How to Clean a Caravan or Motorhome

Park the caravan on level ground where washing water won't run into a roadside drain – many storage sites have designated wash areas. Choose a dry, overcast day if you can; direct sun dries cleaning products onto the bodywork and leaves streaks.

Use products made for caravans and motorhomes. Car shampoos with wax can be fine on the panels, but harsh degreasers, traffic film removers and strong solvents can damage acrylic windows, seals and decals.

Start with the roof, if you can reach it safely from a platform or with a long-handled brush. Many caravan roofs aren't designed to be walked on – check your manufacturer's guidance and never climb on one without knowing it's safe. Rinse it, wash with caravan shampoo and a soft brush, and rinse again.

Then work down the sides in sections, rinsing first to remove loose grit (which otherwise acts like sandpaper), washing with a soft brush or wash mitt and rinsing before the soap dries. Finish with the A-frame, wheels and lower panels, which are the dirtiest.

Black streaks running down from windows, vents and the roof rails are caused by dirt and pollution washed off by rain. A dedicated black streak remover, applied to a cloth and wiped on, shifts them more easily than shampoo alone. Fitting rain deflectors or gutter spouts at the corners helps prevent them.

Green algae grows on caravans stored under trees or in damp places. Caravan-safe algae removers work well; apply them as directed, agitate with a soft brush and rinse. Pressure washers can be used carefully on the bodywork, but keep the nozzle well back from seals, windows, vents and decals – a close, powerful jet can force water past seals and cause leaks.

Caravan windows are usually acrylic rather than glass and scratch very easily. Clean them with plenty of water and a soft microfibre cloth, using a cleaner made for acrylic windows. Never use glass cleaner, kitchen paper or anything abrasive.

Once the bodywork is clean and dry, a caravan polish or protective wax every few months makes it easier to clean next time and helps water run off. Treat rubber seals with a seal conditioner once or twice a year to stop them drying out and cracking.

Open all the windows and roof lights and take out removable cushions, rugs and bedding. Vacuum everywhere – including inside lockers and under seats, where crumbs and dead insects collect – then wipe surfaces with a mild cleaner.

Clean the kitchen and washroom as you would at home, paying attention to the fridge (leave the door propped open when not in use to prevent mould), the hob, the sink and the toilet. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning a cassette toilet, use toilet chemicals designed for it, and rinse the cassette thoroughly at a proper disposal point.

Upholstery can be vacuumed and spot cleaned. Many caravan cushion covers are removable but not always washable – check the label. A professional upholstery clean can refresh fabric seating and carpets that have picked up muddy paws and damp smells.

A clean caravan stores much better through the winter:

Mobile caravan and motorhome valeting services come to storage sites and driveways, and some general cleaning companies offer interior caravan cleans, particularly for static caravans on holiday parks. Holiday park owners and hosts who let out static caravans often book the same changeover cleaning used for holiday lets. Ask exactly what's included – exterior washing, roof cleaning, polishing and interior cleaning are often priced separately.