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5 Tips for Efficient RV Cleaning

With these few tips, you can efficiently clean your RV and have it feel like new.

It can be difficult to understand just how to get your RV cleaned thoroughly given it’s large size and numerous parts. Cleaning is a necessary part of owning an RV, however, so the job must be done. With these few tips, you can efficiently clean your RV and have it feel like new.

1. Use a Low-Pressure Washer

You might think a regular pressure washer is for an RV—but this is actually not the case. A high-pressure washer can do serious damage to the cracks and seals on your ride. Use a low-pressure washer instead; it will give you enough pressure to clean the exterior of your RV, but it won’t be forceful enough to cause lasting exterior damage.

2. Add Vinegar to the Wash

When hand-washing the exterior of your RV, add vinegar to your cleaning solution. This will help prevent water streaks from forming on glossy and transparent surfaces. The vinegar will ensure no smears are left on your vehicle and your RV will show nothing but a shiny finish.

3. Buy an RV Cleaner

A myriad of special RV cleaners are available on the market these days. They contain the right ingredients to ensure your RV’s surface gets as clean as possible, and they don’t contain harsh additives that can cause decals to loosen or paint to chip off.

4. Avoid Microfiber Cloths

Microfiber cloths and polyester are quickly becoming the new norm for getting things clean. In the case of an RV, though, microfiber and polyester cloths should not be used. They can cause damage to the finish and even rub off the sealant. Stick with cotton and you’ll ensure you aren’t taking any finish or sealant off your vehicle when you clean it.

5. Treat Your Tanks

RVs come with two tanks: one for bathing water and one for toilet water. While the bathing water tank may not become very dirty, the toilet water tank needs to be properly treated to keep odors away. Enzyme-based chemicals need to be used so any solids can be broken down efficiently.

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Emily Sullivan
Emily Sullivan
Emily Sullivan is a Content Curator for Trader Interactive, serving the recreational brands RV Trader and Cycle Trader. Her mission is to provide thoughtful, practical content to those who are always on the hunt for their next adventure.

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10 Responses

  1. I've been using dawn and a fabric softener in my tanks. I was using an enzyme initially, which worked fine until my four year old niece unrolled an entire roll of toilet paper into the toilet. I should have known, it was awfully quiet in there! To tackle that someone recommended Dawn and Fabric softener. After months of this (completely odor free nice side perk) my black tank finally birthed a giant wad of TP. I found that the Dawn mix was less expensive and completely eliminated odors. The enzyme did a fine job, but the Dawn was even better.

  2. As for enzyme chemicals in the black water holding tank, this is a misnomer. Black tanks are not septic systems. They are cess pools. Therefore solids do not break down like one may think. The only thing required to ensure a healthy black tank is to removed all solids each time the tank is emptied. This will required emptying and filling with water at least three times during the dump cycle. Many rigs come equipped with a "sprinkler system" that connects externally. No poo, no smell. Chem deodorant is all that is required. Remember to empty black first then grey to wash out the slinky.

  3. I love the tips on the RV Trader blog about "5 tips for efficiency RV Cleaning".The #2 tip would be a lot more helpful if you would tell us how much "Vinegar" you should add to the cleaning solution, like a cup,1/2 cup or 1/2 teaspoon to a gallon of cleaning solution? PLEASE, be real helpful and let us know!!
    Thank You,
    DAVID B.

  4. Avoid Microfiber Cloths? I have been using them for 3 years on my Class A. I am not sure what you mean by can rub off the sealant? My RV has a gel coat use Meguiar products. I have never had any issues with Microfiber.

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