Tricks In Every Trade

WHETHER IT'S MIRRORED, VINYL OR SUEDE, YOUR DECORATIVE CEILING SHOULD BE TREATED LIKE A PIECE OF FINE FURNITURE. USE CARE, CAUTION AND THESE HINTS WHEN MAINTAINING THIS EQUISITE ADDITION TO YOUR RV.
BY SHELLY FLOYD

It’s always above your head so it’s easy to forget about, but your coach’s ceiling benefits from regular maintenance just as much as the other components. It is constantly bombarded by the dust and pollutants that flow through the air conditioning vents, which pull pollutants from indoor air and through the filters of air conditioning units. Regular cleaning of the filters will allow contaminates to flow away from the decorative ceiling, and how often you should clean the filters will depend on individual use of the RV. Traveling with pets, exposing the indoor environment to smoke, or traveling through dusty locations may necessitate more frequent cleaning of the air conditioning filters.

The mirrored surface of the decorative ceiling consists of aluminum alloy bonded to a thermoplastic core and electroplated in chrome and bronze finish to provide a lightweight, shatter-resistant surface with a non-distorted reflective image. Use caution when carrying large items through the RV, or performing maintenance on the ceiling, to avoid scratching or marring the mirrored surface. Keep the mirror free of dust by wiping regularly with a soft cloth. If spotting occurs, use non-ammonia detergents or glass cleaner. Use caution to avoid over spray onto the fabric. Cleaners containing acids, strong alkaline solutions or abrasives may mar the mirrored surface and create distortion.

Suede can be maintained by regular brushing with a clean medium bristle brush to remove dust particles and restore the nap. If the suede surface becomes wet, gently blot the area to prevent spread. Stains can generally be removed using mild soap and water, but use minimal moisture when eliminating stains. Dip a clean toothbrush into warm soap and water and work to remove the stain while gently moving the suede in one direction with the brush. Remember that suede is a delicate fabric, but wet areas can be dried using a hair dryer set to low heat and held back a distance to prevent heat from burning the suede. Dry spots in suede can be treated using steam from a kettle to loosen the stain and brushing away the soil using a medium bristle brush.

Vinyl requires regular cleaning to retain its attractive appearance. Clean the vinyl surface by washing with mild soap and water, followed by a thorough rinsing with clear water. Finish by drying with a soft cloth. Staining may cause permanent change to the vinyl if not quickly removed. Using solvents to remove difficult stains may remove the spot, but discolor the soiled area. Abrasive cleansers and washing implements may scratch the surface. When encountering a problem stain in the vinyl ceiling, use full strength rubbing alcohol, mineral spirits or a diluted bleach solution. Use a minimal amount of solution and rinse the surface with clear water once the stain is removed. Wax will not preserve the vinyl surface, but merely cause the material to dry out and crack.

Regularly wipe the mirrored and vinyl surfaces with a soft cloth, brush the suede to remove dust and restore the nap, and keep the filters in the ceiling vents clean. With just a little investment of time and effort, you will be assured that your decorative ceiling stays attractive for years to come.