unique problem

[knapper42]

I’ve got a kind of unique problem in that during as severe wind storm our power pole transformer started leaking and has blown oil all over my house, RV, trees and shop building. Dealing with the oil isn’t that hard to solve but it turns out that oil is paraffin based and everything is coated with wax and it is turning out that the wax is really hard to remove.
Right now my concern is how to clean my 3560trl which has the wax all over it. I’ve power washed my other RVs before but haven’t power washed this new Montana.
We have tried all the usual cleaning agents like dawn soap, simple green, purple power, etc. the only thing working right now is the hot hot power wash and that I am afraid to let the en environmental company try on the Montana.
Wondering if others power wash their rigs and not cause damage to the siding or decals.
Anyone have any ideas on how to get wax off of a RV without causing damage to the siding colors or roof material. The caps on my rig are painted
Any suggestions are welcome.

[DQDick]

I think I would turn it in to my insurance company and let them deal with the power company so any damages would be taken care of.

[prndl]

Was the transformer installed prior to 1978?
If so you should look here https://www.epa.gov/sites/production.../pcbidmgmt.pdf
Not trying to scare you but be safe.

[BiggarView]

x2 what prdnl is saying. Find out before you do anymore cleaning. It isn't just on the items you mentioned, it is on everything, ground, your shoes, your hands... basically anything you've touched that was outside that was in the line of fire. PCBs are no joke. I'd contact an attorney too. Classic CYA situation. Again not trying to scare you, but knowledge is power.

[knapper42]

yes I have experience with the transformers that contained PCBs. Thankfully our transformer was a newer type but I was surprised the oil contained so much wax. The power company is trying to be helpful and has hired an environmental company to clean it as best they can but it is a new problems to them. They have washed the RV with hand mittens and mild detergents but that had little affect on removing the was. They have power washed the shop and all metal doors with a heated washer and that get some of the was off of the metal but doesn’t not remove it entirely. I don’t have a problem with that as re painting will never be needed there.
Again anyone have a way to remove wax from the RV –please let me know.

[Donjamin]

As a former chemist, acetone and MEK come to mind to dissolve and remove wax, but both will attack fiberglass if you are not careful. Boiling water poured over paraffin will also dissolve it, but working with boiling water can be dangerous. I found a link to the same issue on boats with non-skid surfaces from surfers using board wax. Worth checking out.

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ck-200988.html

[knapper42]

Thanks there are some ideas there to work with.

just got a surprise as talking with Montana the lady said the decals should not be wax as they have a sealer on them and wax may cause them to turn loose.
was confused to begin now I'm really confused as I have always waxed the whole RV.