After a fun-filled RVing experience, you’ll want to thoroughly clean and disinfect your RV. Why? Prompt RV cleaning extends its life, helps retain its resale value, and keeps your RV in tip-top shape for more memorable adventures. Plus, post-trip RV cleaning lets you see any damage more easily to catch potential maintenance issues before they become costly problems.
The sooner you clean your RV after a road trip, the better. Here’s how to do it.
RV Detailing
Detailing the interior and exterior of your RV is worth the effort. Save time by outsourcing this to professionals. Or, save money detailing it yourself. Clean the RV inside and out after each trip.
What Do I Use to Clean My RV?
Around the campground and online, you’ll find many well-meaning opinions to this question. The answer is always:
“Use the manufacturer recommended cleaning products and guidelines to clean your RV.”
While your RV is durable, its construction materials react to different chemical properties. This is why using the proper cleaning supplies and techniques is essential to preventing damage to RV surfaces. Just because the appearance and consistency appear to match another surface you’re used to cleaning, they very well may not. Protect your investment and use the recommended cleaners designed for your specific RV components.
However, this doesn’t rule out money-saving DIY hacks and biodegradable alternatives. As long as the substitution is comparable to the manufacturer recommended cleaning products. So, the first step to thoroughly cleaning your RV is to read your RV’s instruction manual to find out the cleaners compatible with your specific RV components. If your RV has upgraded features and materials, you can also find specific cleaning information on the RV manufacturer’s website.
Can I Use a Pressure Washer on My RV?
Another popular question—and the answer is: “Possibly.”
Pressure washers can potentially damage your RV. High-pressure washing can ruin the sidewall gaskets, seals, paint finish, gel coat, or vinyl decals. It can even dent an aluminum sidewall. With these risks in mind, when using any hose with a sprayer attachment, only use a low-pressure setting at an angle and maintain a safe distance to reduce the possibility of damage and leaks. Always wash from the top down and avoid spraying water into any appliance vents.
Post-Trip RV Cleaning Checklist
Use the Post-Trip RV Cleaning Checklist below after every road trip to make sure you clean and disinfect all areas of your RV.
If you RV as a family, post-trip RV cleaning offers an excellent teaching opportunity in responsible ownership. Teach your family that RV cleaning is simply part of the trip. Easily include everyone in the post-trip cleanup effort by dividing this checklist into manageable assignments for each family member. You can even amp up the fun with a friendly competition! Award points for cleaning quality instead of speed.
Clean RV Tanks
It’s easier to empty your RV holding tanks or portable waste tank before leaving the campsite.
- Dump and flush your holding tanks—black tank first, then the grey water. After emptying the black tank, if your RV is equipped with one use your RV’s black tank flush system or use an RV black water tank cleaning wand. Optional: use a sewer hose rinse cap after emptying the holding tanks.
- Keeping your black and greywater tanks clean will keep your tank sensors working well and also help minimize odors. Consider using a tank sensor cleaner to remove unseen residue build-up on the inside of your black tank.
- Verify your sewage hose storage space is clean and free of bio build-up just in case.
- If your RV is equipped with a cassette toilet, check the housing area of the portable waste tank for water accumulation. Any water from rinse-off and flushing overrun can pool at the bottom of the housing area.
- Empty and clean your potable freshwater tank—this is essential. Avoid bacterial growth inside your freshwater tank. It’s easier to clean the freshwater tank at home so that you can allow the cleaning solution to work overnight. While fully sanitizing your freshwater tank is recommended every 6 months for seasonal RVers, you can fully sanitize it more frequently to suit your preferences and RV lifestyle.
Thoroughly Wash RV Exterior
As you clean, pay close attention for any uncovered damage to seals and fabrics. Also, take note of any soot around the exterior appliance vents for the furnace and water heater.
- Wash the RV exterior—roof, sidewalls, awnings, slide toppers, windows, tires, rims. Don’t let road grime or love bugs bake on your camper. Make sure to use compatible cleaning products.
- Wash propane tanks if they are not enclosed to see whether protective repainting is needed.
- To avoid mildew, allow awnings and toppers to dry completely before rolling up.
- Give your RV tires and rims some TLC, and if needed, conditioning.
- If this is your first road trip of the season, consider waxing your RV exterior. Proper care of your RV roof includes gentle cleaning a couple of times a year.
Disinfect RV Interior and Appliances
Cleaning and disinfecting go hand-in-hand. Cleaning removes germs, dirt, grease, and grime. Disinfecting kills germs.
- For “soft” porous surfaces, vacuum visible debris and launder using a CDC-approved disinfectant on the hottest water setting available per the fabric care instructions.
- For hard surfaces, clean the dirty surface before disinfecting with a CDC-approved disinfectant.
Clean RV from Top to Bottom
Save time by cleaning from the top-down so you can sweep up anything that falls.
- Open windows and vents to air out your RV while cleaning. Open closets and cupboard doors as well.
- Dust or vacuum ceiling vents and exhaust fans, as well as heating and AC vents. Check for cobwebs and bugs.
- Dust entertainment system electronics.
- Spot-clean splash zone areas: upholstery, window coverings, walls, and ceilings. Leave window shades open to mitigate moisture accumulation.
- Unpack food items. Clean inside and outside of the refrigerator, stovetop, oven, and microwave. Wipe down kitchen backsplash, pantry, countertops, and tables.
- Check sink drains and clear any food. Clean the dishwasher and garbage disposal if equipped.
- In motorhomes, wipe down cupholders, steering wheel, vents, and dashboard. Apply vinyl/leather protectant where applicable.
- Tackle bathroom drains and remove soap/shower residue. Clean condensation on water pipes under counterspace.
- Clean toilets—inside, around the outside, and behind the toilet.
- Clean camping furniture, outdoor patio mats, or grills to prevent mold and rust.
- Launder linens and clean mattresses and under beds to prevent bed bugs and dust mites.
- Rinse trash cans and wipe down trash collection areas.
- Vacuum crumb-catching areas: couches, seat cushions, floors, and carpets.
Combat Odors, Mold, and Mildew
This terrible trio is caused by bacteria and fungi that prefer moist environments, especially high humidity.
- Absorb odors by using a deodorizer, baking powder, or eco-friendly charcoal packets.
- Use dehumidifiers to remove moisture and prevent mildew/mold.
- Leave window shades open to mitigate moisture build-up.
- Ensure awnings and toppers are completely dry before closing and latching securely..
RV Cleaning Service
Disinfecting your RV after a trip is important. If saving time has even greater importance to you, then schedule an RV Spa appointment with your nearest Camping World Service Center. Trained service professionals can wash, wax, remove oxidation, and completely clean your RV interior, including carpets.
Did we miss anything? What are your RV cleaning tips? Tell us in the comments below.
