Just like your vehicle, a caravan / motorhome also needs a good exterior wash and wax from time to time. Not only will you be taking care of your paint, but when a caravan / motorhome is clean, it becomes easier to spot potential wear and tear that needs maintenance before it rusts and becomes a much bigger problem in the long run.
However, before you whip out the garden house, make sure that you have plenty of room to manoeuvre around your caravan / motorhome. It is always best to start at the top and work your way down.
If using a pressure washer, make sure that you use the correct attachment and stand a reasonable distance from the caravan / motorhome. By not doing this, you could do a lot of damage to the paint and bodywork from the force of the water. Stay away from windows, seals and joints to avoid leaks. It cannot be underestimated how much damage a pressure washer can cause.
The roof should be one of the parts that should be paid attention to as touring debris, algae and mould tend to grow. It is not advisable to walk on your roof, rather use a stepladder and clean the roof in stages.
How to wash, polish, and wax
The exterior of your caravan needs to be hosed down so that it can loosen any dirt, leaves, grit and moss. A hose pipe is best as a pressure washer may sometimes be too powerful and may damage the window seals.
Caravans and motorhomes need a specialised cleaner to clean the exterior. Never use washing up liquid to clean the exterior of your caravan, as this can lead to corrosion.
As you finish off each section, rinse it off thoroughly with water (do not let the cleaner dry) before moving on to another section.
The sun and exposure can leave your caravan / motorhome looking dull and not cared for. This is where polishing comes into play. Try and avoid any rubber seals and textured plastics / trim on your caravan in the process. Some marks and scratches can be polished out too by adding a bit more pressure while polishing. Your polish product should be applied and left for about 15 – 20 minutes and then buffed with a microfiber cloth or buffing machine.
The last stage to focus on is waxing your caravan / motorhome. By waxing your caravan, you are creating a protective barrier on it that keeps the shine in, but any dirt and water out. It is recommended that you leave the product on for 30 minutes before buffing. A great way to test and see if the area has been waxed is to hose a small area – water will form a beads affect on a waxed surface.
But what about the windows and skylights?
Caravan / motorhome windows can be very delicate and can be scratched easily. It is advisable to use a cleaner specially designed for use on plastic windows and apply it using a microfiber cloth.
So, let’s summarise how you should clean your caravan or motorhome
Most caravan dealerships offer offer a professional clean and/or service. There are two types of services, minor and major. Be sure to opt for the one that includes drum brakes and wheel bearings.
This article Top tips for cleaning the exterior of your caravan or motorhome was first published on CaravanSA
