How to Keep Your RV Clean While Traveling

Let’s face it, it’s a challenge to keep your RV clean while traveling. You are outside your normal routine, you are busy and having a great time, and who wants to focus on cleaning? From essential cleaning supplies to quick and easy cleaning hacks, we’ll cover it all. By maintaining cleanliness in your RV, you can not only enhance your travel experience but also extend the life of your vehicle. So buckle up and let's embark on this journey towards a cleaner, more comfortable RV life.

Best Practices for RV Cleanliness

Maintaining a clean RV doesn't have to be a daunting task, especially if you incorporate cleanliness into your regular routine. To make this process easier and more efficient, here are some best practices to consider.

Pre-Trip Cleaning: The First Step to a Clean RV

A great journey begins with great preparation. Before setting off on your adventure, give your RV a thorough cleaning. This is the perfect time to deep clean areas that can be difficult to tackle on the road, such as the bathroom, kitchen, and sleeping areas. Make sure to vacuum all upholstery, mop hard floors, clean windows, and wipe down all surfaces. Don’t forget to check for any signs of pests and deal with them before you head out.

Starting your journey with a pristine RV will not only give you a sense of satisfaction but also make it easier to maintain cleanliness while you're traveling. After all, it's much easier to spot and clean up new messes in a clean environment than in a cluttered one.

Daily Cleaning Habits to Adopt While Traveling

When you're on the road, try to incorporate daily cleaning habits into your routine. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Make your bed every morning: This simple act will instantly make your space feel neater.
2. Wipe down surfaces after use: This includes kitchen counters after cooking, the bathroom sink after brushing your teeth, and the dining table after meals.
3. Sweep or vacuum daily: This helps to keep dirt from being tracked further into your RV.
4. Dispose of trash regularly: Don't let trash pile up inside your RV. Dispose of it regularly at designated disposal sites.

Eco-Friendly RV Cleaning Supplies: Good for You, Good for the Environment

As more people become conscious of their impact on the environment, eco-friendly RV cleaning supplies have gained popularity. These products can offer effective cleaning power while minimizing harm to our planet. 

Why Choose Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products for Your RV

Traditional cleaning products often contain harsh chemicals that can have a negative impact on the environment. RV black and grey tanks are not made to hold harsh chemicals. Additionally, a lot of RV parks or campgrounds have septic systems and not all traditional cleaning products are septic-safe.

Eco-friendly cleaning products, on the other hand, are typically made from natural, biodegradable ingredients. They're designed to break down safely and naturally, reducing the potential for environmental harm. Plus, these products are generally free from harsh chemicals, making them safer for you and your family to use. 

Using eco-friendly cleaning products in your RV is a small step you can take towards a more sustainable lifestyle. It allows you to enjoy your travels while knowing that you're doing your part to protect the beautiful natural environments you're exploring.

Top Eco-Friendly RV Cleaning Products to Consider

There's a wide range of eco-friendly cleaning products available that are suitable for use in your RV. Here are a few options to consider:

1. All-Purpose Cleaners: These versatile products can be used to clean a variety of surfaces in your RV. Look for plant-based formulas for a truly eco-friendly option.
2. Bathroom Cleaners: Eco-friendly bathroom cleaners often use natural acids, like citric acid, to effectively clean and disinfect without harsh chemicals.
3. Dish Soaps: Biodegradable dish soaps are perfect for washing up after meals. They're gentle on your skin and safe for the environment.
4. Laundry Detergents: If you're traveling with a washer/dryer in your RV, consider using a plant-based laundry detergent. These detergents can effectively clean your clothes without leaving harmful residues.

I use Mrs. Meyers all purpose cleaner for my kitchen and bath cleaning. I’m not sure if it’s really the most eco-friendly, but I can find it in stores easily. There’s a set with the all-purpose cleaner, dish soap, and hand soap on Amazon. I buy the big bottles of concentrate and refill the spray bottle for the all-purpose cleaner.

RV Cleaning Hacks: Tricks to Keep Your RV Spotless

Cleaning your RV can sometimes present unique challenges. Limited space, varying materials, and being constantly on the move can make maintaining cleanliness a bit tricky. However, with a few clever cleaning hacks up your sleeve, you can keep your RV spotless with minimal effort.

Easy Cleaning Hacks

1. Use a Squeegee in the Shower: After each shower, use a squeegee on the walls and door. This will prevent water spots and help deter mold and mildew.
2. Microfiber Cloths are Your Friend: They're reusable, washable, and great for cleaning a variety of surfaces without the need for harsh chemicals. However, some people have brought up concerns about microplastics leaching from microfiber cloths, so a great alternative are old, soft cloth diapers or terry washcloths, that are 100% cotton.
3. Invest in a Small Handheld Steamer: It's great for quickly sanitizing surfaces and refreshing upholstery.
4. Use Baking Soda for Odors: A small open box of baking soda in the fridge can absorb odors. You can also sprinkle some on carpets and upholstery, let it sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum it up to freshen those areas.

How to Deal with Tough Stains and Dirt

Even with regular cleaning, you might still encounter some stubborn stains and dirt. Here's how to tackle them:

1. For Carpet Stains: Try using a mixture of white vinegar and water. Spray it on the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, then blot with a clean cloth.
2. For Grease Stains: Apply a paste of baking soda and water, let it sit for 15-30 minutes, then wipe away.
3. For Mildew in the Bathroom: A mixture of vinegar and water sprayed onto the affected area can help. Let it sit, then scrub gently with a brush and rinse.

Compact Cleaning Tools for RVs: Space-Saving and Efficient

Cleaning your RV effectively requires the right tools. However, storage space is often at a premium in an RV, making compact, multi-purpose tools an excellent choice. 

Essential Compact Tools for RV Cleaning

1. Collapsible Broom and Dustpan: These are essential for keeping your floors clean. Look for a set that can be collapsed or disassembled for easy storage.
2. Microfiber Mop: A microfiber mop with a detachable head is great for cleaning hard floors. It's lightweight, compact, and the microfiber cloth can be easily washed and reused. You can also find a mop head that can attach to the same rod that you use for your broom.
3. Small Scrub Brushes: These are handy for tackling tougher spots in the bathroom, kitchen, or on upholstery.
4. Small Stick Vac: Instead of a full-sized vacuum, have a small stick vac, either corded or battery-powered.

Organizing Your Cleaning Tools for Easy Access

Storing your cleaning tools properly not only saves space but also makes cleaning tasks easier by having everything readily accessible. Here are some tips:

1. Use a Hanging Organizer: This can be hung on the back of a door or inside a closet, providing a space-saving way to store cleaning supplies.
2. Utilize Unused Space: The space under your sink or under your bed can be used for storing cleaning tools.
3. Keep Items Together: Store all of your cleaning supplies in one designated spot so you can easily find what you need when it's time to clean.
4. Use Storage Bins: Smaller items can be stored in bins or baskets to keep them organized and prevent them from getting lost.

How to Keep RV Clean on the Road: Practical Tips

Traveling in an RV comes with its own set of unique challenges when it comes to cleanliness. The road can bring dust, dirt, and even the occasional furry friend into your living space. But fear not – here are some practical tips to help you maintain a clean RV even while on the move.

Dealing with Dust and Dirt While Traveling

When you're traveling, dust and dirt can be inevitable companions. However, there are steps you can take to minimize their impact:

1. Use Floor Mats and Rugs: Placing these at your RV's entrances can help to catch dirt before it spreads throughout the vehicle. Just be sure to shake them out regularly. The chenille loops rugs really catch a lot of dirt, mud, and sand!
2. Keep Windows and Doors Closed: When possible, keep your windows and doors closed, especially in particularly dusty areas.
3. Clean Regularly: A quick daily sweep or vacuum can go a long way in keeping dirt levels down.

Keeping Your RV Clean Even with Pets

Traveling with pets can add an extra layer of mess to your RV, but that doesn't mean you can't keep your space clean. Here are some tips:

1. Invest in Pet-Friendly Throws: Cover your furniture with washable throws or blankets. They'll catch most of the pet hair and can be easily shaken out and washed. A budget-friendly option is to buy fleece yardage on sale at a fabric store and cut it to fit the need. It won't ravel and doesn't require any sewing!
2. Keep a Pet Cleaning Kit: This should include pet wipes for quick clean-ups, a lint roller for hair removal, and any other pet-specific cleaning supplies you might need.
3. Regular Grooming: Regular grooming can help keep shedding to a minimum. If the weather is nice outside, take your pet outside to brush and comb their fur.
4. Give Your Pet Their Own Space: Whether it's a specific spot on the couch or a pet bed, giving your pet their own designated space can help to contain the mess.

Maintaining a clean RV while traveling can significantly enhance your overall experience. It's not just about aesthetics; it's also about health, safety, and creating a comfortable environment for you and your family or friends. Let's recap the key points discussed in this guide to keep your RV clean while on the road.

A clean RV is more than just a pleasant space—it's a healthier, more comfortable environment for everyone onboard. So, keep these tips in mind as you embark on your next adventure, and enjoy the journey with the added peace and comfort that comes from maintaining a clean RV.