Keep reading for our tips on keeping the interior and exterior of your RV clean!
How to Clean Your RV: Start With the Interior
Before you get started, make sure you have all of the cleaners and tools you’ll need on hand. That includes:
- Multipurpose cleaner
- Glass cleaner
- Floor cleaner
- Baking soda
- Magic sponges
- Gloves
- Vacuum with attachments
- Rags and/or paper towels
- Trash bags
- Sponges
- Stepstool
- Water hose
Always work from the top down, so start with the ceiling. Get rid of any cobwebs and vacuum the vents, fans, and screens. Keep an eye out for any strange bubbling that could indicate a leak, and check or change the filters on your heater/air conditioner while you’re at it.
Next, tackle the bedrooms. Clean the windows of dirt and grime and wipe down the walls. Vacuum the floors and the closets and clean the mirrors, too. This is also a good time to remove any bedding and wash it so it’s ready to go on the next trip.
The bathroom is next. Wipe down the walls, then clean the toilet. Use the hose to spray down the tanks and add a tank treatment tab to clean the tanks from the inside. You’ll need to flush them with water afterward.
Now it’s time for the kitchen. Start with the upper cabinets—they get dirty and dusty faster than you might think. Then, throw out any old or expired food and wipe out the cabinets and drawers. Clean the outside and inside of the microwave, the stovetop, and the oven. Then wipe down the sink, the walls, and the countertops. Leave a box of baking soda in the freezer and the fridge to absorb any odors, and you’re done!
Finally, hit the living area. Wipe down the walls and the windows. Dust and wipe down any cabinets and tables. Vacuum underneath the table and dust everything else.
How to Clean Your RV: Finish With the Exterior
You’ll need more cleaning equipment to get the exterior of your RV sparkling, so make sure you have the following on hand:
- RV roof cleaner
- Awning cleaner
- Black streak remover
- Wash and wax
- Soft-bristle brush
- Stiff-bristle brush
- Long-handle brush pole
- Sponges
- Buckets
- Water hose with spray nozzle
It’s especially important to use the top-down cleaning method on the exterior of your RV. So, start by hosing everything off to get rid of loose debris. Then, go up to the roof with your roof cleaner and a long-handled brush and get to scrubbing. Once it’s thoroughly cleaned, rinse it off with your hose and spray nozzle.
Next, fill the bucket with water and your wash-and-wax, then start scrubbing the exterior walls. If you encounter any hard-to-remove stains, use the black streak remover. Use your brushes to get into any hard-to-reach nooks and crannies, then give everything a final rinse for a clean finish.
The awning is next. Unfurl it, but don’t set up the legs. You want it to hang flat against the wall of the RV so you can scrub it. Once you’ve done that, give it a good rinse, then put up the legs so you can rinse the underside, as well.
Next, clean the tires and rims. Watch out for any signs of wear, such as splits, cracks, and weatherization. Check the tongue and hitch, too.
Finally, clean the windows. Some spray cleaner and paper towels are all you should need—plus a stepstool.
Your RV Is Clean!
Now that the hard part is done, you can get to enjoying your RV! Plan your next adventure and know that your RV is going to look good when you hit the road. If you’re thinking about taking a trip to New Mexico, consider staying at the Los Suenos de Santa Fe RV Park. We’re close to downtown Santa Fe and offer a variety of amenities to make your stay comfortable.