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RV Detailing: Tips & Tricks

Keeping your RV looking good inside and out has always been a challenge for RVers. Either you use your RV all the time, so your cleaning needs are frequent and ongoing, or you use it occasionally for weekends or short trips and the cleaning goes in spurts.

Regardless of which RV group you fall into, there are quite a few things you can do to keep your RV looking its best – all the time!

EXTERIOR

• Most RV parks – especially the high-end ones – will either have an onsite RV detailing service, or can provide you with the number of a local service that visits a few times a week.  These services generally only do exterior detailing and charge anywhere from $5 – 8 per foot.  (Thus, if your RV is 35 foot, you can expect to pay $175 to $280.)  The service includes a thorough wash job from top to bottom, along with a complete wax using some of the best products on the market – i.e., those with Teflon that keep your RV looking cleaner longer.

• The one exterior task that you will probably need to do yourself between detailing is windows.  Keep a step ladder handy, grab a bottle of window cleaner, a roll of paper towels, and have at it.  (If the rest of your RV is still fairly clean, avoid using soap and water as this will just run onto the clean parts of the RV.)

• When it comes to keeping your awning looking good, the trick is to keep it dry.  Whenever possible, leave it unrolled – all the way.  If you find that it has gotten dirty or may have some mold forming, try spot cleaning the trouble areas.  Be sure to follow your manufacturer’s directions before pulling out the water/bleach combination.

A note about those black streaks which run down from the roof.  Consider installing a small plastic gutter.  These gutters are only about 1”, and very easy to install with just a ladder.  You simply remove the tape from the back and stick the gutter along the top edge of the RV roof.  Reminder: run a rag down the gutter occasionally to keep it clean.

INTERIOR

Interior detailing is another story.  It can be very difficult to find services that will clean the inside.  Therefore, you are somewhat on your own.  Here’s what you can do:

• Windows.  Keep a container of glass cleaner wipes on hand.  One wipe is more than enough to clean one individual window – if not 2.

• Countertops.  Again, keep a container of disinfecting wipes – possibly Lysol or the ones with orange cleaning power – available to wipe down the counter and table surfaces.  The ease of use and disposability make them ideal for great cleanups in a snap.  

• Sinks/Tubs.  Depending on the material that your sink or tub is made from, you need to be sure that you select a product that will not scratch the surface.  (This is especially true with shower walls.)  In general, warm/hot water and a mild detergent – such as Dawn (which cuts grease) works fine.  Use a sponge that DOES NOT have a scouring surface (as this will scratch). 

• Furniture.  Your 2 best friends are the lint roller and your vacuum.  Use them often.  If your RV has sat for a few months, try sprinkling a little bit of baking soda on the furniture, let it sit for 15 minutes, and then vacuum it up.  NOTE: Avoid cleaning your furniture with cleaning equipment that uses water unless recommended by the manufacturer.  Most RV upholstered furniture is not made like the furniture at home; thus, shooting water into it and then trying to vacuum it back out may end up causing the interior stuffing to mildew as it will never dry.

• Vinyl (or similar) Floors.  A mop and bucket is probably overkill unless you have a large surface area.  First, vacuum the service to get up all loose particles.  Then, you can either use a few wipes (from your windows or countertop stash), or a small sponge with a small amount of floor cleaning product on it (e.g., Pinesol).  Wash the area down, rinse (if the product leaves any type of residue), and wipe dry.  Most RVers find that spot cleaning their floors as spills occur is best since one little sticky spot will collect a lot of dirt in a short amount of time.

• Carpets.  Invest in a good, full-size vacuum.  Due to space limitations, too many RVers buy smaller, less powerful vacuums.  The vacuums only lift the top layers of dirt because they simply do not have the suction power.  If you want to make your carpet look better and last longer, find a way to keep a good quality vacuum with you.  In addition, you should clean your carpets regularly.  If you’re a full-timer, at least every 1-2 months; if you’re a part-time, each time you put the RV away.  (Be prepared to be shocked when you see the amount of dirt that comes up!)  Companies such as Hoover and Bissell have made steam cleaning equipment affordable and quite viable for the average consumer.  If you don’t already have one in your home, get one and then use it for your RV needs. 

One of the best interior items you can buy (and assuming you have room) is an air purifier.  There are all types, sizes, and kinds to select from.  Purchase one that does not require a filter but instead has a removable core that can be wiped clean.  You may find that this will cut your dust factor by 50% or more.

As is true with your home, neglect is the worst enemy.  By neglecting to regularly clean your RV, you will be throwing money away as the value drops over time.  So take a few minutes now and keep your investment in tip top shape!.....

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