Your RV serves you well on highways and in campsites, but it’s bound to collect some grime as you go. While your RV can take a beating, you should still take a weekend afternoon every so often to wash it off and shine it up to make sure there aren’t any concerns building up that could cause problems down the road. Mold and mildew are insidious and will do damage to you RV if they’re allowed to flourish, while salt from the roads can corrode metal. Tree sap from the forests is flammable so it’s best to clear it off your roof. Dirt can also collect on windows and glass, reducing your visibility as you drive. These are all great reasons to scrub your RV, and if you’re not sure where to start, Big Country RV has created this guide to the most pertinent washing practices to help you out.
Caring For Your Roof
Start at the top of your RV when you’re cleaning it. Small RVs will only require that you stand on a ladder to reach the rooftop. Larger RVs might require that you climb up onto the roof to wash it, which requires that you wear shoes with good grip in slippery conditions. Use a telescoping brush to push off any loose leaves and dirt. Gentle detergents like dish soap are effective for this process, although there are solutions available for rubber roofs that might work better if you have one of those. Clean your roof in small sections and rinse as you go so the soap doesn’t dry on the rooftop. Rinse the whole roof again when you’re done and squeegee it dry.
Pressure Washing
A pressure washer can provide you with a fast and effective way to get your RV sparkling clean. You’ll want to adjust the nozzle so the spray doesn’t damage your graphics or paint, though. Start at the top of the RV and make broad sweeping motions with the pressure washer about two feet wide, a foot and a half away from the surface. Don’t let the nozzle rest on one place for more than a few seconds to avoid taking off any decals. Use a brush or another manual cleaning method for stuck-on grime.
Cleaning Fiberglass, Enamel & Metal
Without a pressure washer, you can still get your RV clean with the same brush you used for the rooftop. A bucket of soapy water will be sufficient for this process, no matter what your RV is made of. Start at the top again and work in vertical columns down the sides, rinsing as you go to avoid the soap drying.
Detailing On Windows, Seals & Tires
Certain parts of your RV will require special attention. Buying automotive window cleaner will help to get your windows pristine for clear and unobstructed views. Depending on the type of tire rims you have, you should be able to find a cleaner suited to them, be it aluminum, chrome or steel. Your window, door and roof seals should be treated with a good sealant conditioner, and a lubricant on your slide-outs will ensure they function well. You can use some tire shine on your wheels after scrubbing off the dirt with your brush or pressure washer to get them gleaming, then admire your work!
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.