Be sure to check what material your roof is made out of and choose an appropriate cleaner. Apply the cleaner to a small area, scrub using a soft-bristled brush to remove dirt, wipe the area clean, and repeat.
Spray the entire side of the RV with clean water. Use a hose mounted foam gun to spray the cleaning product onto the side of the RV. Use a mitt or tool with a handle to wipe it down, one small area at a time, working from top to bottom. Rinse it clean and repeat on the other side and the back of the vehicle.
Spray the awning and sides area with clean water. Use a foam sponge or soft brush to clean the ridges. Rinse with clean water and repeat. Allow them to dry completely to avoid mold and mildew from growing.
Using a specialty bug remover product (or, throw a little elbow-grease in there and use soap and water!) scrub until clean and then repeat the same process as you followed when cleaning the sides of the RV to finish off the front.
Use a specialty tire cleaning product, water, and a sponge to scrub down the tires. Apply wheel cleaner to the rims and use a microfibre cloth or sponge to polish the area. Finish by spraying the tires with UV protectant spray.
Spray glass cleaner on the windshield and windows. In a smooth motion, use a microfibre cloth or buffer and evenly distribute it across the area.
Allow the RV to dry fully, and then use a large sponge to apply a small amount of wax in wide circular motions across the sides and front. Once the wax is dry, remove residue with a clean, dry cloth.
Just like you’d clean your home not-on-wheels, use cleaning spray and a dry, clean cloth to tackle all the nooks and crannies inside your RV, including cup holders, all surfaces, the dashboard, cupboards, etc.
Deep clean all fabric and upholstery inside your RV, including carpets, benches, chairs, and mattresses.
rv cleaning san franciscoIf you’ve got the time, the kit, and the willpower, it’s entirely possible to clean your RV yourself! However, it’s important to remember that you’re handling a big (and, likely, favorite!) investment, so be sure to do your research on the products and practices that suit your RV before you get started.
Booking a professional RV detailing service will save you time and ensure a thorough and comprehensive service. Auto detailers will be able to identify the correct materials and practices to use on your vehicle – and they have the specialty equipment required to use them effectively.
Many RV detailing packages don’t include professional cleaning on the interior of your vehicle – and those that do likely don’t have the same level of fabric and carpet care that a dedicated interior detailing service can offer. Keeping up with regular interior care for your RV is an important step to remember, as it will help to fight off mold and pests, as well as maintain the quality of your investment.
Professional interior RV cleaning can also help reduce the effect of allergens that blow through your RV and settle into your upholstery (which is inevitable when you have doors and windows open to enjoy that sunny weather).
rv cleaning san franciscoYour RV cleaning schedule depends on the way you use your vehicle.
If it’s your primary residence, you’ll need to stick to a regular cleaning schedule in order to maintain it as a safe and comfortable living space – vacuum and clean the interior at least once a week and wipe down the outside every 2-3 weeks.
You should have it fully detailed every 6 months, and have the carpets and upholstery cleaned professionally every 6-12 months. If you stick to a consistent cleaning schedule, you can utilize our maintenance discount and save 15% off any items we cleaned previously when booked again within 12 months.
Our RV cleaning service takes care of the carpets and upholstery inside your RV – we’ll carry out a deep clean (and get into all those cramped, awkward areas!), providing odour removal and an optional allergy treatment. If it’s time to tackle the interior of your RV, reach out to our team for more info.
Congratulations, you made it through winter! Days are getting warmer, the sun is shining brighter, and you're itching for your next RV adventure. However, for a lot of you, your RV has been sitting and collecting dust during these brutally cold months and is in DESPERATE need of a top to bottom cleaning! Well folks, you're in luck, because it just so happens that we know a thing or two, because we've seen a thing or two. And also, we love to clean - so, double win! We have done the research (with kids!), and have THE step-by-step process that will get your RV looking so fresh and so clean!
Before getting your hands dirty, keep these helpful tips in mind to make the process run much smoother.
RV detailing and waxing in Phoenix areaBleach has been known to degrade the seals in your tanks over time and you do NOT want things leaking from your tanks... cause like... you get it, it's nasty...
Cleaning in this grid-like pattern will help you stay focused, feel less overwhelmed, and will help you make sure you are covering every spot!
If you are looking for ways to incorporate your young kids into the cleaning process, hand them water guns. Yes, you heard me correctly. Fill the water guns with the gentlest cleaning solution you are looking to use for the majority of your RV (we fill them with vinegar and water). Then, let them go around spraying surfaces, walls, and any other areas that need the cleaning solution. Our boys LOVE it!
Disclaimer: We are not responsible if your kids go a bit crazy with the squirting... MONITOR THE SQUIRTING!
We are by no means experts when it comes to all things RV. We have learned a lot and feel pretty confident with our abilities, but we still take our RV into our local dealer or Winnebago Service Department when we need a few technical things looked at (i.e. engine, generator, and tires). If you are unsure of something, don't be afraid to ask the experts, cause like... they know and you don't. For product and service questions, you can contact Winnebago's owner relations department directly at (800) 537-1885.
Household products like Mrs. Myers and a good old-fashioned Swiffer Sweeper are staples in our cleaning process. Our one exception to the bleach rule is Clorox wipes - we use these on surfaces that need extra attention, and because we cook a lot and no one likes salmonella! But for the majority of our RV, we mix white vinegar, lemon juice, and warm water. We found this is the least abrasive solution for cleaning our RV, while still getting the job done in incredible fashion.
Once you've collected your supplies, watch this video to see our best tips for cleaning your RV. Then, refer to the checklists below to make sure you don't miss any steps. Happy cleaning!
Once you've collected your supplies, watch this video to see our best tips for cleaning your RV. Then, refer to the checklists below to make sure you don't miss any steps. Happy cleaning!
Beginning the cleaning process outside or inside makes no difference in our opinion, but we always like to wash and inspect the exterior first.
Where you are makes quite the difference on your water availability and the way you go about washing your RV. If water is endless where you are staying, then just wash as you would your vehicle. Start from the top of your RV, wipe down the entire surface of the roof with a rag, then proceed downward applying the same method. Be careful not to use a power washer, it has been known to peel off the decals. If water is hard to come by where you are staying, watch this video by a fellow GoLife contributor - it will take you step-by-step on how to wash your RV with limited water.
Note: We did not go into full detail on how to clean the exterior of your RV because the video mentioned above explains in detail just how to wash an RV with limited water. Check it out here.
As previously mentioned, we by NO MEANS are RV experts. There are a few areas that we rely on professionals to look at, but there are still a few things that we check on ourselves!
1. Check all fluid levels under the hood. Make sure that you are filled up on washer, brake, oil, and wiper fluid. We have forgotten about the wiper fluid in the past, and well... bugs.
2. Clean out the storage compartments. This is most important with the compartment that houses your water tank. Let's be real, it can get ugly in there. You work so hard to empty it out frequently. But at the end of the day, it still gets a bit messy and there is not much you can do to prevent that! To clean this out, remove the drain cap, rinse with a hose, scrub with soap, rinse again, drain, ... and never look back.
3. Inspect the awning. If you are like us, and are staying in a pretty windy location, chances are you may not have had much use of this incredible device. Find a day that the winds are calm, and slide it out in all of its beauty! Make sure that it is sliding out properly, then check the LEDs to see that they are also working as they should. This is an amazing feature, and one that can definitely come in handy when the sunshine is beating on your face.
4. Check outdoor appliances. Make sure all outdoor refrigerators are cooling, and TVs are working with a click of a button!
5. Inspect the roof. Anything on top of the roof that has been drilled into your RV can cause a potential leak. Look for any breaks or cracks in the sealant. If you do notice any, make sure to caulk those areas with an approved sealant, or take your RV to the Winnebago Service Department or your local dealer, and they will repair it for you!
The Ceramic Car Wax Spray RVers LOVE
★★★★★ "Saw this being promoted on a big YouTube channel and thought why not try it. Was a bit skeptical but WOW. Super easy to apply and car is shining. Water still pelts off 3 weeks later! Gonna ditch the wax and will continue to use." - Josh S.
Most awnings are made from vinyl or fabric materials, so you need to use the recommended cleaning products to wash them. When doing so, draw them out from where they’ve been stowed, wet them with some water, then gently scrub them with soap using a soft sponge or wash mitt. After that, rinse them with plenty of water from your garden hose and leave them stretched out to air-dry. Don’t stow them back until they’ve dried completely.
You can also use Torque Detail’s Decon Soap to wash the wheels and tires of your RV. First, spray the wheel and tire with water to soften and dislodge some of the dirt. After that, dip a hard-bristle wheel brush or a wash mitt into your soap bucket and use it to scrub every square inch of the wheel and tire. Then, rinse the wheel and tire with plenty of water. To make the tires look even better, apply Torque Detail’s High-Gloss Tire Shine Spray, which brings out a deep, jet-black tire shine while also providing UV protection.
You may have missed a few spots when washing the exterior of your RV, especially in the areas where you used the long-handle brush. The surface runoff from the roof may also have left white drip lines on the sides of the RV. To remove the above and get rid of any water spots, it’s best to do the drying of your RV by hand.
>> Shop Mirror Shine - The RV'ers Wax <<
Torque Detail’s Mirror Shine is both a wax and a sealant. It has better protective qualities than the typical carnauba wax and is the best RV wax we can recommend. It brings out a deep, high-gloss shine while also applying a layer of protection to the RV’s surface. Applying Mirror Shine is easy - simply spray the product onto a section of the RV’s exterior, give it a minute to bond with the paint, and buff off any excess fluid using a clean microfiber towel. After that, move to another section of the RV and do the same. You can also use Mirror Shine on the windows and wheels of your RV.
Special care must be given to the rubber seals and gaskets that surround the doors, windows, and sliding sections. These rubber surfaces can dry up when left unprotected for extended periods, leading to cracks and tears. Torque Detail’s Plastic Restore can help to restore those rubber gaskets and seals. This product permeates deep into the rubber and changes its molecular structure, bringing it back to its original state.
Here are some of the things you need to keep in mind when washing your RV.
Just like regular cars, RVs leave the factory with a protective coating that helps to protect their surfaces from the elements and other contaminants. However, when continually exposed to the sun and elements without additional protection, this coat wears down quickly. Also, the longer you leave dirt and grime to collect on the surface of your RV, the quicker the protective coating wears down. When this protective coating wears off, your RV’s body is left vulnerable to water damage, rust, and oxidation, and you don’t want that! Washing and waxing your RV regularly will help to maintain that protective coating. The washing process gets rid of dirt and grime that may have burrowed into the coating, while the waxing replenishes the protective coating and leaves a high-gloss, long-lasting shine.
Waterless Detailers Are Great
Waterless detailers are worth considering, especially when you have a limited supply of water or are staying on camping grounds that don’t allow RV washing.
Torque Detail’s Turbo Waterless Detailer 5 Bottle Bundle is a fine example of a waterless detailer that you can use on your RV. It won’t dry out your RV’s protective coating and thanks to its anti-static properties, it repels dust and dirt. This waterless detailer is also infused with ceramic, so it leaves a high-gloss, hydrophobic, and long-lasting coating that helps to prevent scratches and UV ray damage.
When applying the Turbo Ceramic Waterless Detailer, just spray it on a section of your RV’s body and wait a few minutes for the detailer to encapsulate and lift the dirt from the surface. After that, use a clean, damp microfiber towel to wipe off the dirt and any excess detailer fluid from the surface. Finally, buff to a deep shine. If necessary, you can repeat this process to ensure you get all the dirt off the surface of the RV. After that, move to the next section of your RV’s exterior and repeat the process. Continue doing so until you’ve cleaned all the sides of the RV.
If it's going to be a while before you get to wash your RV, you shouldn’t wait to clean off the bug guts that have splattered across the front with the rest of the RV. Those bug guts are acidic, so they can eat into the RV’s protective coating. When you notice them on the RV’s front end, scrub them off using the recommended washing soap and a wash mitt.
Whether for a spontaneous escape from everyday life or an extended trip through Europe - the mobile home is becoming a second home for more and more people. So, cleanliness plays an important role here.
Admittedly, modern models require special care due to their complex structure. However, the “Wash Motorhome” project on your to-do list does not have to be complicated. This guide gives you valuable tips on everything to do with cleaning the exterior of your motorhome, caring for the interior and everything else you need to pay attention to.
Checklist: Clean your RV to perfection in 28 steps
From roof, window and awning to upholstery and water tank: In our free checklist we have put together the most important steps for making your motorhome sparkling clean.
Affordable RV cleaning solutionsDownload the HYMER checklist for cleaning your motorhome
Hymer motorhome in front of a carwash that is filled with other motorhomes
Three HYMER motorhomes next to each other in the car wash separated by walls
As for the pitch, you probably already know: Wild camping is not allowed. The guidelines for cleaning motorhomes are also based on this basic rule. Finally, chemicals can be rinsed off outside that pollute the environment or cause other problems.
In order to save yourself trouble, look for special washing areas for motorhomes. There you will also find the best conditions for a professional wash.
By the way ... Truck washes are not suitable for mobile homes. The brushes are too hard and could damage your vehicle. The same applies to the cleaning products used there, which are often too aggressive. Instead, head over to a special mobile home wash that will have the suitable mobile home cleaning products available
Regardless of whether stubborn dirt or rain streaks "adorn" your motorhome - before cleaning it is worthwhile forging a plan of action. The easiest way to do this is to first look at the exterior and then the interior.
Regardless of whether stubborn dirt or rain streaks "adorn" your motorhome - before cleaning it is worthwhile forging a plan of action. The easiest way to do this is to first look at the exterior and then the interior.
The following two paragraphs provide tips on the general procedure. Later we will explain each task in detail.
HYMER owner using a jet wash to thoroughly clean the HYMER CrossOver's studded tires in the wash hall.
Cleaning the outside of your RV - From top to bottom
For the exterior of the vehicle, this ideally means a top-down approach. The reason is quickly explained: as soon as you clean the roof of the motorhome, the dirty water flows off over the outside. It would therefore be pointless to clean them beforehand. The rims should therefore conclude the washing process from the outside.
Manual interior cleaning of the side windows in the HYMER motorhome with a special cleaning product
Once the outside of the motorhome has been cleaned, the interior follows. Here it is important to first remove the coarse dirt and then tackle the more difficult areas.
Start with thoroughly sweeping, vacuuming, and dusting, then pat out the upholstery and ventilate. Subsequently, the fine work on the taps, hob and dining area provides the finishing touches.
It is better not to wash or treat the vehicle in the blazing sun. Otherwise, certain influencing factors could cause colours to fade faster.
If you are washing your motorhome for the first time, many questions arise. Are water and a sponge enough? Or do you need special products that clean and seal the motorhome? One thing is clear right from the start: In order to avoid damage, you should actually use special products for specific parts of your motorhome.
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