Cleaning your RV is an important part of maintaining and keeping it in good condition.

A clean RV not only looks better, but it also helps prevent damage and extends the lifespan of your vehicle. Here’s a guide on how to clean your RV.

Before you begin cleaning your RV, you will need to organise your cleaning supplies. You will need a bucket, hose, soft-bristle brush or broom, wheel-cleaning brush, cleaning detergent (such as an RV cleaner or mild soap), a sponge or cloth, and a squeegee. It’s important to use a cleaning solution that is safe for RV surfaces.

It is also best to avoid washing your RV on a hot day, as the water and soap will dry too quickly, and you may have water streaks.

Washing the Exterior

Begin by rinsing the exterior of your RV with a hose. This will remove any loose dirt and debris. Use a low-pressure setting on your hose to avoid damaging your RV’s exterior.

Then, using a mild, RV-safe detergent, a soft brush or broom, and a bit of elbow grease, gently scrub the surface of your RV. Be sure to avoid any decals or graphics. Work in small sections, starting from the top and working your way down, to help prevent streaking and ensure you don’t miss any spots.

When you encounter marks such as roadwork tar that won’t shift, try soaking a citrus-based product on the mark for a few minutes before washing it off.

Or if red dirt stains are your problem — as is often the case when travelling around Australia — a product called Red Stain Remover by Outback Cleaning Products might do the trick.

After washing, rinse the exterior with a hose again, ensuring you remove all the cleaning product and dirt. Use a squeegee to remove the excess water, then use a sponge or cloth to dry the exterior, which will prevent water spots and streaking.

Windows and Flyscreens

Use a glass cleaner and soft cloth to clean the windows of your RV. Be sure to use a cleaner that is safe for RV surfaces and avoid any abrasive materials that can scratch the glass.

The mesh flyscreens can also be tricky to keep clean, but a 20:80 vinegar and water solution and a good wipe-over can quickly remedy this.

Checkerplate

There are plenty of products on the market for keeping your checker plate shiny and clean, but make sure you are careful about which ones you use, as some can scratch the metal or make it vulnerable to corrosion. A dedicated aluminium cleaner is a safe bet, while other RV drivers have suggested Gumption as an easy, cheap option to get the worst of the dirt off.

Tyres

While the hose may have removed the top coat of dirt on and around your tyres, it’s worth putting in some elbow grease with a bucket of warm, soapy water and a wheel-cleaning brush. Then, wipe the wheels with a suitable polish wax.

A-frame

Remember to give your A-frame some love. Give it a good scrub or sponge, and use bug and tar remover where needed, as the A-frame can take a beating. If the paint has any chips, touch them up to prevent corrosion.

A non-solvent-based protector is also worth the time. Spray it on, then wipe it over the surface of the A-frame with a soft rag. The protector brightens up the paint and plastic and leaves an all-weather protective coating on the surfaces.

Cleaning the Interior

Once you have cleaned the exterior of your RV, it’s time to clean the interior. 

  • First up, remove any trash or clutter that has built up, then give it a vacuum to remove any dust, dirt or debris from the floors and upholstery.
  • Use a mild cleaner and soft cloth to wipe down the surfaces such as countertops, tables and cabinets. Be sure to avoid any areas sensitive to certain cleaning products (such as timber or leather).
  • Be sure to thoroughly wipe all cupboards in the kitchen and bathroom as regularly as you can, as these can be the areas where water damage or mould can wreak havoc, and the sooner you catch it, the better.
  • Cleaning the bathroom is never fun, but it’s a necessary evil. Soap scum build-up can occur quickly in the shower cubicle and require scrubbing to get rid of, but you’ll be much happier starting the next trip with a fresh shower. It’s also an idea to keep a cloth in the bathroom to dry the walls after use.
  • If you use a cassette toilet, it, too, will need some attention after each trip. When empty, pour cleaning product or even citric acid and warm water into the bowl, allow it to sit for a few hours, and then empty it. Don’t forget to regularly wipe the outside with a damp cloth.

 

Final Touches

Finally, every RV deserves a good airing out—particularly after you’ve cleaned it. Open the windows and doors to help dry out any remaining moisture, remove lingering odours (even if they’re just cleaning products at this point), and allow fresh air to circulate through your vehicle.

Cleaning your RV is critical to maintaining your vehicle. Remember to use cleaning solutions that are safe for your RV’s surfaces and always work in small sections to ensure you don’t miss any spots. While it can seem like an unwelcome chore at the end of a nice trip, maintaining a good cleaning regime will help keep your RV looking great and extend its lifespan. You’ll be all set and ready to go next time the travel bug gets you.

Ready for Adventure?

Find your dream van online at OnlyVans.com.au!  We have great deals on caravans for sale including used caravans and caravans from private sellers. You can also find motorhomes for sale, camper trailers, and pop top caravans. No matter how you like to travel, we've got you covered. 

 

This article was written by the Editorial Team at TradeRVs.com.au, now powered by OnlyVans.com.au. 


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