Thinking about cleaning your RV?
It may not be spring just yet, but with a new year upon us, there’s no time like the present to give your RV a good sprucing up.
After all, with the weather outside being, well, frightful, this might be the time of year to take advantage of some down time on your RV (of course, in our humble opinions, no time of the year should be down time for your RV).
That said, if you’re looking to give your RV a good cleaning, we’ve got a few tips to help you along the way. After all, there’s no place like your RV – when it’s clean and ready to hit the open road!
Get the right materials.
What’s in a cleaner, you ask? Well, when it comes to the longevity of your RV and the quality of your cleaning job, the answer could be “a whole lot.” When you’re choosing what to clean your RV with, be sure to select cleaners that are non-toxic and biodegradable.
OF course, that doesn’t mean you need to break the bank at your neighborhood store. RV’s soak up copious amounts of cleaning products, so purchase those that are inexpensive and that you can buy in large jugs. And don’t go crazy with variety.
Rather than purchasing a zillion different cleaners for very specific jobs, find those that work for any number of cleaning jobs – from degreasing your RV range to wiping down windowsills and countertops. Be sure you don’t use cleaners that could irritate your eyes, lungs or leave a noxious odor – remember you’ll be working in enclosed quarters while cleaning your RV.
Let it breathe.
Have you ever started a good house-cleaning session by opening all your doors and windows? The same idea applies when you’re giving your RV a good cleaning.
No matter how big your RV is, it’s still a confined space, so it’s a good idea to let all that stagnant air escape and (literally) breathe new air into the vehicle. Keep the windows and doors open as you clean to make sure cleaners and chemicals aren’t getting trapped inside.
Take the vents first.
Cleaning the vents in your RV can make a mess, so tackle that first. Remove the screens and wash them down with a hose, then use an antibacterial cleansing wipe to clean the inside of the vent.
Don’t forget to wipe down the vent cover as well. While you’re in there, check to make sure the vent is in good working order (two birds with one stone!).
When cleaning your RV, go from the top down.

You started by cleaning the vents, so keep your top-down approach when cleaning your RV. Start with the ceilings – usually just a quick wipe down, but make sure to scour the corners for any cobwebs or other unappealing findings. While you’re working on the ceiling, make sure you pay close attention to any discoloration, which could be a sign of water damage.
Be strategic about the bathrooms.
No one likes to clean bathrooms, but in your RV, it’s essential to do it right. It doesn’t have to be rocket science – use an antibacterial wipe to clean the toilet and shower, then move on to the nitty gritty – the black tank.
For this, try using your garden hose to spray the tank. For best results, hook a swivel stick or other attachment to your hose to help you get rid of stuck-on crud.
Use all those vacuum attachments while cleaning your RV.
Never use all those crazy vacuum attachments in your home? Well, when you’re cleaning the RV, it’s time to finally make use of those. Those small brushes are perfect for getting into the corners of your RV floor and cleaning under cabinets and behind furniture.
You can even use the vacuum on windowsills and inside cabinets before wiping them down with an antibacterial cloth.
Ready to give your RV some much-needed love this winter? Now’s the time; get to cleaning your RV!
This information is for educational purposes. VIARV shall not be responsible nor retain liability for RVer’s use of the provided information. Prior to making any RV service decision, you are advised to consult with an RV professional.
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