effectiveness of cleaning depends on the vehicle’s history, the length of time the contaminants were exposed to and the products potentially used in the past: on old or poorly maintained surfaces, a purely curative cleaning has its limits and some embedded traces from years ago may unfortunately prove impossible to completely erase.
French manufacturer specializing in high-performance cleaning products since 1993, ABNET® develops professional formulas for removing dirt. They guarantee a deep cleaning without aggressiveness to the plexiglass windows, the paints and the rubber elements.
Here is the complete step-by-step protocol for successfully winterizing your camper with the ABNET® range:
- Prepare the bodywork and remove the road film
- Degrease the rims, chassis and exterior equipment
- Clean, disinfect and protect the interior cabin
- Precautions and tips before prolonged immobilization
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Hivernage Camping-Car
Introduction – The vehicle roof: a big forgotten detail and a chemical «minute cooker»
Too often neglected due to a lack of suitable deployment equipment or because of the proliferation of accessories (solar panels, lanterns, antennas), the roof of a camper van or caravan is nevertheless the vehicle’s first point of exposure..
In stationary or wintering position, the upper part acts as a real pollutant collector.. Over the months, a veritable «culinary broth» accumulates there under the influence of the weather and the sun. :
- Avian droppings, which generate nitrogen under the action of photosynthesis.
- Atmospheric pollutants, They are heavily loaded with sulfur oxides.
- Vegetable debris, like decaying pine needles.
- Sediments (sand transported by the wind) and sodium derived from sea spray.
Under the combined effect of these elements and solar radiation, a phenomenon known as the greenhouse effect occurs. photooxidation which transforms the road movie into a highly acidic film. This acidification is particularly harmful and corrosive to the aluminum structures as well as to the coatings and decals of the vehicle..
This is a chemical attack that acts over time; it is often very difficult to treat it purely curatively if the roof has never been maintained. Therefore, meticulous cleaning of this area before wintering is indispensable to stop these chain reactions and preserve the integrity of the materials.
1. Remove the black traces and the road film from the bodywork
The stagnant water flows on the aluminum profiles and rubber seals create long, very embedded black trails that are impossible to remove with a conventional car shampoo.
The ABNET® trick: To eliminate road film and black streaks without damaging the acrylic lenses or the seals, opt for a peel-off degreasing product that works without aggressive brushing.
The solution : use ABNET Universal or ABNET Proflash. Beyond the bodywork and the rims, the formulation of ABNET® PROFLASH allows for the effective treatment of all the sensitive areas of the recreational vehicle, including the awnings, the interior surfaces, as well as the black seals. Its deep-penetrating cleaning action tackles embedded dirt without damaging delicate materials.
The complementarity between Prêt-à-l’emploi and Concentré :
- ABNET Proflash (Ready-to-use): ideal for quick intervention, without manipulation or risk of overdose. This is the ideal ABNET ready-to-use formula for directly treating localized black marks, bottom of the box or blisters. Available in a spray bottle (800 mL, 1 L) and a refill bottle (5 L, 20 L).
- ABNET Universal (Concentrate): perfect for thorough cleaning of the body with a washing brush or for preparing large volumes. It is diluted in water from 5 % to 25 % depending on the level of dirt. Available in 1 L, 5 L, 20 L, 220 L and IBC 1000
Safety & efficiency Formulated without wax, silicone or solvents, these alkaline cleaners (basic pH) work by removing dirt without damaging seals, paint or the plexiglass panels.
User manual Spray from the bottom up on a dry and cold surface, leave to act for 1 to 2 minutes (without letting it dry in the sun), rub lightly with the soft brush or sponge, then rinse with clear water.
2. Remove the dirt from the rims, chassis and exterior equipment
During long summer drives, hot brake dust, road grease, and tar deposits strongly cling to the wheels, tarnishing the finish and promoting corrosion.
The ABNET® trick: Compatible with all types of rims (metal and alloy) and covers, our gel-based cleaner restores the rim from the inside out. Be sure to treat one wheel at a time and rinse thoroughly with a brush or high-pressure cleaner.
The solution Apply ABNET Special Rims.
High-adhesion gel formulation Its ready-to-use gel formula adheres perfectly to vertical surfaces to extend the action time of degreasing and stripping agents. It effectively dissolves road film, brake pad residue and cooked fats.
Multi-platform compatibility Formulated without risk for alloy wheels, aluminum, painted sheet metal, chrome, brake calipers, plastic bumpers and wheel arches.
User manual :
- Sprinkle generously on cold and dry tires.
- Let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes (the gel texture prevents it from drying too quickly).
- For very heavily encrusted deposits, work the corners with a brush or rim brush.
- Rinse thoroughly with the water jet or the high-pressure cleaner.
Available formats Ready-to-use 5 L, 20 L and 220 L canisters (ideal for refilling a sprayer).
3. Treat metal deposits, chassis and thick grease
The underframes, couplings, walking boards and external accessories suffer from the projections of tar, calamine and the accumulation of mineral fats.
The solution Apply the renovation degreaser ABNET TX.
Striking power & rejuvenating effect This highly concentrated cleaner removes metal traces, lime scale, carbon deposits and burnt grease. It restores tarnished paint and gives exposed metal parts a new shine.
Dosages & application :
- Reinforced cleaning / Decoloring: Dilute 10 % to 20 % in water depending on the condition of the support.
- Apply using a chemical-resistant sprayer; leave on for 3 to 5 minutes without allowing it to dry, then rinse with high pressure.
Available formats : Concentrated in 5 L, 20 L, 220 L and 1000 L IBC tank for intensive or professional use.
Special case: The treatment of black joints and embedded grooves
Over time, the seals suffer from UV rays and pollutants, causing persistent black stains. Using ABNET TX diluted at 20% effectively treats these problems:
- Protocol: Sprinkle the product, then perform a circular brushing motion, focusing on the areas that need it most. as long as it stinks (massive black outflows will occur; this is the sign that the product releases the pollution deep down without damaging the support).
- Control: Rinse thoroughly with clear water. The operation is successful when the final wiping leaves no trace on the cloth.
Technical note: Depending on the vehicle’s history and the age of the dirt, some very old encrustations could require multiple passes or present limitations on surfaces heavily marked by time.
4. Clean and degrease the interior (Kitchen, Sanitary facilities & Cell)
To prevent bad odors and bacterial proliferation during the winter storage months, the interior of the cell must be meticulously degreased using formulas adapted to life on board.
The ABNET® trick: A healthy interior before wintering prevents the development of mold and bad odors caused by stagnant moisture during the storage months.
Kitchen area, hob and worktops
The solution : use the spray ABNET Proflash Soft.
Approved for food contact & Eco-designed Formulated without phosphate and composed of 98 % natural ingredients, this ready-to-use degreaser meets the hygiene requirements in the kitchen. It is certified compliant with contact with food (clear water rinsing required for surfaces directly in contact with food).
Targeted efficiency It instantly eliminates oil deposits, finger marks and organic dirt from gas plates, heaters, countertops, square tables and the interior walls of refrigerators.
User manual Spray about 20 cm from the surface, wipe with a clean microfiber cloth, then rinse with potable water for food areas. Available formats Available in a ready-to-use version (800mL) as well as in a concentrated version to be diluted as needed (5L).
Available in ready-to-use spray bottle (800 mL, 1 L) and in concentrated bottle to be diluted (5 L, 20 L).
ABNET ProFlash Soft is a compatible product for cleaning materials and objects intended to come into contact with food. Rinse with potable water or steam.
Bathroom, interior windows, woodwork and hard surfaces
The solution Choose the multipurpose cleaner ABNET Harmony.
EU Ecolabel certification This concentrated universal detergent is certified by the European Ecolabel, guaranteeing a minimum environmental impact, an essential criterion for greywater management in motorhomes.
Versatility Ideal for gently cleaning washbasins, shower trays, cassette toilets (exterior walls), interior glazed windows, woodwork and synthetic trim. It cleans without damaging heat-sensitive plastics.
Economical dosages :
- Normal application: dilute only 1 % to 2 % (i.e., 10 to 20 mL per liter of water) for soils and 17% to 20% for other surfaces.
- Apply to a sponge or microfiber cloth, then wipe off.
Available formats 1 L bottle and 5 L canister.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) — Hivernage Camping-Car
What is the difference between ABNET ProFlash and ABNET Universal?
ABNET Universal is the brand's historical concentrated formula, to be diluted in water (from 5 % to 25 %%). ABNET Proflash is the ready-to-use, pre-dosed version of ABNET Universal, ideal for quickly removing traces without preparation or the risk of overdose.
How to easily remove black marks under the windows of a camper van?
The black marks are caused by wear and tear from the air pollution mixed with limestone and grout. ABNET Proflash ready to work or ABNET Universal Diluted, leave to act for 1 to 2 minutes, rub with a soft brush and then rinse with clear water.
Do ABNET degreasers damage rubber seals or plexiglass windows?
No, the formulas ABNET Proflash and ABNET Universal They are free of wax, silicone and solvents. They are compatible with plastics, acrylic windows and sealants when used according to the recommendations.
Can ABNET cleaners be used inside the cell?
Absolutely. For the kitchen and dining table, opt for the spray Proflash Softer (suitable for contact with food). For sanitary areas and shower walls, use the EU Ecolabel certified cleaner. ABNET Harmony.
Where are ABNET detergents manufactured?
100% French people: ABNET products are formulated, manufactured and packaged on our industrial site based in Vénéjan in the Gard (30).
About the author
A French manufacturer based in Vénéjan (Gard), ABNET® has been developing and producing high-performance professional detergents since 1993. Our technical experts design degreasing formulas that are peel-off to ensure impeccable and safe maintenance of recreational vehicles without compromising sensitive materials.