Caravan Cleaning Get Ready To Wash & Go

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After a long season, we need some time to clean our leisure vehicles inside and out be that a touring caravan, motorhome or static caravan.

Now you need warm water, soap specialist cleaner and polish to give your tourer a fresh start.

Many would consider leisure vehicles like caravans, motorhomes and cars a very similar thing.

You have to remember that leisure vehicles have different paints rubber seals and bodies therefore you should use less abrasives to avoid damaging them.

In addition, you have to be careful using water to avoid rubber seals.

The hardest parts to clean are:

Black Streaks – Black Streaks are a nightmare for touring caravan owners, but what causes the black streaks and what can you do about them?

Black Streaks are caused by rubber seals particularly the rubber in the window seals breaking down.

This doesn’t mean that the rubber seal needs to be replaced necessarily.

It does cause black streaks and the black streaks can be very hard to remove, even with lots of elbow grease.

Read on to find out how using a specialist cleaner…

Here are some tips to help you during the cleaning process:

Good cleaning products are often underestimated.  People think that washing up liquid and elbow grease will do the job.

However using the wrong cleaning products could cause damage to rubber seals on your leisure vehicle.

Always start by rinsing the vehicle with a cold water through a hose pipe before washing it, this will help to remove dust and dirt particles that may scratch when wiped with a microfibre cloth or brush.

Be very careful though. Avoid water ingress by using a fan type jet and keep away from rubber seals and vents. A strong jet could damage window seals.

In your bucket, use warm soapy water, rather than cold or hot, as this can damage some of the exterior components of your leisure vehicle, such as the paint and window seals.

Don’t use any hard sponges or steel wool, these can scratch and damage the caravan’s exterior finish.

Use a soft cloth or microfibre cloth, shammy cloths are ideal for polishing and cleaning the caravans surfaces.

Detail is everything so always go the extra mile.

Clean With A Brush

After spraying the roofing on the caravan, you need to remove all the dirt. You should separate your caravans roof in specific places. You’ll need to dip a brush in a bucket so ideally, somebody will help or take your brush away if needed.

The best type of caravan washing brush to use is a soft brush, a telescopic brush may be ideal particularly if you are having to dip the brush into the bucket yourself.

But remember the most important thing is that brush that you use is a soft brush.

Flexible Silicon Blade

A flexible silicon blade is a good idea for drying off the caravan following an exterior wash. Unlike cars you are unlikely to see water marks is you miss any particularly with most caravans being white.

Your can also use microfibre cloths, however some people prefer to remove the excess water with a chamois leather.

To clean the sides or windows of your caravan, you should use a cloth and warm soapy water.

Make sure not to scrub too hard as this could potentially damage the paintwork.

Finally, rinse off with clean water and then dry off with a clean microfibre cloth.

Start With The Caravan Roof

You should begin by cleaning your caravan roof for a number of reasons. Usually the roof will be the dirtiest area on your caravan.

If you clean sides of caravan first the roof mud will wash away. Therefore you may have to wash the caravan side two times. So, you should first clean the roof.

How To Clean A Caravan Roof

Before you start the exterior wash you should first to consider accessing the roof. Some motorhomes have ladders or steps built in, while caravans will require a ladder to access the roof.

Once on top of the caravan you need to spray off all dirt and debris with a garden hose and again be careful not to get too close to seals and vents solar panels and  caravan air conditioning units.  Also use your hose on a fan jet.

You can then use a soft brush, such as a telescopic brush, to remove the dirt and debris. Again, take care not to damage any sealants or components on the roof of the caravan.

if the soft bristles on the brush are long enough then you should be able to get the to go under the concealed parts under Heki style roof lights

It is also a good idea to lower the front of the caravan slightly using the caravan Jockey wheel so that the water runs off easily when you rinse.

If you have any really tough stains then wet them, brush them and then leave them for five minutes. When you return to the stain you should find that it will remove more easily.

How to Clean Roof Lights?

Roof lights in caravans are important in supplying extra natural sunlight into the home and providing vital ventilation. Nonetheless they get dirty quickly and they’re not very easy to clean in a caravan. Open the roof light and stand on a stool of small steps or even your caravan step, inside the caravan to better access the outside.

Cleaning the sides of your caravan is quite similar to cleaning a car, you just need to be very careful when using water.

Start off by rinsing with cold water and then use warm soapy water for the tough stains. Take care not to scrub too hard as this can damage the paintwork. Then dry it off with a soft clean cloth.

When cleaning the back of your caravan, you may need to use an extending brush with soft bristles and warm soapy water. Again, take care not to scrub too hard as this can damage the paintwork.

If you have any particularly tough stains then wet them with soapy water and brush them before leaving it for a few minutes, then you should find that the stain will come off more easily.

The final stage is to clean the front of your caravan, you can use warm soapy water and a soft brush or cloth.

Take care not to scrub too hard as this can damage the paintwork. Again You may also need an extending brush with soft bristles to get around difficult areas particularly if you have a three way split front window.

Once you have cleaned the caravan, rinse it with cold water and then dry off with a clean cloth.

Wax Your Caravan

Waxing your caravan is a great way to protect it from the elements and keep it looking new.

There are a number of different types of waxes available, so it’s important to choose the right one for your caravan.

Apply when the caravan is slightly damp.  Use a clean damp cloth and apply in overlapping circles.  Let the wax dry slightly but not in direct sunlight.  look at it from different angles to see if you have rubbed everything in, remember, go that extra mile.

Once you’ve chosen the right wax, apply it according to the manufacturer’s instructions a thin layer is better than now wax at all.

Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. It is best to try and wax your caravan on a day that is not too sunny, and not too damp.

Finally For The Outside – Clean The Windows

Finally, clean the windows. Use a special cleaner designed for caravans and apply it with a soft cloth. Make sure to use plenty of water after applying a thin layer of the cleaner and then dry off with a chamois leather or microfibre towel for the final stage.

Now that you have cleaned the outside of your caravan, it’s time to move on to the interior.

Cleaning Caravan Interior

Begin by vacuuming the carpets and upholstery. If there are any stubborn stains, you can use a carpet cleaner.

You can hire a carpet cleaner and also use it to clean the upholstery. After you have vacuumed and cleaned the carpets and upholstery, focus on the walls and windows.

 

You can use a damp cloth or wet wipes to wipe down the walls, avoiding any chemical cleaners as they may damage the sealant.

After this you should clean the windows, making sure to get into all those tricky corners. Again, avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasives. Remember, for excellent results, detail in everything.

Wash the Caravan Curtains

If you need to clean your caravan curtains, you can either machine wash them on a cool wash with a slow spin speed or hand-wash in a sink.

If you hand-wash, use a mild detergent and cool water. Rinse the curtains thoroughly and then line dry or hang to dry in a warm place. You can also use an upholstery cleaner to remove any stubborn stains.

Deep Clean the Caravan Toilet

I have already written a lengthy article on how to clean a caravan cassette toilet in 7 easy steps. If you are giving the caravan a deep clean this is the opportunity to also give it a good clean on the inside of the bathroom and to change the batteries in the toilet full indicator.

Clean The Caravan Cooker

Clean out the oven and hob with warm soapy water, window cleaner or even a specialist oven cleaner designed for caravans. Don’t forget to clean the knobs too!

I have used Oven Pride Bags (see oven pride on Amazon) to clean my caravan cooker in the past. Oven Pride bags are one great way to remove and clean most parts of the cooker.

However, on my last caravan I cheated. I got a professional oven company to clean it for me. They dismantled the cooker and cleaned in in a bath on the back of their van. It came up like new and only cost £50.

Finally, clean any surfaces with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Make sure to pay attention to those hard-to-reach areas such as corners and crevices.

Finally, give the surfaces a clean with a damp cloth and then dry them with a microfibre cloth or again you can use wet wipes.

You may also polish any wooden surfaces with a thin layer of normal furniture polish.

Once you’re done cleaning your caravan inside and out, make sure to give it a final inspection to ensure that everything is working correctly.

Change The Batteries In The Smoke Alarm

Lastly, take the opportunity to change the batteries in your smoke alarm. This should be done at least once a year.

Don’t forget The Tyres

Cleaning and blackening tyres is a process that many people may not think about. It is a way to make your tyres look new again and improve the overall appearance of your car. The process is simple, but it does take some time and effort. It is also a good time to check your tyre pressures. You can use autoglym (see Autoglym on Amazon) or meguiars tyre gel (see Meguiars Tyre Gel on Amazon).

Clean your Aquaroll

This is something that I do several time per year.  I fill the aquaroll with water and sterilising solution.  I use a couple of tea spoons of this contact steriliser (See the one I use on Amazon).  Then clean rinse with clean water.  I then do the same with the waste container, just to keep it fresh

Use A Suitable Ladder

When you are cleaning the roof of the caravan you have to choose the best caravan cleaning ladders . Your goal is a ladder that gives you a comfortable entrance into the center, but ensure you have safety. Telescoping ladders are one option (see the one I like best on Amazon). Telescopic ladders may be adjusted to suit your caravan and are also light and compact so they will be easily carried and easy to setup. I prefer to use a multi purpose ladder. Mine is a Youngman (see it here on Amazon) I prefer this as you don’t need to lean it against the caravan

How to Clean a Caravan Awning.

And it’s not just your caravan which gets filthy. Sometimes the awning needs cleaning. This can be done at home if you have the space and the time.

If not, you can take it to a professional cleaner who will often be able to offer a free reproofing at the same time.

To clean your awning at home, start by using some warm soapy water and a soft brush or sponge. You should also use mild detergent and never use hot water.

When it is clean, rinse off with cold water and leave to dry in a shaded area.

When your awning has been cleaned you should consider reproofing it. This involves applying special waterproof coatings to the fabric which will protect against dirt, UV rays and help keep the fabric looking good for longer.

Vacuum Inside The Caravan

The house vacuum cleaner will provide more suction power than the typical household vacuum. Some portable Dyson vacuums are as powerful and reliable as the mains-powered cleaners.

Although they are usually much cheaper than other mobile vacuum cleaners it is difficult to recommend them as an effective alternative.

Remember, the vacuum, that you deep clean your caravan with doesn’t have to be the same vacuum that you take away with you.  Have a look at our article to find the best caravan vacuum cleaners

Once you’re done cleaning your caravan inside and out, make sure to give it a final inspection to ensure that everything is working correctly.

Once you have completed the inspection, you can now enjoy your caravan for many seasons to come! Make sure to carry out regular maintenance and cleaning of your caravan in order keep it looking fresh and in good condition.

Conclusion

Cleaning a caravan can be a daunting task, but it’s important to do in order to maintain its condition.  If you need expert advice you can always turn to others in the caravanning family for their top tips.

In this article, we’ve outlined the best ways to clean both the inside and outside of your caravan, as well as how to take care of some of its more delicate parts.

Don’t forget that regular maintenance is key – so be sure to set aside time for cleaning at least once a season. With a little bit of effort, your caravan should stay spick and span, year after year.

Happy cleaning!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you stand on a caravan roof to clean it?

I would not recommend standing on a caravan roof to clean it. It is much safer and more efficient to use ladders or steps.

Can you use bleach on a caravan?

No, I would not advise using bleach when cleaning your caravan as this could cause the paintwork to fade or damage the surfaces. Instead, use mild detergents and warm soapy water.

Can I use furniture polish on a caravan?

Yes, you can use furniture polish on your caravan, however it is important to make sure that you clean the surfaces first with mild detergent and warm soapy water before applying any polish. This will ensure that the surfaces are properly cleaned before being polished

How do you get rid of mould on a caravan roof?

Mould can be difficult to remove from caravan roofs, however it is possible. To do this, use a mild detergent and warm soapy water to clean the surface first. Once the area has been cleaned, you can then apply an anti-mould solution which will help to prevent further mould growth.

Can you use wet and forget on a caravan roof?

Yes, you can use wet and forget on a caravan roof. This is a special solution which will help to stop the growth of moss and algae on your caravan roof. Apply it directly to the surface and then leave it to dry. It should be reapplied every few months or after heavy rainfall in order to maintain optimal protection.

How do I get the green off my caravan roof?

Green deposits on your caravan roof can be difficult to remove, however it is possible. First, you will need to use a mild detergent and warm soapy water to clean the surface.

How do I get algae off my caravan?

Algae is most easily removed by using a mild detergent and warm soapy water. You can also use an anti-algae solution which will help to prevent further growth. Make sure to rinse the area thoroughly with cold water after cleaning and drying before reapplying any anti-algae solution.

How do I clean plastic windows?

To clean plastic windows on your caravan, use a soft cloth and warm soapy water. Make sure to avoid using any harsh chemicals or abrasive materials which could damage the surface. Once you have finished cleaning, rinse with cold water and leave to dry in a shaded area.

How do I remove bird droppings from my caravan?

To remove bird droppings from your caravan, you will need to use a mild detergent and warm soapy water. Gently lift off any deposits using a soft cloth or brush before rinsing with cold water. Make sure to then dry the area thoroughly with a clean towel to ensure no residue is left behind.

How do you clean a caravan cover?

To clean a caravan cover, you will need to use mild detergent and warm soapy water. Gently scrub the surface with a soft cloth or brush before rinsing thoroughly with cold water. Allow the cover to air dry completely before storing it away.

Can I use carpet cleaners on my caravan?

Yes, if you don’t have your own then you can hire one. You can also use it on the upholstery.

How often should I check my caravan?

It is important to have your caravan checked by a professional at least once a year. This will help to ensure that everything is functioning properly and that there are no potential safety issues. It is also advisable to carry out regular maintenance work on your caravan in order to keep it in good condition.

What should I do if I find damage?

If you find any damage or faults on your caravan, it is important to get it fixed as soon as possible. This will help to prevent further damage and ensure that the caravan is safe to use. You can contact a caravan repair service if you are unable to fix the problem yourself.

How often should I wax my caravan?

It is advisable to wax your caravan at least once a year in order to protect the paintwork. This will help to keep the exterior looking good and prevent any damage caused by UV rays or weathering. Make sure to use a high quality wax which is specially designed for caravans in order to get the best results. You can often tell if your caravan needs waxing. A well waxed caravan will have beads of water on it when it rains.

Is it OK to pressure wash a caravan?

I wouldn’t recommend the use of a pressure washer on a caravan. This can be very damaging to the paintwork and can cause lasting damage and possible water ingress. It is best to use a soft sponge or cloth with warm soapy water when cleaning your caravan. This will help to prevent any scratches or marks being made on the surface.

What can I use to clean the inside of my caravan?

 

Cleaning the inside of your caravan can be done using a mild detergent and warm soapy water. For tougher stains, use a specialist upholstery cleaner which is designed for caravans.

Can I clean my caravan with car shampoo?

Yes you can. Car shampoo is very effective in cleaning caravans. Make sure to rinse the area thoroughly with cold water after using any detergents or soaps before reapplying wax or other protective treatments. This will help to ensure that you don’t leave any residue behind which could damage the surface.

What can I use to clean the outside of my static caravan?

To clean the outside of a static caravan, you will need to use warm soapy water and mild detergent. Gently scrub the surface with a soft cloth or brush before rinsing thoroughly with cold water. Allow the area to air dry completely before applying any wax or other protective treatments. Be sure to avoid using any harsh chemicals which

What is the best thing to clean caravan windows with?

The best thing to clean caravan windows with is a mild detergent and lukewarm water. Dip a soft cloth into the solution and gently scrub the window before rinsing it off with cold water. Be sure to dry the window thoroughly after cleaning as this will help to prevent streaks and smudges.

Q)How do I get my caravan to shine again?

Caravans shine best following waxing.

 

Q)Can you use car wash and wax on a caravan?

Yes, most car shampoo products are suitable for use on caravans.

 

Q)Can you walk on a Bailey caravan roof?

In theory there are some caravan roofs that can be waled on, however it is not advisable to do so.

 

Q)Are their special products for cleaning and maintaining caravan awnings?

Yes most recommend using a specialist awning cleaner which is designed for caravans.

 

Q)How do I protect my caravan from UV damage?

A Caravan cover can help to protect your caravan from UV damage.