You want your RV to be in tip-top shape for your next travel adventure. However, cleaning its interior and exterior can seem like a daunting task. The good news is that specialized RV cleaning products and homemade cleaners are available to help you get the job done. Here are our top 8 tips for cleaning the interior and exterior of your RV. For more information, visit us at Horn Rapids RV in Richland, Washington, which also serves those in Kennewick.

1. Invest in a High-Quality Handheld Vacuum

An RV has a small interior with several nooks and crannies that quickly fill up with dust, dirt, and food debris. For most RVs, a normal vacuum will be too big, so invest in a quality handheld vacuum, and tidy up the interior.

2. Hose Down the Exterior

Begin with a good spray down. This will help remove dust, grime, and dirt, and will simplify your overall cleaning task. It will make the job of cleaning your RV seem less daunting. Hosing down your RV's exterior is important for loosening any grime that may require more dedicated cleaning later.

3. Start From the Top to the Bottom

Cleaning the RV's exterior will require you to work from top to bottom. If you scrub from the bottom, dirt and grime will streak down while you are cleaning the top, and you will need to scrub the bottom again.

4. Clean Both Sides of the Windows

Your windows should not be clouded with grime and filth, so clean both the outside and inside of your windows for better visibility. If you have a smaller RV, you can accomplish this using a clean microfiber cloth and any window cleaner. But if you have large windows, consider getting an extendable squeegee.

5. Don't Forget the Roof

Wash the roof with white vinegar and baby shampoo using a lamb’s wool pad. The vinegar helps prevent water spots while drying, and the baby shampoo is a mild soap and will not leave any residue.

6. Remove the Awning Legs

You don't have to struggle with cleaning your RV awnings. The trick is to remove the awning legs, and the awning will fall flat against the side of your RV, giving you a nice hard surface that you can use to scrub the awning without worrying about putting a hole in it or stressing the material. This trick makes the entire cleaning process easier and faster.

7. Make the Tires Shine

Nothing gives your RV a better look than black, shiny, sleek tires. Most commercial tire cleaners will do the job perfectly; just read the user reviews first. For best results, rinse your tires, and then, use a natural brush and the tire cleaner to scrub them. Conclude with a tire shine spray.

8. Prevent Mildew and Mold

Mildew and mold are not good for your camper, and they thrive in moisture. So, reduce the moisture in your RV by opening the doors and windows, running your air conditioning, and purchasing moisture-absorbing packets for storage areas and closets.

Cleaning your RV can be fun when you know how to go about it. Just follow the above tips to simplify the cleaning process. To learn more, visit us at Horn Rapids RV. Our dealership is in Richland, Washington, and we also serve the residents of Kennewick.