Life on the road can be a dirty business! Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a full-time RVer, keeping your rig clean may feel like a Herculean task.
After a long drive, it’s tempting to skip the RV wash altogether. But regular cleaning is essential for maintaining your investment and keeping your vehicle in top condition for many adventures to come.
And let’s face it, nobody wants to be that guy pulling into the campground with an old, worn out, dirty rig!
So pick a sunny day, stock up on supplies and read our guide on how to properly clean an RV. (No pricey commercial truck wash required.)
Table of Contents
1. The Importance of Regular RV Washing
2. Preparing To Detail Your RV
3. A Step-by-Step Guide to Washing Your RV
4. How To Remove Oxidation and Restore Shine
6. A Clean RV Makes for Better Journeys
The Importance of Regular RV Washing
Most RV owners take pride in their rig’s appearance, and there’s no better feeling than pulling into a rally or campsite with a sparkling-clean RV!
When your home on wheels looks its best, life on the road is just more fun. Having a clean, attractive rig also gives you access to a wider range of sites and better amenities. (Some private campgrounds and RV parks will turn away campers that look visibly damaged or dirty.)
Not to mention, RVs get exposed to a LOT of nasty stuff on the road. Removing dirt, mud, bird poop, dead bugs and pollutants protects your RV’s finish, reducing sun damage and other maintenance issues. This helps to preserve the resale value and performance of your vehicle.
Translation: keeping your rig clean may help you drive it for longer and get the most out of the journey. Win-win!
Preparing To Detail Your RV
There’s more to washing your rig than just grabbing a hose and spraying away. These easy preparation tips will have you well on your way to a successful DIY RV wash.
Choose the Right Location
Cleaning an RV is a big job, so it’s important to find a designated spot where the dirty runoff won’t create an environmental hazard. We probably don’t need to tell you that it’s a huge party foul to wash an RV at a public beach or park.
Many RVers prefer to clean their rigs in the driveway at home (just make sure there’s appropriate drainage nearby). On the road, look for self-service RV stalls at campgrounds or car wash facilities.
Ideally, you want a shady spot that’s not directly under a tree. Park your vehicle on a level surface and allow it to cool completely before getting started.
Use RV-Specific Cleaners
Abrasive tools and harsh chemicals may get your RV clean, but they can also cause major damage to the surfaces that will degrade the vehicle over time. That includes dish soap, which strips away the protective gelcoat and leaves a film behind.
It’s better to invest in targeted RV cleaners that extend the life of your surfaces, rather than shelling out big bucks for unnecessary repairs down the road.
ThePoli Glow® RV Detailing Kit contains everything you need to clean and detail your RV, inside and out:
- Concentrated RV wash
- Waterless spray-on cleaner
- Spray-on ceramic coating
- Interior RV cleaner
- Leather and vinyl conditioner
- 2 microfiber multi-surface towels
- Microfiber detailing towel
Everything is specifically tailored for recreational vehicles so you can achieve a professional-quality detail job yourself. You’ll also need a 5-gallon bucket, vehicle wash brush, rubber gloves and a hose.
Be Wary of Water Damage
Unlike most cars, your RV is covered in ports, openings, windows and slide-outs. It’s very easy for water to get underneath the rubber seals, causing mildew and mold growth in the interior. (This is a good reasonnot to use a high-pressure truck wash to clean your RV.)
Before washing your rig, take a few minutes to make sure everything is tightly closed, locked and sealed to prevent water intrusion.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Washing Your RV
See you later, road crud– it’s time to get that RV gleaming again! Follow these simple steps to wash, detail and polish your RV.
RV Exterior Detailing
- Pour 1-2 ounces ofPoli Wash™ Biodegradable RV Soap into a 5-gallon bucket.
- Fill the bucket with clean water, using the water pressure from your faucet or hose to create suds.
- Hand wash the surface of your RV with a soft cloth, vehicle wash brush, or our microfiberPoli-Mitt™ Applicator. Work from top to bottom to avoid dirty streaks on the areas you’ve already cleaned.
- Rinse the RV thoroughly with clean water, spraying from the top down. Be careful not to apply direct water pressure to rubber seals, as this can create leaks.
- Buff your RV dry with a microfiber towel like our550 GSM Microfiber Detailing Towel for streak-free shine.
- For glass and any exterior surfaces you don’t want to get wet, use a waterless detailer likePoli Super Spray™. Apply directly to your RV and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.
- Protect your RV’s finish by applyingPoli Slick Seal™ to the exterior surfaces. This works like a mini wax job to give your vehicle a mirror-like glossy coating and defend against stains. Simply spray it on and use the320 GSM Microfiber Towel to distribute it evenly.
RV Interior Detailing
- Spray a special vehicle cleaner like ourPoli Interior Detailer™ onto a microfiber towel or the area to be cleaned. A specialized all-purpose cleaner for vehicles should deliver a spotlessly clean, residue-free finish.
- Wipe the surfaces with the microfiber towel, flipping the cloth periodically.
- To spot clean carpet or upholstery, applyPoli Interior Detailer™directly to the surface, scrub with a microfiber towel or brush, then wipe the area with a clean dry cloth. Harsh scrubbing will produce foam.
- Leather and vinyl seats can become dry and cracked over time. Apply a high-quality leather conditioner likePoli Leather & Vinyl Pro™ to extend their life and make them more comfortable to sit in.
- Work the conditioner into the leather or vinyl with small circular motions. Wipe off any excess cleaner.
- Buff the seats with a soft, clean towel.
- Do not use leather conditioners on suede seats. Instead, vacuum and brush the seats to remove debris, then spot clean with water as needed.
How To Remove Oxidation and Restore Shine
So you put in the elbow grease and scrubbed down your RV… but even though it’s clean, it doesn’t look as new and shiny as it used to.
Maybe it’s dull, faded, or even stained.
This is due to a process called “oxidation”, where the outer surfaces of your rig degrade and become more porous over time. The result is faded colors and an old, worn-out appearance.
The good news? Oxidation is largely reversible, and you can do the restoration work yourself!
OurPoli Glow® Deluxe RV Restoration Kit is a total oxidation removal system that makes it simple to return your rig to its “factory-floor” glossy shine.
No electric buffer or harsh, abrasive products are required. Instead,Poli Ox™ Oxidation Remover for RVs uses oxalic acid to loosen and remove oxidation from your vehicle. It uncovers the original colors of your RV without damaging the surfaces or decals.
Once the oxidation is gone, our flagshipPoli Glow® RV Polish restores and seals the shiny exterior finish. Just wipe it on and let it dry. It’s that simple!
RV Maintenance Tips
Between dusty highways, dirty campgrounds and sketchy gas stations, RVs pick up a LOT of junk on the road.
Keeping your rig clean can feel like a nonstop battle against the elements. The good news is that with a few simple steps, you can streamline the cleaning process so it takes less time and effort. Try these tips to keep your RV looking shiny and new:
The glossy finish on new RVs isn’t just there for show– it repels water and protects your vehicle from weather extremes, UV rays, fading and staining. Over time, this finish naturally deteriorates and needs to be restored.
Use a sealant like Poli Glow® RV Polish at least once a year to prevent damage and make your rig easier to clean. Poli Glow® works on both laminate fiberglass and painted aluminum “stick and tin” RVs.
How often you clean your RV will depend on where and how you use it, but consistent cleaning is always the best plan. Ideally, you’d wash your rig after every long drive (or at least once a month if you’re a full-timer). Sand from the beach needs to be hosed off as soon as possible to avoid scratching the paint.
No one wants dead bugs on their vehicle, but there’s more to it than that. Bugs leave behind an acidic liquid that can degrade your paint and decals. And once the bugs are dried on, it’s a huge pain in the you-know-where to get them off. Make it a habit to spot-clean your rig every time you notice dead bugs, and you’ll thank yourself later!
Once you’ve done the hard work with the bucket and brush, finish the job by spraying your rig with Poli Slick Seal™. It repels dirt, grime and water to keep your RV looking its best. Smooth it over the exterior surfaces for a protective wax-like coating and instant glossy shine!
A Clean RV Makes for Better Journeys
Nothing can compare to RV ownership– all the freedom of the open road combined with the comforts of home. Maintaining your investment will extend the longevity of your rig so you can caravan in style for many years to come.
Recreational vehicles have unique designs that are very different from those of cars or commercial trucks. That’s why it’s essential to use high-quality, RV-specific products to maintain your rolling home.
Poli Glow® simplifies the cleaning process with a line of custom cleaners, polishes and tools designed to keep your rig looking like new. We believe in preventing damage and maintenance issues wherever possible, so you can focus on your next adventure!
RV Cleaning FAQs
Got questions about how to clean an RV? We’ve got answers! Check out a few of the most frequently asked questions about RV detailing.
How often do I need to wash my RV?
It’s a good idea to wash your RV after every road trip, or at least once a month if you’re stationary. If your RV is in covered storage, you only need to wash it once a year or when you take it out.
How long does it take to clean an RV?
This really depends on the size and overall dirtiness of your rig. In general, you can expect to spend 1-2 hours washing a well-maintained RV under 30 feet.
What are the best RV cleaning products?
We may be a little biased, but we ONLY use the Poli Glow® line of RV cleaners to maintain our own recreational vehicles. These products are specifically formulated to deliver a professional detailing experience without scratching or damaging your rig. Try them for yourself… and get ready to turn heads with that Poli Glow® gleam and shine!
