6 minute read -
How to Clean a Caravan: Step-by-Step Guide for Outside and Inside
Clean a caravan from the top down: the roof first, then the sides, and finally the windows and details. Rinse off loose dirt, wash with caravan shampoo and a soft brush, rinse thoroughly and dry with a chamois.
When cleaning a caravan with a pressure washer, never spray close up at sealant joints, rubber seals, vents or the acrylic windows. Water can get in behind them and cause damp.
What will you learn in this article?
- Why clean your caravan regularly?
- What do you need?
- How do you clean the outside of a caravan?
- How do you clean caravan windows?
- How do you clean the inside of a caravan?
- How do you clean the water tank and pipes?
- How do you prepare your caravan for winter storage?
- How often should you clean your caravan?
- Frequently asked questions about cleaning a caravan
- In short: cleaning a caravan
Why clean your caravan regularly?
Dirt, green algae, tree sap and bird droppings attack paint and plastic if they are left for long. Inside, moisture and food crumbs lead to smells and mould. Cleaning is also a good moment to check for loose sealant or cracks in the walls. Water ingress is one of the most expensive problems a caravan can have, so a wash doubles as an inspection.
What do you need?
- Garden hose, and a pressure washer if you have one
- Two buckets: one with soapy water, one with clean rinse water
- Caravan shampoo or pH-neutral car shampoo
- Soft brush on a telescopic pole
- Sponges, microfibre cloths and a chamois
- Black streak remover
- Plastics cleaner or acrylic polish for the windows
- Vacuum cleaner and a mild all-purpose cleaner for inside
- A stable stepladder or platform
A cordless vacuum cleaner works well in a caravan, because you do not need a socket on site or in storage. If you already own tools from the Maxxpack 18V range, check whether there is a vacuum cleaner that runs on the same battery.
How do you clean the outside of a caravan?
Prepare
Park the caravan on level ground, ideally in the shade. In full sun the soap dries too quickly and leaves marks. Close all windows, roof lights and the door properly.
Rinse
Rinse off loose sand, leaves and dust with the hose. If you use a pressure washer, keep a good distance and spray at an angle, not straight at seams, seals, vents, stickers or windows.
The roof
Start with the roof so dirty water does not run down clean sides. Clean it with a soft brush on a telescopic pole from a stable stepladder or platform.
While you are up there, check the sealant around roof lights, the aerial and the roof edge.
Wash the sides
Wash the sides with soapy water and a soft brush, top to bottom and section by section. Rinse each section before the soap dries. Do not use scourers or stiff brushes, as they scratch the paintwork.
Black streaks and marks
The black streaks below the roof edge and windows come from rainwater carrying dirt off the roof. Ordinary soapy water often will not shift them, so use a dedicated black streak remover and a soft sponge. Remove tar and insects on the front with a bug remover.
Rinse and dry
Rinse everything thoroughly with clean water, top to bottom. Soap that dries leaves marks. Dry the sides and windows with a chamois to prevent water spots.
Protect
A coat of caravan wax or polish leaves a smooth layer that dirt sticks to less easily. If the paint has gone dull, polish it first with a suitable compound. Avoid doing this in full sun.
How do you clean caravan windows?
Most caravan windows are acrylic, not glass. Acrylic scratches easily and can develop fine cracks if you use the wrong products.
- Use lukewarm water with a little soap or a dedicated plastics cleaner.
- Use a soft microfibre cloth, not kitchen roll or a scourer.
- Never use glass cleaner containing alcohol or ammonia.
- Light scratches can be reduced with an acrylic polish. Toothpaste sometimes works, but it is abrasive and quickly leaves dull patches.
How do you clean the inside of a caravan?
- Air it first: open the windows and roof lights.
- Vacuum: start with the cupboards and bed and finish with the floor. Do not forget the corners and the space under the seats.
- Walls and ceiling: wipe them with a mild cleaner and a damp, well wrung-out cloth. Too much water can soak into the wall construction.
- Soft furnishings: wash curtains, covers and bedding according to the label.
- Kitchen and fridge: clean with a mild cleaner. After the season, leave the fridge door ajar so mould and smells cannot develop.
- Toilet: use products suitable for a chemical toilet.
Clean electrical appliances according to the manufacturer's instructions, and only when they are switched off and disconnected.
How do you clean the water tank and pipes?
Drain the water system completely after every season. Flush the tank and pipes regularly with a cleaner designed for caravan drinking water systems. This prevents bacteria and an unpleasant taste. Rinse thoroughly with clean drinking water afterwards.
How do you prepare your caravan for winter storage?
- Clean the caravan inside and out and let everything dry thoroughly.
- Drain the water system and leave the taps open.
- Remove food and anything that attracts moisture.
- Stand cushions on end and leave the fridge door ajar.
- Place a moisture absorber and open the vents.
- Check the sealant and have any damage repaired.
How often should you clean your caravan?
A good guide:
- After every trip: vacuum inside, remove rubbish and food, and empty and clean the toilet.
- Every few months during the season: wash the outside, especially after long journeys or after parking under trees.
- Twice a year: a thorough clean before and after the season, including the roof, wax and a sealant check.
Frequently asked questions about cleaning a caravan
Can I clean my caravan with a pressure washer?
Yes, if you are careful. Keep a good distance, use a wide spray pattern and do not aim directly at sealant joints, rubber seals, vents, stickers or windows. Water can get in at those points or damage the finish.
What should I use to clean the outside?
A pH-neutral caravan or car shampoo is usually enough. Use a dedicated product for black streaks and insects. Avoid abrasive cleaners and strong degreasers.
Can I stand on the roof of my caravan?
Usually not. Many caravan roofs are not designed to be walked on and can be damaged. Clean the roof from a stable stepladder or platform with a brush on a telescopic pole.
How do I prevent mould in my caravan?
Ventilate, do not leave wet items inside and keep the interior dry. In storage, a moisture absorber, open vents and cushions stood on end all help.
In short: cleaning a caravan
Work from the roof down with caravan shampoo, a soft brush and plenty of clean rinse water, and keep a pressure washer well away from seals, vents and acrylic windows. Treat black streaks and windows with dedicated products, and finish with wax. Before winter, clean and dry the inside, drain the water system and check the sealant.