RV Cleaning Tips

Your camper manages to turn every camping trip into a memorable experience, but sometimes it’s nice to have it look as good as it feels. Keeping the exterior clean can help you feel proud of your RV on the road, and can even prevent damage. We want to help you enjoy your camper to the fullest and keep it safe, so we’ve put together a few tips on how to clean your rig in this brief guide.

Gather the Supplies

Before you start cleaning, it’s vital to collect the correct supplies in one place. Check your RV’s owner’s manual to see if the manufacturer recommends any specific brands or products. If not, or if you can’t find the manual, a gentle detergent or car soap can be useful. You’ll also want to have a steady supply of water, soft bristle brushes with a telescoping handle, and potentially a power washer.

Power washers should be used cautiously, however. Never keep it aimed at the same part of the RV for long, as this can damage the finish, paint, and various seals. Keep the spray away from any ventilation, glass, or doors.

Washing the Roof

Throughout the cleaning process, you’re going to want to scrub small parts of the exterior and rinse as you go. This method may be slower, but it keeps soap scum from drying onto your RV and undoing all your hard work.

You always want to clean from the top down, so start with the roof of your camper. Sweep off any built-up debris like leaves and twigs, then soak it and scrub away. Be careful not to let water sit up there for too long, and ensure the roof is fully dry before you move on.

There are also two main types of camper roofs – rubber and fiberglass. Rubber roofs will require rubber cleaning supplies, and should never have sealants applied to them. Fiberglass roofs are more durable and can handle any automotive cleaning supplies.

Clean the Sides

Using the same technique we mentioned earlier, scrub and rinse sections of the sides one at a time, working your way down the RV’s height as you go. This keeps dirty water and soap scum from leaking onto parts you’ve already cleaned.

Other Parts

So long as your awning isn’t too dirty, a simple rinse should get it looking fresh. Just make sure not to scrub them too hard, as this can actually remove layers of protection. Gaskets and seals will require special care, so make sure to spray them annually with a silicone-based spray to keep them from drying out and cracking.

We hope that these tips help you get your RV looking like new! For more information, or to check out the campers we have got in stock, contact us at Sterling Trailer Sales in Dunmore, AB. We proudly serve all those in Medicine Hat, Lethbridge, and Brooks.