Cleaning your RV – The best tips on how make your motorhome sparkling clean inside and out!

Whether for a spontaneous escape from everyday life or an extended trip through Europe - the mobile home is becoming a second home for more and more people. So, cleanliness plays an important role here.

Admittedly, modern models require special care due to their complex structure. However, the “Wash Motorhome” project on your to-do list does not have to be complicated. This guide gives you valuable tips on everything to do with cleaning the exterior of your motorhome, caring for the interior and everything else you need to pay attention to.

Checklist: Clean your RV to perfection in 28 steps

From roof, window and awning to upholstery and water tank: In our free checklist we have put together the most important steps for making your motorhome sparkling clean.

Hymer motorhome in front of a carwash that is filled with other motorhomes

Three HYMER motorhomes next to each other in the car wash separated by walls

Washing your RV
Finding the right place

As for the pitch, you probably already know: Wild camping is not allowed. The guidelines for cleaning motorhomes are also based on this basic rule. Finally, chemicals can be rinsed off outside that pollute the environment or cause other problems.

In order to save yourself trouble, look for special washing areas for motorhomes. There you will also find the best conditions for a professional wash.

By the way ... Truck washes are not suitable for mobile homes. The brushes are too hard and could damage your vehicle. The same applies to the cleaning products used there, which are often too aggressive. Instead, head over to a special mobile home wash that will have the suitable mobile home cleaning products available

The right plan of action
for RV cleaning

Regardless of whether stubborn dirt or rain streaks "adorn" your motorhome - before cleaning it is worthwhile forging a plan of action. The easiest way to do this is to first look at the exterior and then the interior.

The following two paragraphs provide tips on the general procedure. Later we will explain each task in detail.

HYMER owner using a jet wash to thoroughly clean the HYMER CrossOver's studded tires in the wash hall.

Cleaning the outside of your RV - From top to bottom

For the exterior of the vehicle, this ideally means a top-down approach. The reason is quickly explained: as soon as you clean the roof of the motorhome, the dirty water flows off over the outside. It would therefore be pointless to clean them beforehand. The rims should therefore conclude the washing process from the outside.

Manual interior cleaning of the side windows in the HYMER motorhome with a special cleaning product

Cleaning the interior of your RV

Once the outside of the motorhome has been cleaned, the interior follows. Here it is important to first remove the coarse dirt and then tackle the more difficult areas.

Start with thoroughly sweeping, vacuuming, and dusting, then pat out the upholstery and ventilate. Subsequently, the fine work on the taps, hob and dining area provides the finishing touches.

It is better not to wash or treat the vehicle in the blazing sun. Otherwise, certain influencing factors could cause colours to fade faster.

Cleaning care for your RV
Choose your cleaning products wisely!

If you are washing your motorhome for the first time, many questions arise. Are water and a sponge enough? Or do you need special products that clean and seal the motorhome? One thing is clear right from the start: In order to avoid damage, you should actually use special products for specific parts of your motorhome.

In this regard, we and our customers regularly have good experiences with products from Rotweiss. The cleaning products are precisely tailored to motorhomes and their requirements, which makes individual care easier.

Good to know: If you are unsure about what motorhome cleaning products to use and the correct procedure, you will find further help in the operating instructions for your vehicle. This is especially applies to the cleaning the interior.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact our technical support. You can reach us at +49 (0)7524 / 999 360.

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RV exterior cleaning
Make it planned and effective

As already mentioned in the first part of the guide, it is worth starting with the outside area of your motorhome. From the roof to the windows to awnings and rims, we will show you below how you can bring your vehicle back to a high gloss with a few simple steps.

Cleaning the motorhome roof - It all depends on the material

From pollen to resin to rain strips - the roof of your motorhome is exposed to numerous environmental influences and requires regular maintenance. The decisive factor here is that not all roofs are the same.

While you can step on waffle corrugated sheet with no worries, other materials are a bit more delicate. If you want to clean a motorhome with a GRP roof, styrofoam panels protect against unsightly pressure points as a work surface.

Top Tip: To remove more intensive dirt, to polish and to seal, please use special cleaning products. You will find specific information about suitable products in the operating instructions for your vehicle.

Basic cleaning of the outside wall of the HYMER motorhome using a jet wash in the wash hall

Reach your goal with patience and caution

The following applies when washing your motorhome: observe the manufacturer's instructions about cleaning products and proceed as gently as possible. A soft jet of water is always the better choice because it will protect your motorhome from unwanted damage.

If you work with a steam cleaner, you should also be careful here. Sometimes the dirt needs some time to loosen. Therefore, apart from the right cleaning product, patience is the be-all and end-all.

To avoid damage, leave out seals, ventilation grilles, decals and the reversing camera. Some parts (e.g. the surge seals on our models) are specially designed for mobile homes. Proven car tricks are therefore not always suitable when cleaning a motorhome.

Manual cleaning of the outside of the HYMER motorhome windscreen with a special cleaning product

Front section of the HYMER motorhome with water pearls on the paintwork after thorough cleaning

A clear view not only ensures a more beautiful view, but also more safety.

RV windows - Cleaning for a clear view

A dirty windscreen can quickly become dangerous, especially when the sun is shining. Fortunately, cleaning the windows of your motorhome is very easy. You can clean them like ordinary windows just like you do at home. It's a quick and easy task indoors. However, once you clean the front window, there may be a little more dirt waiting for you on the outside. If you leave the cleaning product to work a little longer here, even stuck insects will loosen.

Important: Special cleaners are ideal for windows made of acrylic glass because they are gentle on the material. Ordinary cleaning products encourage the plastic to dry out and thus also cause cracks to form.

Cleaning the RV awning
Sun protection also needs protection

The best way to remove light soiling from the awning is with clean water. Special cleaners that are specifically created to clean specific materials help with stubborn dirt. If you need more information, please check the motorhome operating instructions.

Fabrics should always dry out completely before storing away to avoid mould formation.

View of the underbody, spoiler and tires of the HYMER motorhome in the wash hall

Finally - A thorough check

Cleaning the outside of the motorhome also includes carefully checking the seals and hinges. With special pens you guarantee optimal care because they keep the material supple with regular use. As soon as you clean your motorhome awning, check its functionality.

Dirt collects particularly quickly in the wheel arches. After cleaning with the jet wash, you can easily identify any damage. You can fix this quickly and prevent rust.

You do not have to clean the rims with a special rim cleaner. There is a variety of classic home remedies for cleaning rims, simple solutions include lukewarm water with a dash of vinegar.

Rear view of the HYMER motorhome with spare wheel on back in the wash hall

Filling the spray bottle with a special cleaning product for cleaning the inside of HYMER motorhomes

RV interior cleaning
create a feel-good atmosphere

Of course, when cleaning motorhomes, it is important to not only to make the outside area shine but also the inside area.

First of all: RVs are as diverse as their owners and can be set up just as individually as you want. Therefore, it is almost impossible to summarise general tips for interior cleaning. It is therefore crucial to take a look at the operating instructions if you are unsure or have questions.

However, our small checklist provides an initial overview and helps you to organise yourself before cleaning the inside of your motorhome.

Our tips

Cleaning products for the interior

It is best to wash foiled or real wood surfaces in the motorhome with a small amount of lukewarm water. The sponge should not be too damp to prevent the wood and substructures from swelling. Foam cleaners often contain solvents, which could damage materials such as wallpaper.
Thorough ventilation offers several advantages

Ventilate mattresses, upholstery, cupboards, and loosely laid carpets properly while cleaning. While you are cleaning the interior of the motorhome, ventilation not only gives you more space, but it also ensures that loose dust is drawn outside. Open all windows and doors, because generous ventilation also allows the cleaning water to evaporate perfectly and prevents moisture damage.
Clear out and create order

When cleaning your motorhome, it is also a good idea to empty your storage spaces. A lot accumulates in boxes, floor hatches, cupboards and drawers over the years. When sorting out, you create new space and can allow you to check where everything is where it belongs. You can also find useful items quicker on your next vacation!

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Manual cleaning of the refrigerator in the HYMER motorhome with a special cleaning product

Clean the refrigerator in the RV

Hygiene is especially important in the kitchen. It is therefore best to carefully look at the refrigerator as well. To avoid mould growth, set it to the fan position or leave the door open. Thorough cleaning behind the cooling grid often reveals all kinds of dirt.

Clean upholstery and pillows

You will find detailed care instructions for upholstery and cushions in your operating instructions. Nevertheless, we have some good basic cleaning tips for you:

Vacuum upholstery, pillows and covers once a month with the vacuum cleaner and a suitable upholstery attachment - just like you do at home.
If (deep) cleaning with a special steam cleaner is necessary, take the upholstery out of the vehicle if possible. This will prevent an unnecessary increase in humidity in the interior. Do not set the temperature of the device too high and then let the upholstery dry completely outside. However, avoid direct sunlight.

Treat full leather equipment with an appropriate upholstery leather cleaning product.
Our removable polyester fabric covers can be washed at a maximum of 30 ° C with mild liquid detergent on a gentle cycle without spinning. Allow to air dry - Do not use a dryer.

Spotted stains on your upholstery? Act quick!

When treating stains on upholstery, the following applies, as is so often the case: if you react quickly, it is much easier to clean. However, never remove stains with conventional household cleaners, such as washing-up liquid, but follow the recommendations in the operating instructions.

Please test the cleaning product beforehand on a hidden place on the upholstery as some cleaning products can affect fabrics and colours.

Curtains in the RV: having them washed is the way to go!

You shouldn't wash your curtains and blinds yourself, but rather take them to a dry cleaner. This protects the materials and helps to maintain the colour strength longer.

Our tips

Manual cleaning of the floor carpet of the HYMER motorhome with a wet carpet vacuum cleaner

On the floor - Clean steps and carpets

Steps and the running rail of the fly screen on the entrance door attract small stones and sand like magic. Any dirt can be quickly removed from there with a hand brush. If necessary, you can clean carpets with carpet foam and then vacuum it clean.

Cleaning the rubber seal on the entrance door of the HYMER motorhome

Treat seals to good care

To ensure that the rubber seals of doors, windows, flaps and roof ventilators remain functional and leak-proof, care for them regularly with suitable products.

Cleaning the hob in the HYMER with a damp cloth

Food tastes better from a clean stove

From morning coffee to evening meals: cooking on gas is pure holiday feeling! To keep it that way, take a look under the burner cover from time to time and carefully remove dirt. Drawers and compartments are also happy to be wiped thoroughly with a damp cloth.

Rear view of the HYMER motorhome standing in the wash hall with a spare wheel on the back at the drying rag system

Cleaning the water tank in your RV - this is how it works

Cleaning the water tank in the motorhome can sometimes seem complicated. Especially for people who are new to motorhoming, you don't want to go wrong here. But we can give the all-clear because this step is also very easy with the correct prior knowledge.

For cleaning the water tank, we have very good experience with special cleaners such as the Dr. Keddo tank cleaner made by Schleimpur. But conventional denture cleaners from the drugstore also achieve satisfactory results. Simply put a pack in the tank and rinse it thoroughly after two days of exposure.

Checklist: Clean your RV to perfection in 28 steps

Find a suitable place for cleaning (preferably a special motorhome washing area)
Ensure you have the necessary materials and utensils.
Carefully clean the roof and remove any stubborn dirt
Clean the outside and loosen stains and dirt
If necessary, maintain the motorhome exterior with wax
Clean the awning with a special cleaner and roll it out to dry
Also clean the awning fabric and spread it out in the fresh air to dry (alternatively, the tent can also be cleaned)
Clean the front screen
If necessary, remove dirt from the remaining windows with acrylic glass cleaner
Check all seals and maintain them with a special pen
Check all hinges and lubricate or repair if necessary
Thoroughly clean the wheel arches and check for rust
Clean the rims
Open the windows and ventilate thoroughly
Vacuum all upholstery
Clean the upholstery and cushions, treat stains if necessary and air them outside the motorhome

Vacuum and clean the carpets depending on how dirty they are and also ventilate them outside
Empty all storage compartments, wipe them with a damp cloth, sort out stored items and put them back properly
Thoroughly wipe dust on all surfaces
Clean the inside of the cupboards as well as the fronts and other smooth surfaces with a damp cloth
Depending on how dirty it is, clean the kitchen counter and the stove
Clean the inside of the refrigerator
Treat any leather surfaces with a care product
Unhook the curtains and bring them home to be cleaned
Remove stones from the steps and the running rail on the door and clean them
Clean the water tank
Sort papers and cards in the glove compartment
Check the emergency equipment (e.g. safety vests, warning triangle, first-aid kit, etc.) for availability and durability

Conclusion
In the future your motorhome will always be clean with our top tips!

In this guide we have put together a large overview of the most important steps and tasks when washing and cleaning your motorhome.

Before you start cleaning, please take a look at your checklist (or download our checklist here) and carefully double-check whether there are any special instructions in your operating manual. After that, nothing stands in the way of a clean and homely travel experience!

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Cleaning your RV – The best tips on how make your motorhome sparkling clean inside and out!

Checklist: Clean your RV to perfection in 28 steps

Washing your RV
Finding the right place

The right plan of action
for RV cleaning