To keep your RV looking brand spankin’ new, you’ll have to clean it on a regular basis. It may seem like a tedious task, but a solid routine and a few hacks will make the job much easier. Before you dive in, gather up everything that you’ll need. If you’re scratching your head because it’s your first time cleaning an RV, don’t worry – we’ve put a list together for you.
What you’ll need:
- A large bucket
- Sponges
- A hose
- RV roof cleaner
- RV awning cleaner
- Wash-and-wax solution
- Brushes (including a soft-bristled brush, stiff-bristled brush, and a long-handled brush pole)
Work from top to bottom
The easiest and most obvious method of cleaning your RV is doing so from top to bottom – trust us, it will save you a lot of time and extra work. Before you start scrubbing, use a hose to rinse off the roof and walls, clearing off any debris and clumps of dirt. Set up your ladder, spray the roof cleaner over the entirety of the roof, and use the long car wash brush to scrub it, stopping to move the ladder when needed. Once you’re through, thoroughly rinse the dirty suds from the roof with a spray nozzle.
Clean the walls
Once you move on to the walls, you can ditch the long brush and opt for a large sponge instead. Fill a bucket with water and the necessary amount of wash-and-wax solution. Working from top to bottom, wash one side of the RV at a time, and give it a final rinse once you’re through. As you work, you may come across a tough stain or two, but a stiff-bristled brush and RV stain remover should get the job done.
Wipe – don’t scrub – the awning
This may be the most dreaded part of the job, but a little hack will save you a lot of time and energy. You’re probably already unrolling the awning and setting it in the lowest position possible, but to make it even easier, you can remove the legs from the holding clamps and allow the awning to hang loosely against the side of the camper. Once you’ve prepared your cleaning solution, rinse off the awning with a hose to remove debris and dirt. Use a brush or a spray bottle to cover the awning in solution, and let it soak for 5-10 minutes. If the fabric is vinyl, use a soft-bristled brush to wipe the solution along the fabric. A stiffer brush is better suited for acrylic awnings, and you’ll clean it the same way. Once you’re through, rinse it off and allow it to air-dry completely.
Wipe down the windows
Cleaning your RV’s windows is a pretty quick and easy task. Spray glass cleaner on each window, and wipe them down with paper towels. Simple, right?
Clean the tires
Now that all of the hard work is done, it’s time to finish by taking care of the tires. When it comes to cleaning your tires, using a basic wheel and rim cleaner will get the job done. Be sure to take a few extra minutes to inspect each tire for damage once you’re through cleaning. Does your rig have aluminum wheels? If so, keep an eye out for any signs of rust.
Cleaning your RV becomes a lot less frustrating once you develop a trusty system, and following this guide will save you a lot of time (and sweat). If your RV is due for a service, call Patterson RV to set up a visit with the service department!
