Blog Layout

Your Complete Guide to RV Cleaning: Giving Your RV the Ultimate Spring Clean

Pam Kennedy • Jun 03, 2024

Spring is here, and there’s no better time to give your RV a refreshing makeover after a long winter.

Spring Cleaning Your RV

As you gear up to hit the road again this springtime, you want your ride to be pristine and ready for all your upcoming adventures.


That's where this guide comes in handy. We've got everything you need to get your RV back in top condition, inside and out. 


Let's get your RV shining like new again!


Tips for cleaning inside your RV 


Let’s kick things off by tackling the inside of your RV. Here’s what to do: 


De-winterize and sanitize the water system


Get your RV ready for action by giving its water system some TLC. 


Follow your RV owner's manual to wake it from hibernation, flush out any lingering winter antifreeze, and thoroughly sanitize. 


Wipe down surfaces 


Grab your favorite multi-surface cleaner and give everything a good wipe-down. 


From the ceiling nooks to the cabinetry and every spot in between, make sure your home-on-wheels is dust-free.

RV Bathroom

Shine windows and mirrors


Next, it's time to shine up those windows and mirrors. We recommend you ditch any vinegar-based cleaners as they can cause streaky glass. 


Opt for an ammonia-free solution instead. After a few spritzes and wipes, your RV will feel bright and airy again.


Clean the bathroom


The next step in the RV cleaning process is to tackle the bathroom, one of the most important areas to keep clean.


Armed with a trusty bathroom cleaner, banish soap scum and water spots from the tub, shower, sink, and toilet. 


Vacuum


Next, rid your ride of dust bunnies and crumbs lurking in the corners and under furniture. Make sure no rug, floor, cabinet, or mattress goes untouched. 


With each pass of the vacuum, you're one step closer to a fresh and tidy living space on wheels.


Top tip: When cleaning the inside of your RV, it's crucial to choose eco-responsible and biodegradable cleaners that don't contain disinfectants, bleach, or harsh chemicals. 


Not only are disinfectants and bleach harmful to the environment, but they also don't actually clean surfaces properly.

Tips for cleaning outside your RV


Once you've tackled the interior of your RV and it's looking spick and span, it's time to turn your attention to deep cleaning your RV's exterior.


Determine your RV's coating 


First, figure out if your RV has a finish or wax coating. Finishes like ceramic or gel coats dry hard and last longer without waxing. Waxes, on the other hand, dry soft and can hold onto dirt, requiring occasional re-waxing.


You can use the same cleaner for both finishes, as long as it's not too harsh. Look for cleaners with quality ingredients—they clean better and save time. 


Keep in mind that all good cleaners will remove a layer of wax to get rid of embedded dirt.


Gather your tools 


To get the best possible results from your RV cleaning tools, we recommend the following: 

  • Eco-responsible, biodegradable cleaner like Gabe's Pride RV Streaker for high-performance results.
  • Foam Cannon (if your cleaner requires foaming). This makes application a breeze.
  • 8 ft extension pole to clean without needing a ladder.
  • Water is the preferred method for thorough soil removal. But if water access is limited, consider using waterless cleaners available in the market.
  • A soft brush or, if you have the Gabe's Pride Exterior Cleaning Kit, a soft cleaning head or microfiber pad and holder.
  • Window cleaner for a crystal-clear finish on your windows.


Start with the sides 


Start your RV deep clean by focusing on the sides. Work from bottom to top, taking on small sections for thorough cleaning without streaks. This method offers control and excellent results.


Use the foam cannon applicator 


Grab your foam cannon and load it up with a cleaner. Give it a few minutes to work its magic, allowing it to penetrate through dirt and grime for a deeper clean.


Gently agitate the surface


After applying the cleaner, grab a soft cleaning head or pad and agitate the surface. This gentle RV washing process helps loosen stubborn debris without damaging your vehicle's finish.


Clean the roof


Move on to cleaning the RV  roof, taking it one section at a time to be sure you don't miss any dirt. Pay special attention to areas prone to buildup, like around vents and air conditioners. 


Refresh awnings


You have two options for cleaning awnings. First, spray RV Streaker on them, roll them up, wait 5 minutes, then unroll and agitate if necessary before rinsing. 


Or you can use a cleaning head or microfiber pad to foam RV Streaker onto the awnings, wait 5 minutes, agitate if needed, and then rinse away dirt buildup.


Thoroughly rinse everything


Once all surfaces are cleaned, thoroughly rinse the sides, roof, and awnings with a garden hose to remove any remaining cleaner. Proper rinsing helps prevent streaks and spots, leaving your RV with a pristine finish. 


Inspect for damage 


Once all the dirt is cleared away, take a quick minute to check the roof, side, and exterior for any seal and roof repair that may be needed. This is a crucial step in RV maintenance.


Shine windows for a streak-free finish


Finish your RV cleaning routine by washing the windows with a suitable cleaner for a streak-free shine. 

Enjoy the rewarding results of your hard work as you hit the road with a well-maintained and clean RV.



Key takeaway


As you embark on your spring adventures, a clean and well-maintained RV is essential for a smooth journey. 

With our comprehensive guide, you've learned how to refresh both the interior and exterior of your ride, guaranteeing it stands out as the shining star in all RV parks you visit.


From sanitizing the water system to achieving streak-free windows, every step helps keep your RV clean and ready for the road ahead.


Elevate your RV cleaning routine with Gabe's Pride cleaning products


At Gabe's Pride, our natural cleaning solutions deliver exceptional results while infusing your space with refreshing and safe fragrances.


Immerse yourself in the power of our eco-friendly products, designed to tackle dirt and grime effectively without compromising safety or performance.



Don't wait any longer! Visit our website today to explore our full range of home and RV cleaning products.

Share this article with your friends

Your Complete Guide To RV Spring Cleaning
By Pam Kennedy 03 Jun, 2024
Get your RV ready for springtime adventures with our comprehensive guide to refreshing both the interior & exterior of your vehicle. Read our insider tips now.
Sharing Our Journey With The Honor Network | Gabe’s Pride
By Pam Kennedy 18 Aug, 2023
Discover our experience with The Honor Network as they honored our fallen hero, Officer Mazurkiewicz, a beloved veteran of the Rochester Police Department.
The Role Of Fragrances In Our Everyday Lives
By Michelle Zanche 20 Jun, 2023
Dive into the world of fragrances. Learn their history, significance & how Gabe's Pride fragranced cleaning products set themselves apart with safe ingredients.
Potty Talk: Spring Cleaning Tips & Products For Your RV’s Bathroom
By Pam Kennedy 01 May, 2023
Spring is the perfect time to give your RV bathroom a refresh. In this blog, we’ve shared our top tips and product recommendations for bathroom cleaning.
10 Essential Tools To Keep Your RV Clean And Happy
By Pam Kennedy 25 Apr, 2023
Say goodbye to germs and grime and hello to a happy, clean RV with these 10 essential tools every RV owner needs to pick up today. Find out more right here.
Water Fall
By Pam Kennedy 14 Mar, 2023
Have you ever heard someone say they don’t use chemicals while cleaning? Well, this isn’t true. Everything you use to clean is a chemical. Find out more now.
Gabe’s Pride RV Streaker – Black Streak Cleaner And Bug Remover
By Pam Kennedy 30 Aug, 2022
Are you looking for the perfect cleaner to clean the outside of your RV before your next trip? Take a look at the Gabe’s Pride RV Streaker – Black Streak Cleaner And Bug Remover!
The Honor Flag
By Pam Kennedy 07 Jul, 2022
At Gabe’s Pride we support the mission & the goals of The Honor Network. We support their cause & honor all those who lost their lives defending our country. Learn more.
Cleaning RV with pressure washer
By Pam Kennedy 22 Apr, 2022
As Seen In I Heart RVing magazine - Want to learn how to properly spring clean your RV? Take a look at our in-depth RV spring cleaning guide to learn exactly how to clean your RV for your next camping trip. Expert advice!
The Magic Of Microfiber - Do Microfiber Cloths Clean More Than Just Glasses | Gabe’s Pride
By Michelle Zanche 09 Mar, 2022
Are you looking for the perfect way to clean your RV’s dirty surfaces? Let us introduce you to the magical wonders of microfiber cloths & how they’ll make cleaning easy for you!
Show More
Share by: