It’s amazing how dirty the RV gets after hitting the road, traveling through different weather conditions, parked at campgrounds and RV parks. To ensure your RV will give you many years of enjoyment, it’s important to keep it clean and inspect any repairs that might be needed during the cleaning. To make it easy for you, we’ve put together some cleaning tips to get your RV ready for the next adventure.
1 – Ceilings: Starting with a simple wipe down or use your vacuum attachment to remove any dust that may have accumulated in the vents or fans. Also, check if the vents and the filter of your air conditioner need to be cleaned.
2 – Windows: First, remove the curtains, then use a damp washcloth to clean your RV windows. There are many good window cleaning products available, but check your RV manufacturer’s information before using it to avoid possible damages.
Curtains and draperies: Some can be washed in a clothes washer, and others can be brushed and vacuumed to remove most dust and grime (always check the label).
Vacuum an upholstered valance with the upholstery attachment and a wooden valance with the crevice tool. Clean a plastic valance with a sponge dipped in a solution of liquid detergent and water.
Blinds: Use your vacuum attachment to remove dust. Wipe the blinds with a cloth dampened with soapy water to get rid of stubborn dust or residue.
3 – Bedroom: Sprinkle baking soda on the mattress and use a scrub brush to gently rub the powder into the mattress. Leave it for several hours, and scoop it up with the vacuum cleaner. The baking soda will eliminate odors by soaking all the dirt and moisture.
To remove dirt and dust, wash your sheets, pillowcases, comforters, and duvets (check the label for care instructions before washing).
Cushions: Use a vacuum attachment or wash them (if there are removable cushion covers).
Give your closet a good wipe down, and get rid of the dust on any shelves.
4 – Kitchen: Before wiping down the interior of your cabinet, use a vacuum attachment to remove any crumbs and residues. Wash the interior of the cabinets with warm water and a mild detergent. Rinse with another clean damp cloth, and wipe dry to make sure no standing water is left to damage the cabinet surfaces. For the exterior cleaning, you can use a washcloth dampened with soapy water, also, an all-purpose cleaner but it’s important to follow the manufacturer instructions to make sure that it won’t damage your cabinet’s finish. A damp cloth with soapy water followed by a dry cloth can also be used to clean microwave, fridge, countertops, tables, hardwood doors, the kitchen walls. Give your stovetop, inside the oven, and to the sink area a good scrub. Check for a protectant/cleaner product specified for your RV.
Pay attention to discolored wood or wallpaper, anything that might show a sign of water damage.
5 – Living area and upholstery: Wipe down the living room walls, light fixtures, cabinets, coffee table, and entertainment system. For your TV, never use an abrasive cloth or cleaner on the screen and don’t apply too much pressure when cleaning, either. Gently wipe it with a dry, soft cloth. Dampen the cloth in the cleaning solution with ½ cup of water (distilled is better) and ½ cup of isopropyl alcohol 70% (you can substitute it for the white vinegar, but it may leave streaks behind). Then wipe dry to remove any excess of solution.
Give your mirrors a quick wipe with no streak cleaning spray. Dust and clean all art and photographs, but be careful! To protect them from damage, never spray cleaner or water onto the frame, instead, use a bit damp clean cloth to wipe the frame and glass.
Use a hand vacuum (or the brush attachment) to clean dirt from the upholstery surfaces. Check the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions before using vinyl or leather products to remove stains or freshen up your vehicle upholstery. Don’t forget your couch crevices where pet hair, food crumbs, and dirt accumulate.
6 – Bathroom: Wipe down walls, glass, mirrors, cabinets, countertops, sink, and shower (or tub). Avoid harsh chemicals or sprays. Instead, use a mild solution of vinegar and water to get rid of stubborn scum and water spots. 50:50 vinegar and water solution is an efficient option for cleaning walls, glass, and other surfaces. Also, there are great RV products for the surfaces of the bathroom. Check the manufacturer’s information to select the right one. Give your toilet a good scrub with a specific RV toilet cleaner and use disinfecting wipes to wipe down the toilet seat or other surfaces. Next, clean and sanitize your holding tanks.
Broom away the dirt, then mop or wipe down the floor using a safe diluted floor cleaner.
Note: Use RV friendly toilet paper to avoid clogging up your sewage system or tank.
7 – Flooring: Vacuum or sweep the floor, then mop using water and a mild cleaner (Do not soak the flooring!). If your carpets and rugs are heavily soiled, better call a professional, otherwise, you can simply vacuum to get rid of dirt and dust (use an attachment to clean hard to reach areas), then sprinkle carpets with a little baking soda to eliminate any unpleasant odors and let it sit for a few hours. After that, just vacuum up the baking soda and your carpet will be fresh and looking clean.
Air out your home on wheels by opening all the windows and bring in the fresh air. This will allow the carpets to air dry and help to eliminate the odors as well.
That’s it! You’re done! 😉