Spring is here, and with it comes the annual tradition of spring cleaning. If you own an RV, then you know that cleaning your RV is just as important as cleaning your home. Not only does a clean RV make for a more pleasant and comfortable travel experience, but it also helps prolong your RV’s life.
Here are our top 10 tips for spring cleaning your RV and getting it ready for the upcoming travel season.
1. First, declutter and organize.
Before you can start spring cleaning your RV, you need to declutter. Go through your RV, including drawers, closets, cabinets, and other storage areas and sort everything based on what you want to keep. You might have forgotten what you left in your RV last fall – from a half-eaten bag of chips to a pile of sweaters you meant to donate. Space is precious in your RV, so the fewer things you have, the better. Toss or donate whatever you don’t want, and find a home for whatever you keep. Take this time to clean all the storage areas, too.
2. Clean Every Surface
Now it’s time for the deep clean. Start by dusting all surfaces with a microfiber cloth. Countertops, tables, and shelves are obvious – but remember all the nooks and crannies you usually neglect, like doors, wall hangings, light fixtures, and the hard-to-reach areas, such as above your cabinets or refrigerator.
Once you’ve dusted, wipe down everything with a warm washcloth and a cleaning agent.
3. Disinfect your bathroom
When spring cleaning your RV, pay special attention to the bathroom, as it accumulates the most bacteria and grime. Now is a good time to scrub your shower, toilet, and sink to ensure everything is fresh for your upcoming travels.
4. Clean your appliances
Kitchen appliances get dirty quickly, even with regular cleanings. Ensure you thoroughly clean your RV’s microwave, oven, refrigerator, dishwasher, and any other appliances.
5. Vacuum and mop
Vacuum and sweep the floors, and follow up with a good mop. If you have floors with grooves or other areas that easily trap dirt, you may need to get up-close and personal and scrub them with a brush.
6. Shake out anything with fabric
Everything in your RV has been collecting dust all winter long, so you may want to shake out anything that could become musty. Rugs, pillows, cushions, blankets, sheets, and curtains can all use a good shake and even a wash.
7. Air it out
After a long winter, the air in your RV is probably staler than the chips you left in the cupboard. During your spring cleaning, open all the windows and let the fresh air flow through your RV. It’s also an excellent time to check on your air filters to see if they need replacing – they are responsible for keeping the air inside your RV clean and fresh and preventing respiratory issues.
8. Clean and inspect the plumbing system
The plumbing system is one of the most essential parts of your RV. Sanitize and flush out all your water tanks, and clean and inspect all pipes, valves, and hoses.
9. Wash the exterior of your RV
Finally, let’s move on to the exterior of your RV. Hose down your RV from roof to tire with a gardening hose or a pressure washer – make sure the pressure isn’t too high to prevent any damage. Wipe down all the surfaces with an RV-specific cleaning agent and an extendable soft-bristled brush for those hard-to-reach areas, although stubborn dirt may require a hard-bristled brush. Use a rubber-specific cleaner to prevent damage to the roof. And don’t forget the awnings, windshields, windows, and tires.
10. Make a service appointment
Spring cleaning is a time to prepare for a fresh start, so why wouldn’t you bring your RV in for a checkup? A clean RV won’t mean much if your RV isn’t in working order. Book an appointment with us at GNR, and our experts will inspect your motorhome to ensure it’s in good condition for your upcoming adventures.
Spring cleaning your RV is a vital part of owning an RV. By following these tips, you can ensure a clean and pleasant travelling experience and keep your RV for years to come. Good luck and Happy cleaning!