As you look forward to RVing this summer season, it’s now more important than ever before to make sure that you’re deep cleaning and sanitizing your RV properly. If you’ve already begun the process of taking your RV out of winter hibernation, we’ve got a few handy deep cleaning tips that will help get your ride ready for a long and eventful summer season.
First things first, after a long winter (and early spring) season of hibernation, it’s time to open up those windows and let some fresh air in. Once that’s been taken care of, you can follow these cleaning steps below:
1. Vents
When it comes to cleaning, starting from the top and working your way down is the simplest route. Take a look at the vents and inspect them for any damage. If everything looks okay, you can take the screens off carefully and wash them with a garden hose. A disinfectant wipe will be useful for scouring the inside of the vent, including the cover. While cleaning, go ahead and leave the vents open. And if you have a fan vent, turn it on to push out the rest of the stale air. From there, give the rest of the ceiling a quick wipe down, removing any cobwebs and dust.
2. Bathroom
Depending on the type of RV you have, you may only have to worry about a small one-piece bathroom or something a little more intricate. Either way, a clean and sanitized bathroom is a must before taking your first trip of the year. Use bleach or disinfectant wipes to wipe down the shower walls, shower head, the sink, all handles, and the toilet. Next, use the garden hose to rinse out the black tank. Using an environmentally friendly treatment and deodorizing tablet can also be very handy here. Whichever brand you choose, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and have plenty of water in the tank—at least enough to cover the bottom.
Finally, wipe down the shower floor with your bleach wipes and clean all cabinets inside and out.
3. Flooring
If your RV doesn’t include a built-in central vacuum system, it may be helpful to invest in a compact, portable vacuum that you can bring along on trips. Regular vacuuming is the best way to prevent dirt and debris from building up over time and avoiding stains. Use a vacuum with a hose attachment to go over all floors and get into the nooks and crannies of your RV flooring.
For laminate flooring, use your vacuum or a broom to pick up dirt and debris. Start in the storage areas, where dust is likely to pile up, and use the crevice tool attachment on the vacuum to clean around the water heater, water pump, and other intricate obstacles. Finally, mop the flooring and allow it to dry before moving on to the next task.
4. Fabrics
The upholstery in your RV requires special care and should be given a little extra TLC. Many RV fabrics are already treated with fire and stain-resistant additives that are designed to keep them looking great and protected. When choosing fabric cleaners, keep these additives in mind. Certain cleaners may damage these essential additives and should be avoided to protect the longevity of your upholstery.
Be sure to vacuum the upholstery first and once you’ve found the right cleaner, spot treat any stains. Then continue to clean and wipe down the fabric as needed. Be sure to allow it to dry before use.
5. Kitchen
Often the most used space in any RV, the kitchen will likely need a good deep cleaning—even if you did a good job during your winterization. Kitchens are home to grease, splatter, spills, bacteria growth and much worse! When cleaning your RV kitchen, take the time to vacuum, scrub, and disinfect every surface. For countertops, begin with a mild cleaner or warm soapy water. You can use the same solution for cabinets as well. And once you’ve given everything the once over, go back in with a disinfecting spray that can be used lightly over all the surfaces.
Now that the interior of your RV is deep cleaned and sanitized, be sure to spend some extra time on cleaning the exterior as well. Once your RV is clean inside and out, you’re ready to hit the road!
