Recreational vehicles are becoming increasingly popular in the United States. In 2017, over 6 million households in the U.S. reported owning an RV. Of course, with such a large amount of owners, it is essential for them to learn how to wash an RV.

Wash an RV with the Right Equipment

To wash an RV without causing damage, you need to have the right equipment. Usually, a hose with a spray attachment and non-abrasive cleaning brushes or mitts get the job done. Even difficult grime can be removed by scrubbing with the right equipment. Lastly, you will need a mild car wash soap.

Additionally, park your RV out of direct sunlight before cleaning it. This will prevent any products from drying too quickly, thus, making the cleaning process easier.

How to Wash an RV: 5 Steps

Step 1: Spray the Whole Thing

This step does not necessarily have to be done first, but it does make washing such a large vehicle feel a little less overwhelming. In addition, it loosens the dirt and grime already on the RV to make it easier to get off later.

Step 2: Wash the Roof

When cleaning an RV’s exterior remember to wash from top to bottom. If you start from the bottom, it will need to be done again once you wash debris from the top. By beginning from the top, all of the grime and dirt flows down to the bottom and to the ground.

Another thing to consider when washing an RV is the type of roof.

Types of Roofs

Depending on the type of roof your RV determines the cleaner. No matter what type of roof it is, remember to clean it in 6ft x 6ft sections.

• Metal

Wash an RV with a metal roof carefully. Improper cleaning has the potential to cause rust and other forms of damage. For these types of roofs use a pre-wash and a non-abrasive cleaner. Simply spray the pre-wash on the RV, scrub it, wipe it away, then do the same with the non-abrasive cleaner. This method should wipe away any initial amount of dirt and rid your vehicle of any trapped grime.

• Fiberglass

For a fiberglass roof, you may choose to purchase a wash-and-wax that will clean and protect the RV in the future. Most of these products can be sprayed directly onto the roof. If the product you bought was not sprayable you may simply rub it into a clean towel then proceed to wash your roof.

• Painted Metal

A painted metal roof is by far the easiest to clean. You can use the same exact product you use to clean your car or you may choose to buy a cleaner specifically made for your type of RV.

Step 3: Wash the Body

To clean the body of your RV, rinse it down with water. For the body or walls of the RV, it works best to clean in 5ft x 5ft sections. After rinsing the body with water, apply your cleaning product to the body. Since most RVs are made of the same material all around, you will more than likely be able to use the same products as on your roof. Then use a soft-bristle brush to scrub away any dirt from the body. A brush with an attachable pole will come in handy to safely and easily clean higher areas. After each section is complete, rinse it off with a hose.

Step 4: Wash the Wheels

Cleaning the wheels of an RV is similar to cleaning them on a regular car. Make sure you get the appropriate cleaner for the material you will be washing. After that, simply spray your wheels with the cleaner and scrub your tires with a foam sponge in circular motions until clean. In addition, some drivers use a rubber dressing to protect the tires from the rays of the sun.

Step 5: Clean the Awning

A recommended way of washing the awning is to detach the legs and let it lay against the side of the camper. This allows it to stay in place while you scrub the top of the material. Wet the awning before applying a cleaning product, then scrub the awning to remove the stains, dirt, and grime.

After thoroughly cleaning the awning, you may want to find a protective spray for outdoor fabrics. The spray will protect your awning from water, staining, and lengthen the life of the material. This also makes an awning less likely to develop mold or mildew.

Professional Cleaning

If you don’t have time to thoroughly clean the vehicle yourself, consider scheduling a professional detailing for your RV. Many detailing companies already have the supplies necessary to wash an RV. DetailXPerts has great services and can clean your RV in an eco-friendly, chemical-free manner.

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