Road trip season is upon us, and one way to travel in style is via an RV. These homes on wheels add a level of comfort to camping and cross-country journeys. You can make it an even more comfortable ride by making sure your recreational vehicle is clean inside and out. Here are some RV cleaning tips to keep in mind before hitting the road.

Interior RV Cleaning Tips

Since you’ll be spending a lot of time inside the RV—whether driving, sleeping, or dining—you want to make sure these surfaces are clean and sanitized. While the space is larger than your average vehicle, every square inch counts when it comes to staying clear and organized. It’s easy to feel cramped among personal items, cookware, bedding, and foldable furniture. Before you pack for a trip focus on the following tasks inside your RV:

1. Declutter items you never used on the last trip.
2. Open windows and vents to reduce fumes and help surfaces dry faster.
3. Wipe down countertops, cabinets, and walls and thoroughly dry surfaces.
4. Scrub the toilet, sink, and shower area with disinfectant.
5. Clean mirrors and windows with a glass cleaner and lint-free cloth.
6. Spot-clean stains and consider using a specialized upholstery cleaner on furniture.
7. Use an upholstery attachment on the vacuum to remove dust and dirt from the floor, furniture, and crevices.
8. Utilize baskets and multipurpose storage solutions to help keep the area organized.

Store some cleaning supplies to use throughout the trip to maintain a clean and sanitized space.

Cleaning the RV’s Exterior

While it may seem silly to clean your car before you spend hours, days, or weeks on the road—it’s just going to get dirty again—it gives you a chance to thoroughly inspect spots you may miss on the road and help protect the exterior finish.

1. Pre-wash by rinsing off loose dirt and debris.
2. Consider using specially formulated RV or car wash that won’t strip protective finishes and decals.
3. Use soft cleaning tool to prevent scratches and streaking.
4. Clean awnings, slide-outs, and other exterior compartments.
5. Remove any black tar streaks and embedded bugs from the side and front panels.
6. Inspect for leaks, cracks, or worn seals and address any issues promptly.

Regular cleaning and maintenance not only helps keep your RV clean inside and out, but it also helps to extend its lifespan for more successful road trips in the future. For a deeper clean on interior upholstery or disinfecting surfaces, contact JDog Carpet Cleaning & Floor Care at 844-GET-JDOG.