Whether you make sporadic trips in your motorhome or camper van or if you use it more regularly, in addition to the daily routine of order and maintenance, from time to time it is time to do a thorough cleaning both inside and out.
This is especially important after long trips or when you will be without using your home on wheels for a long time. This way you will avoid bad odors, the dreaded appearance of insects or mold and it will always be impeccable and ready for adventure when you need it. In addition, it will remain in optimal condition for longer.
Depending on its size and equipment, deep cleaning your motorhome may seem like a daunting task, but nothing could be further from it: you just have to organize yourself and use the right products. Here is a small guide that will help you every time you need it.
Although there are companies specialized in cleaning and disinfecting motorhomes and campers, if you prefer to do it yourself, the first thing is to find the ideal place to do it. Try to avoid truck wash areas, as typically the brushes and products you can find here may be too harsh for your RV.
With the various mobile applications that exist, you can locate service or washing areas for motorhomes near you that have specific drains for emptying gray and black water tanks. Once there, never stand in full sun to avoid damage to the bodywork and always follow this maxim: clean the exterior first (from top to bottom) and then the interior.
The first thing will be the roof, which is an area especially exposed to dirt (resin, pollen, rain marks, etc.) so be especially careful if you have solar panels. Make sure you know the material you are going to clean to choose the right product, because while corrugated sheet will not cause problems, other materials are a little more delicate.
Continue with the sides and use a soft-bristle brush to clean as carefully as possible. Using a normal hose instead of a pressurized one will be the best choice to protect your motorhome from unwanted scratches. If you work with a steam cleaner, you will need to be patient for more stubborn dirt.
Pay special attention to elements such as the reversing camera, as well as the front windshield. Clean this glass as you would any window at home, drying well to avoid reflections. You will not only ensure more clarity inside, but also greater security. Be careful: if there are many insects stuck, it is better to let the product act for a while before removing.
If you have acrylic side windows, it is important that you use special cleaners for this material, instead of common glass cleaning products, as these can cause the plastic to yellow, dry out and end up cracking.
The next thing to clean will be the exterior awning: use plenty of water and do not overdo it with the product, but never pick it up if it has not dried completely to avoid the formation of mold. As soon as you clean the awning, check its functionality.
Dirt accumulates especially in the wheel arches. After cleaning well with the help of a brush, which can be medium, if you identify any damage, it is better to repair it as soon as possible and prevent oxidation. Continue with the tires and rims and finish by carefully checking the joints and hinges with the help of a small brush.
Once the exterior has been cleaned, it is time to get to work with the cabin, although here the specific steps to follow will be determined by the configuration and equipment of our motorhome or camper. But if it is important outside, inside it is essential to use specific products for the materials of our furniture and fabrics.
If we want materials like wood to last a long time, they will never be cleaned in the same way as plastics, nor are cotton textiles cared for like leather or synthetic ones. Once you are clear about what you need, start by taking the mattresses, cushions (and rugs if you have them) outside to shake them well and wash them, clear the area to be cleaned and use it to ventilate.
You can now sweep, vacuum and dust more comfortably. But be careful: never replace textiles such as bedding or curtains until they have dried completely. Then we will focus on the kitchen area and the refrigerator, which must be left empty and well disinfected. Take the opportunity to empty and organize storage spaces such as closets and drawers, and in the process you can check that everything is in its place for the next trip.
Continue with the floors and don't forget to keep the entrance step clean: this simple gesture will prevent grit or dirt from the outside from sneaking in and damaging the floor. Finally, clean the rubber on doors, gates, windows and/or skylights so that they continue to fulfill their function.
Don't forget to keep the clean, gray and black water tanks clean after use, especially these last two. You should never let them fill completely and they should always be emptied in a specific place for this purpose, because in addition to risking a large fine if you do not do so, they are highly polluting for the environment.
