Washing The Exterior Of Your RV

RVs are the perfect way to turn a camping trip into a camping experience, providing you with a comfortable, clean space to relax and escape the weather. So it’s only fair you return the favor by keeping your RV’s exterior clean. We here at Horn Rapids RV know that can seem daunting, so we’ve put together some tips to get you started. To learn more, or to see the RVs we have for sale, contact our store in Richland, WA, today!

Gather Supplies

Your first step is gathering all the supplies you’ll need throughout the process. You’re going to want a gentle detergent, soft rags and towels, and a soft brush with a telescoping handle to help you hit all those hard-to-reach spots. 

You’ll also want to stick with a garden hose, since pressure washers are notorious for stripping paint and finishes. If you’re committed to using the pressure washer anyway, just make sure to stand a few feet away from your RV and keep the nozzle moving to avoid digging into any one spot. 

Wash It Top-Down

Like with any vehicle, you’ll want to start from the top and work your way down. If your RV roof is sturdy enough, use a ladder (either built-in or your own step-ladder) and climb on top to clear any and all debris before the washing process—just make sure your shoes have good grip and you’ve got a spotter. If you don’t trust the roof, just stand on the ladder and use your telescoping brush to clear it off. 

Once the debris is gone, scrub the roof in small sections and rinse them quickly. This prevents soap from drying onto the surfaces and getting them dirty again. It lengthens the process slightly, but it gets it done right. When the roof is done, do the same with the sides, working your way around the top edge of the RV and then downward in layers.

Details

Once the body of the RV is clean, take a moment to touch up the details. Use an automotive window cleaner to clean the windows, windshield, and mirrors until they’re spotless. Sealant conditioner can help you touch up all the seals on the exterior to prevent them from cracking and leaking. Then clean out and lubricate the tracks on any slide-outs. 

Finally, for tires that match your squeaky-clean RV, figure out what your rims are made of (typically aluminum, chrome, enamel, or steel) and use a cleaner made for that material specifically. Then shine up your tires for some slick, jet-black wheels and call that the cherry on top. 

We hope this guide helps you get your RV looking like new! If you have any questions or are looking for campers for sale, or you’d like to see the RVs we have in stock, we’re the RV dealer for you! Horn Rapids RV proudly serves the people of Kennewick and Pasco, too, so let us help you find your new camper today.