Washing Your RV Exterior

There’s no better way to elevate your camping trip experience to the next level than with your own RV. These homes away from home keep you as clean as you want to be in the great outdoors, so it’s only fair to return the favor. We here at Zabukovic RV want to help you care for your RV as it cares for you, so we’ve put together some steps for washing the exterior. Read on to learn more!

1: Supplies

You’re going to need a few things for this process, though any supplies you’d use on a commuter vehicle will work here. That means a gentle detergent, soft rags and towels, and a soft brush with a telescoping handle to help you scrub hard-to-reach spots. You should use a garden hose rather than a pressure washer, since the latter can strip paint and finish. If you want to use one anyway, stand a few feet away from the RV and keep the nozzle moving to avoid digging into the surface.

2: Top Down Cleaning

Start with your RV roof. If it’s sturdy, clamber on top to clear any and all debris before you start, but make sure your shoes have a good grip and you’ve got a spotter. For those roofs that you don’t trust, use a stable ladder and clean the roof from it using your telescoping brush. With the debris gone, scrub the roof and sides in small sections and rinse them quickly. This keeps soap scum from drying onto the RV and undoing all your hard work. It takes a bit longer, but it gets the job done right.

3: Detailing

Once the main body is clean, take a bit of time to touch up on some of the details. Use an automotive window cleaner to get the windows, windshield, and mirrors nice and clear. A sealant conditioner will help you touch up all the seals on the exterior to prevent leakage due to drying and cracking. You should also clean and lubricate the tracks on any and all slide-outs.

Finally, if you want your tires as sparkly as the rest of the RV, find out what your rims are made of and use a cleaner made specifically for that material. Typically, they’ll be made of aluminum, chrome, enamel, or steel. A tire-shining can give you some slick, jet-black wheels for a cherry on top.

We hope these tips help you keep your RV fresh and clean! If you have any questions about the process or supplies, or if you’re on the hunt for an RV to try this out with, contact us at Zabukovic RV in Pueblo, CO. We welcome all our patrons visiting us from Colorado City and the Cheyenne Mountain Area in Colorado Springs.