How to Clean a Galvanized Trailer

by Mary Lougee

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Galvanized metal trailers include a top coat of zinc oxide to bond to the metal and resist rusting. The zinc coating protects the metal from rain and water to inhibit moisture from direct contact with the metal and causing rust. Galvanized boat trailers and utility trailers are long-lasting products with the proper care and cleaning of the metal.

Step 1

Pour galvanized metal cleaner into a bucket and add water from a garden hose according the to package directions for mixing the product. For example, a 1 to 5 ratio is ½ gallon of cleaner and 2 ½ gallons of water.

Step 2

Spray the trailer from top to bottom with a garden hose to wet all surfaces.

Step 3

Dip a soft bristled brush into the cleaning solution and brush it onto the metal. Start from one bottom corner and use circular motions to clean from the bottom up to the top in sections until the entire trailer is covered.

Step 4

Let the cleaner dry on the trailer for the amount of time on the package instructions. The mild chemicals in the cleaner will penetrate any dirt and deposits on the metal.

Step 5

Rinse the trailer with a garden hose from top to bottom while brushing the residue off in a circular motion. The trailer is thoroughly rinsed when the milky white residue of the cleaner is removed and the galvanized metal is shiny.

Step 6

Dry the trailer with microfiber towels or allow it to air dry naturally.

Step 7

Dip a microfiber towel in automotive paste wax to pick up a quarter-size amount of wax. Work the wax onto all surfaces of the trailer in circular motions. Let the wax sit according to the package directions. Buff the excess wax off with microfiber towels to remove all haziness and reveal a bright shine.

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