Questioning clear your motorhome or campervan and what the perfect motorhome cleansing merchandise are to get the motorhome to shine once more? Even worse- how do you clear your motorhome roof!?! Right here’s all the pieces it is advisable know.
Don’t overlook to seize your FREE motorhome upkeep guidelines beneath to assist.
*We work exhausting to make this the perfect motorhome weblog and highway journey web site attainable, stuffed with useful content material for you. The web site is supported by our readers, so if you happen to purchase by means of hyperlinks on this website we might earn a commission- at no additional price to you. All opinions stay our personal.
If you happen to discover this put up helpful, you can even deal with us to a espresso on the backside of this page- we promise to get pleasure from it whereas creating extra helpful content material like this- we’d even take pleasure in a biscuit (or two!)
Motorhome Cleansing- getting began
Let’s be real- most of us know clear. We’re completely able to cleansing our homes, automobiles, garments and many others.
However cleansing a motorhome, campervan or caravan for the primary time (or the second, third, fiftieth time) could be daunting- you don’t wish to use any cleansing product which could trigger harm or a response.
Or stress wash it if you happen to’re not alleged to(!!) Or use the mistaken cleansing brush and scratch that costly hunk of plastic.
The opposite irritating half is while you spend HOURS cleansing your motorhome… after which two days later the dreaded black streaks are again. It’s irritating.
The excellent news is, when you’ve discovered a motorhome cleansing system and merchandise which works for you, you’re set for some time (till the subsequent motorhome present not less than, while you’ll uncover a NEW miracle motorhome cleaner!)
What’s the perfect motorhome cleaner for the surface of a motorhome?
It goes with out saying that there isn’t a one BEST motorhome cleaner, whether or not for the surface, inside or roof of your motorhome. However there are merchandise now we have used, love and belief.
We additionally requested this query within the Wandering Fowl Motorhome Fb group (which you’re greater than welcome to affix) and will probably be sharing the outcomes of that right here too.
So, let’s dive in to the perfect motorhome cleansing merchandise. In fact, there are completely different merchandise you’ll want for various jobs. We’re going to cowl the perfect merchandise for
- Eliminating black streaks in your motorhome
- Cleansing home windows and sealants in your van
- Cleansing the motorhome roof
- Greatest motorhome cleansing brushes and cloths
- Stress washing your motorhome (and do you have to!)
- Different frequent questions and suggestions to assist.
In a rush? Listed below are a number of of our favorite motorhome cleansing merchandise
Motorhome Cleansing Package- belongings you’ll want to scrub your motorhome
Right here’s an inventory of the package we suggest having to scrub your motorhome or campervan:
The place to scrub your motorhome
One other factor to contemplate is entry to water. If you happen to’re at cleansing your motorhome or camper at residence, then you definitely’re prone to have an excellent provide of water.
Nonetheless, in case your motorhome is in storage, it’s very seemingly that you simply received’t have entry to a faucet and the principles for the storage might nicely prohibit cleansing your automobile there.
In that case, your best possibility is to discover a motorhome cleansing station close to you, maybe at an area storage.
CAUTION: I wouldn’t suggest utilizing a ‘drive-through’ automobile cleansing place. The general public who work there do not know concerning the weak areas on motorhomes, campervans or caravans and can most likely trigger a number of harm once they purpose their stress washer at your van. (We’ll talk about stress washing later on this put up) You’re higher off cleansing your individual van or hiring a specialist firm to do it for you (ask me how I do know!!)
Greatest Basic Motorhome cleaner
To get began, you’ll want a basic motorhome cleansing product. There are a lot of available on the market, however a number of that are persistently really useful as giving nice outcomes.
These are:
Dirtbusters Premium Caravan Motorhome Wash And Wax– creates a foamy ‘pre-wash’ which additionally has a wax to assist with black streaks forming.
Different extremely really useful motorhome cleansing merchandise embody:
Why are there black streaks on my motorhome, campervan or caravan?
Ah, the dreaded black streaks. You KNOW they weren’t there while you cleaned your motorhome earlier than storing it for the winter, however while you arrive again, there they’re.
Black streaks are typically discovered beneath home windows, doorways and vents and are brought on by two causes. The primary is simple- dust/ algae. Above the home windows and doorways in your motorhome, you’ll discover tiny gutters which gather water and dust.
Over time, (particularly in winter), this dust overflows the gutters and runs down the facet of your van.
The second cause for black streaks (and the most typical one) is the deterioration of rubber seals.
Because the seals in home windows, doorways and vents break down as a consequence of time, UV harm, temperature adjustments and publicity to the weather, bits break off and trigger black streaks as they run down the surface of your motorhome or camper.
These streaks additionally appeal to and gather different dirt- so by the point you come to scrub it, it’s all a little bit of a multitude.
TOP TIP: The cleaner you retain your motorhome, the simpler it’s to scrub black streaks off sooner or later. Utilizing a protecting aftercoat may also assist.
Greatest black streak remover for motorhomes, campervans and caravans
So, how do you eliminate these streaks?
Among the finest merchandise is Fenwicks Black Streak cleaner– created particularly to take away cussed streaks and algae out of your caravan or motorhome surfaces.
Different notable merchandise utilized by us and members of our group embody:
The way to forestall/ cease black streaks in your motorhome, campervan or caravan
Prevention is all the time higher than treatment, though it’s unlikely you’ll be capable to cease the black streaks utterly. Nonetheless, if you wish to restrict them, there are a few suggestions you possibly can attempt:
- Clear the window seals after which lubricate them with silicone. A product like Silky (in a bathtub) could be wiped on with a gentle fabric and is best than a silicone spray
- Get a extremely good wax coat on the motorhome – so the streaks simply wipe off with little or no effort.
- Be sure you clear from high to backside to keep away from any additional dust being washed down.
Greatest Motorhome Sealant Cleaner
It’s frequent on boats to place a silicone coating over rubber seals, to cease the degradation. Seems, it really works on motorhomes too! You’ll be able to clear the seals with any silicone pleasant cleaner, after which rub a skinny coating excessive (normally with a gentle, damp cloth- learn the directions in your chosen product to make certain).
Be sure the fabric you utilize is clear and free from dust or bits which may harm the seal- tearing it’s not going to assist!
As talked about above, the one mostly used is definitely a ship product known as Silky, which is a non-abrasive cleaner.
The way to clear motorhome home windows (with out scratching them!)
You’ll be happy to know that cleansing motorhome or campervan home windows is pretty simple.
Simply keep in mind that you most likely have a mix of glass (within the cab) and plastic home windows (within the habitation space). So that you’ll want to make use of the appropraite merchandise.
Need extra suggestions for motorhome life?
Listed below are some extra concepts you would possibly discover helpful:
Need FREE checklists, eBooks and extra suggestions to assist? Go to our useful resource web page
The way to clear glass home windows
Comply with me for any size of time on Youtube and also you’ll see me raving about our Karcher window cleaner. I LOVE it. L.O.V.E it. We use it almost day-after-day within the van. You’ll be able to clear the within and out of doors of your automobile home windows inside about 5 minutes.
It’s additionally an excellent little bit of package for eliminating condensation within the mornings (see extra suggestions for getting rid and stopping condensation in your motorhome right here)
Different merchandise to scrub glass home windows embody:
As soon as we’ve cleaned the cab home windows, we use a small quantity of Rainex on the windscreen, mirrors and likewise rearview camera- it makes an enormous distinction subsequent time you’re driving in heavy rain.
The way to wash plastic motorhome home windows safely
The factor to recollect is that if you happen to use cleaners meant for glass home windows, basic plastic or furnishings, over time your home windows will begin to degrade (and would possibly even craze). To keep away from that, use an acceptable cleaner for acrylic home windows.
Additionally, acrylic is straightforward to scratch, so use a humid, gentle fabric. By no means use a fabric beforehand used to scrub different things- the dust or chemical residue on the fabric might harm or scratch the acrylic.
- Wash the home windows with heat water if attainable
- Use a generic cleaner (NOT washing up liquid) to take away floor dust
- Comply with with a correct acrylic cleaner
Greatest motorhome window cleaner
The very best product we’ve discovered for cleansing all sorts of window in your motorhome or campervan is AutoGlym Quick Glass.
Greatest Motorhome Cleansing cloths
That is pretty much as good a spot as any to speak about motorhome cleansing cloths. We now have a set of microfibre cloths we use only for the surface of the motorhome- it additionally features a glass cleansing fabric for mirrors.
You’ll be able to spend quite a bit or a bit of bit of cash on cloths. Personally, we don’t spend quite a bit and we are likely to get a brand new set annually, however we do attempt to purchase the most important ones we can- much less washing/ wringing that approach!
Additionally, sponges are effective for the primary time, however they’re tougher to clean out and might maintain bits of dust inside, which may scratch your home windows or paintwork. So cloths or a mitt are higher.
Listed below are some choices for you:
Motorhome Roof Cleansing
Okay, let’s discuss clear a motorhome or campervan roof. Clearly, the very first thing you’re going to want is a approach of getting UP to the roof. That is the place having an extendable ladder and an extendable brush is available in.
Personally, we use both- a ladder so we will see what we’re doing (and keep away from extreme pressure towards delicate elements of the roof, like our motorhome wifi antenna), after which an extendable brush so we don’t must maintain transferring all over.
Greatest Extendable Motorhome Cleansing Brush
You need one thing with pretty gentle bristles or a sponge/ mop head. Keep in mind, you’ll not be utilizing this on the home windows.
I believe we bought ours from a caravan store, however listed here are a few very related ones.
Are you able to stroll on a motorhome roof?
Unlikely. In fact, some have been bolstered, however most motorhomes and campers are usually not designed to take the load of a traditional particular person. So that you’re going to want one other strategy to getting up there, like a ladder.
The most secure possibility is a step ladder or some type of stable scaffolding- you would possibly even be capable to discover one at a storage or native cleansing station. Some individuals are joyful climbing out of a skylight and standing on their mattress. Alternatively, you’ll want an extendable ladder.
Don’t overlook you want a ladder at or barely taller than the peak of your motorhome- because it received’t be flush up towards it. So in case your motorhome is 3m excessive, ideally get a ladder not less than 3.5m tall.
You may not climb all the way in which to the highest, however will probably be a bit of extra steady for you. Alternatively, some individuals have a completely fitted ladder to the again of their van.
The way to clear round motorhome photo voltaic panels
If in case you have photo voltaic panels on the roof of your motorhome, you’ll seemingly discover a lot of muck across the edges and beneath. You need to use a flat pad (corresponding to these designed for cleansing behind radiators) to scrub beneath it if it’s not flush to the roof.
Be VERY cautious with any seals and cables- water will get into any cracks. Having stated that, don’t be too stingy together with your water- not utilizing sufficient will cease issues getting clear.
The way to clear motorhome wheels
The ultimate half is cleansing your motorhome wheels. You must take away dust, grease and different build-up (like salt from the roads), however watch out to make use of an acceptable cleaner to keep away from harm to brakes. You will get merchandise which clear the wheel and tyre which save time (yay!)
Motorhome cleaner for wheels and tyres
Autoglym do an entire wheel cleansing package:
There are additionally:
The way to get a motorhome to shine once more
And at last, now your motorhome is all clear once more, how do you get it to shine?
By making use of a wax or ending product. Sure, this takes longer and YES- you’ll have had sufficient by now, however this additional step will prevent effort and time the subsequent time you come to scrub the beast. It additionally makes black streaks simpler to wipe off in-between cleanings.
Greatest motorhome wax or ending merchandise
There are a few merchandise that are extremely really useful.
Fenwick’s Bobby Dazzler is designed as an after wash protecting resolution on your caravan, motorhome or camper. It gives a protecting coating that’s repellent towards water, dust and algae, whereas making your motorhome shine once more.
Dirtbusters Premium Caravan Motorhome Wash And Wax is each a basic motorhome cleaner and has a wax inbuilt.
For additional safety over winter, attempt Fenwick’s Wintering Protector. This offers a protecting coating to your motorhome or caravan over the winter months, defending towards dust, algae development and black streaks.
Step-by-step information to motorhome cleansing outdoors
So, having spoken about all of the elements to cleansing your motorhome or camper, right here’s a run-through of the details once more.
TOP TIPS: Begin on the top- with the roof. That approach, all of the streaks and trickles from the roof received’t destroy all of your exhausting work. Additionally, attempt to choose an overcast however not windy or wet day- so your van received’t dry with streaks. If you happen to can’t do that, utterly wash, rinse and end one facet earlier than beginning one other. Lastly, rinse cloths in clear water repeatedly to take away dust.
- Begin up on the roof, put up your ladder (you need to use pipe lagging or insulation to cease it marking your motorhome and stop slippage.) Ideally, get somebody to carry the bottom for you.
- Rinse down- utilizing a delicate scrub to loosen dust. Heat water is nicer for you however isn’t the tip of the world if you happen to can’t get any.
- Apply your motorhome basic cleaner to your brush, begin at one finish or one facet and work in clean strokes throughout the roof. You wish to apply some stress to elevate the dust and marks.
- Don’t attempt to attain too far, in case you overbalance. Maintain transferring the ladder as wanted.
- Rinse down- utilizing a hose or buckets. Once more, heat water is best is feasible.
- Clear once more round photo voltaic panels or obstacles, as soiled water and dirt may have gotten caught there after the primary rinse-down.
- If in case you have an awning, be sure to clear the highest and sides of this too
- Repeat the method on the edges. Rinse down, then apply a basic cleaner to every panel with a gentle brush, microfibre fabric or mitt. Let the cleaner relaxation for as much as 10 minutes earlier than cleansing off with one other mop, brush or sponge.
- If in case you have a motorhome storage field on the again, be certain it’s closed- or take away it utterly.
- Clear the windows- each cab and hab. Use a sponge or mitt to initially wash, then clear off with a microfibre fabric. Use a glass cleaner so as to add shine, and add Rainex.
- Dry- utilizing a microfibre fabric. Get the most important one you presumably can! You’ll be able to let it dry naturally, however it dangers leaving streaks
- Clear the wheels- watch out to make use of an acceptable cleaner to keep away from harm to brakes.
- When you’ve utilized wheel cleaner, use a wheel brush to eliminate dust between the spokes, then rinse
- Lastly, apply polish or ending wax for shine and to make future cleanings simpler. Apply it utilizing a flat mop or fabric. You can too add an overwintering spray to assist repel dust and algae
Are you able to stress wash a motorhome?
Sure- with warning. We’ve used a stress washer many time on our motorhome- particularly if we’ve gone to a motorhome cleansing wash station at a storage.
Nonetheless, it is advisable be very very VERY cautious the place you level that high-powered water. Not like a automobile, your motorhome has many issues which don’t react nicely to water- and which have air vents (fridge, oven and many others).
There are additionally seals and sealants that aren’t designed to face as much as stress washing- particularly on older vans.
If you happen to do determine to make use of a stress wash in your motorhome, watch out of:
- Don’t stand too close- the additional away you stand, the much less highly effective the spray will probably be.
- Don’t purpose at seals and sealants round home windows, doorways and exterior lockers. (The older the automobile, the much less versatile and extra brittle these seals are- which means they could have cracks that can enable water behind them- or they could break up utterly.
- Spraying the water into the vents- particularly in the back of the fridge or oven
- Inflicting harm to motorhome TV aerials or different gadgets on the roof
The very best stress washer for motorhome cleansing
If you wish to purchase a stress washer to scrub your motorhome, it’s attainable to get fashions with adjustable energy settings. This can be a GREAT idea- so you need to use it for different jobs across the residence and on your automobile, then have a extra ‘delicate’ setting to be used in your motorhome, campervan or caravan.
The Bosch Cordless Outside Washer comes extremely recommended- it’s most stress is simply 15bar. It may possibly run on its battery for as much as 60 minutes (loads of time) and has adjustable stress modes and patterns – a pencil jet for cussed dust, a fan jet for smaller surfaces, a bigger fan jet to rinse bigger areas, and a bathe jet for mild cleansing. It additionally has an attachable brush for rinsing home windows and bike wheels.
Do I would like a stress washer to scrub a motorhome?
Nope. Under no circumstances. It’s completely attainable to get your motorhome clear and glossy with none high-powered water in any respect, just a bit elbow grease.
The way to clear your motorhome awning
The simplest strategy to clear any dust or streaks in your awning is with a gentle fabric and a twig cleaner.
Fenwick’s do an awning cleaner which is designed to be used on artificial and cotton supplies to take away cussed streaks and algae.
Don’t ever put your awning away wet- it’s going to get mouldy and will tear. Be sure to depart it to dry correctly earlier than placing it away.
Cleansing INSIDE your motorhome- suggestions and methods
It’s not simply the surface of your motorhome which wants an everyday clear. Whether or not you’re dwelling and travelling in your van full-time, or if it’s been in storage and desires a radical spring clear, listed here are some issues to concentrate to INSIDE your motorhome or campervan.
- Wipe down all surfaces- be sure you use one thing mild in case you have lacquer on the surface of your lockers
- Clear inside all lockers, wardrobes and drawers- best to do that earlier than you set package again into them. Be sure they’re dry first!
- Clear oven, hob, microwave – be sure you retailer correctly in order that they don’t rattle.
- Clear toilet and fridge utilizing an antibacterial cleaner
- Verify dates on tinned or packaged meals and take away all outdated. Don’t overlook condiments.
- Clear all dishes, utensils, pots and pans
- Verify any curtains or different materials for mould. Wash if obligatory
- Clear contained in the home windows utilizing a delicate, non abrasive fabric and gentle cleaner (You can too use the Karcher window vac for this, in case you have one.)
- Clear any pet bedding, towels or bowls.
- Deep clear carpets and seat cushions. You most likely wish to do that an excellent 24 hours earlier than it is advisable use the van in order that they have time to dry completely.
How usually do you have to clear a motorhome or campervan?
Effectively, clearly, that relies upon how a lot you utilize it (let’s simply not discuss 2020!) and likewise the place it’s saved.
If you happen to return from a visit and it’s significantly soiled, an excellent clear is best than leaving it sitting soiled. Additionally, in case you have your van close to timber, you’ll wish to clear it extra usually, because the sap may cause harm (to not point out any chook droppings).
Lastly, if you happen to’re taking it out for a primary journey after winter or a interval of disuse, an excellent clear (and a motorhome habitation test!) are helpful earlier than you go.