Life on the road in an RV is full of adventures and picturesque landscapes, but it also requires regular upkeep. Let's talk about some RV cleaning tips to make your life easier!
RVs, with their compact spaces and unique features, need special care and attention when it comes to cleaning. The combination of delicate plastic surfaces and sensitive gray tank and black tank, along with connections to septic systems, requires thoughtfulness in the choice of cleaning supplies. Keep in mind that these tips and tricks are even more important for those that live in their RV's full time as you'll have a lot more dust, dirt, and grime than someone who camps a few times per camping season. The key to success when full timing is to clean on a regular basis.
Understanding Your RV's Cleaning Needs
Let's face it, RVs are a different beast altogether. They’re not just your standard home, they're a home on wheels. This means they come with their own set of unique challenges that you need to consider when it comes to cleaning. From plastic surfaces that are as delicate as a soufflé, to the sensitivities of gray and black tanks, there's a lot to think about. The tricky part is, the plastic surfaces in an RV can scratch easier than a cat on a new sofa. Using abrasive cleaning tools or harsh chemicals can result in unsightly scratches, which isn't the look anyone's going for. So, having soft cloths and gentle cleaning products in your arsenal is crucial.
On top of that, your gray and black tanks are like the divas of your RV – they need a little extra care and attention. They can't handle harsh chemicals, and they need regular cleaning to keep them in peak condition. It's like the high maintenance friend in your social group – a little effort goes a long way.
Also, keep in mind that the less stuff you have, the easier it is to clean. If you have to move a lot of stuff to clean, you may be less likely to do that and put off cleaning for another day. Your RV surfaces will do better with regular cleaning!
Choosing Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
Now, we all know that being eco-friendly is the cool thing to do these days. But it's not just about keeping up with trends – it's about taking care of our beautiful planet. And that starts with the products we choose to clean our RVs with. Eco-friendly cleaning products are a fantastic way to get your RV sparkling without causing harm to the environment or your septic system.
Natural cleaners are your new best friends here. Think baking soda, vinegar, and citrus-based products. Diluted white vinegar in a spray bottle makes a great deodorizer. You'll have a vinegar smell at first, but it quickly disappears and takes other odors away with it. They can tackle most cleaning jobs in your RV without releasing harmful chemicals into the environment. And bonus, they're often cheaper than traditional cleaning products. Your wallet and Mother Nature will thank you! One thing to remember when using natural cleaners is to do a spot test on a small area first, especially on those delicate plastic surfaces. While these products are generally safe, it's better to be safe than sorry. The last thing you want is to be admiring the lemony-fresh scent of your newly cleaned RV only to notice an unsightly discolored patch.
A Guide to Cleaning Your RV's Interior
Diving into the cleaning of your RV's interior can feel a bit like stepping into a labyrinth. There are so many nooks and crannies, it's easy to overlook something. That's why we recommend focusing on one area at a time. It's like eating an elephant – you do it one bite at a time. Not that we're suggesting you eat an elephant. Let's stick to the metaphor here.
A good place to start is by dusting all surfaces. It's surprising how much dust can accumulate, even in a small space like an RV. A quick dusting can brighten up the space in no time. If you have ceiling fans in your RV, don't forget those! Using an old pillowcase is a favorite tip of mine. Gently and carefully place the pillowcase over the blade (as if the blade is a pillow) and gather it in, then pull outward. The dust all falls into the inside of the pillowcase. Shake it well outside and wash it normally.
Don't forget your RV windows! A good eco-friendly glass cleaner can actually serve as your all-purpose cleaner for all of your cleaning tasks. I think the best cleaner for this is Mrs. Meyer's glass cleaner. However, if you want a really good, streak free shine, turn to white vinegar. Also, be sure you have a lint free cloth to wipe them with. A lot of people love microfiber cloths, but they can release microplastics into the water system, so I linked to cotton cloths above.
RV Floors
Then, move onto the floors. A good vacuum can get up the dirt and crumbs that inevitably find their way onto the floor. If you have pets, you'll be amazed at the fur tumbleweeds you'll round up! With pets, it can also be helpful to use a silicon or rubber broom made to pull pet hair out of carpeting. Use the soft bristle vacuum attachment to go over the moldings and crevices in the RV woodwork.
Your hard flooring will have different cleaning needs depending on the material. Be sure you are using cleaners that are safe for your particular flooring. I use a Swiffer duster and mop 2-in-1 as our old sheet vinyl flooring is fine with that choice. It's not as eco-friendly as I'd like, but it's a really lightweight and simple tool. There are a lot of other options out there! If the hard flooring area is small enough, a spray bottle of all-purpose cleaner and a rag might be enough if you can get on your hands and knees to wipe.
Your RV Kitchen
Next up, it's time to tackle the countertops, cabinets, and appliances. Again, remember to use soft, non-abasive cloths to avoid scratching the plastic surfaces. A good choice for your wood cabinets is Murphy's oil soap, just mix up the correct proportion in a bucket with warm water and go to town wiping down all your wooden surfaces. Just be sure you dusted first!
RV fridges need attention, too. You'll want to wipe them out with a food-safe cleaner or soapy water. Diluted white vinegar makes a great cleaner for your fridge, too, as it will help any odors dissipate. Wipe all of the shelves, door pockets, and walls. The freezer will need periodic defrosting, too.
Your RV Bathroom
The soft plastics of most RV toilets means that using a traditional toilet brush may scratch the surface. Instead, get a silicon toilet brush or be prepared to clean it with a rag or paper towel when the bowl is empty. We use dish soap to clean our RV toilet, but there are other, eco-friendly options out there for a RV toilet bowl cleaner. Your RV's sinks and shower or tub are usually also made of plastic, so again, beware of abrasive cleaners or scrubbing tools. If you clean a little more often, you don't need as harsh of cleaners or cleaning tools!
Revitalizing Your RV's Soft Furnishings and Textiles
Take a good look around. Do you see them? They're right there, adding comfort and aesthetic value to your RV's interior. We're talking about your soft furnishings and textiles. You know, the upholstery, curtains, rugs, bedding – the works. These items often fall by the wayside in cleaning discussions, but they have a major impact on your RV's interior ambience and cleanliness.
Don't underestimate the dust-collecting abilities of your soft furnishings. Your cushions, curtains, and rugs might look innocent enough, but they're really quiet masters of grime and dust. You may not see it, but they're gradually gathering dust, food particles, pet hair, and other airborne material over time. Not to mention, if you've been on the road for a long time, they've probably soaked up more campfire smoke and outdoor smells than you'd like to admit.
When it comes to cleaning these, gentle is the way to go. Remove the cushion covers, pillowcases, and any other removable coverings for a wash. But check the tags! A lot of soft furnishings tell you to only spot clean, never wash. If they are washable, stick to a mild detergent and cold water to avoid any color fading or shrinking. For non-removable fabric surfaces, a good vacuum will do the trick. Just be sure to get into all those nooks and crannies. Fabric refreshers can be a great option to get rid of pet odors, just be sure it's pet safe for the types of pets you have. For a deeper clean, consider using a fabric-friendly cleaner or a steam cleaner if suitable.
Next up, let's talk about your RV's curtains. If they're machine washable, great! You know the drill: cold water, gentle cycle, and mild detergent. If they're not, a good shake outside can help dislodge dust and dirt, followed by a gentle vacuuming. Remember to spot-clean any visible stains and air them out regularly to keep them fresh. If you have valences in your RV, don't forget to vacuum them with a soft-bristled attachment. They can hold a lot of dust and cobwebs.
Lastly, we can't forget about the rugs. If they're small and machine washable, you can clean them just like your cushion covers. For larger rugs, take them outside and give them a good shake to remove loose dirt, then vacuum and spot clean as needed. Occasionally, they might need a deep clean, which could involve a professional carpet cleaning, depending on the type of rug.
Just remember, when cleaning any soft furnishings in your RV, always check the manufacturer’s instructions first to avoid any cleaning calamities. Clean soft furnishings can make a world of difference in your RV, turning it from just a vehicle into a cozy, inviting home on wheels. So roll up your sleeves and give your textiles the attention they deserve! Your RV (and your nose) will thank you.
The Importance of Cleaning RV Tanks
While the interior of your RV is where you live, the tanks are where the magic happens. They're like the unseen engine room of your RV, and maintaining them is crucial for a healthy RV system. I mean, you really don't want to face a blockage when you're miles away from the nearest professional help. Think of regular maintenance of your black water tank and your gray water tank are your insurance policy against such disasters.
Regular flushing is the best place to start. It's like giving your tanks a spa day. They get all the nasty stuff washed out and are left feeling fresh and rejuvenated. And just like a spa day, regularity is key. How often depends on your use, but you want to be sure your tanks are pretty full before you dump them. This gives the tank chemicals time to break everything down.
Some RVs come with tank wash or backflush features. Ours does not. You can purchase a spray wand to put down through your toilet to spray out the inside of your black tank. They are helpful because they spray high-pressure water all around the tank. Be sure you keep your black tank valve shut as your regular practice. After you dump your black tank, add your tank treatment of choice and 5-10 gallons of warm water. If you flush toilet paper, you probably want to use 10 gallons.
The second part of this tank pampering routine is using RV-specific, septic-safe tank treatment products. They're like probiotics for your RV, helping to maintain a healthy balance in your tanks. Just be sure to avoid products containing harsh chemicals that could damage the tanks or disrupt the balance of your septic system. This is one case where being sensitive is a good thing. They make tablets or liquid concentrates to put into gray and/or black tanks. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for use.
Creating a Regular Cleaning Schedule
With the limited space inside an RV, it's like living in a game of Tetris: if you don't clear the lines quickly, things can stack up and get messy in a hurry. That's why establishing a regular cleaning schedule can be a game-changer. It will keep your RV clean and comfortable and you from feeling overwhelmed.
Daily tasks might include doing the dishes and tidying living areas. You know, the basics. It's like brushing your teeth—you do it every day to prevent bigger problems down the line. Then, weekly tasks could involve a more thorough clean of the kitchen, bathroom, and other high-use areas. Consider this your deep clean day. It's a chance to tackle the tasks that don't need doing every day but can quickly become issues if left too long. I have a free, printable cleaning checklist that you can request – it's linked at the bottom of the post!
By using eco-friendly cleaning products and adopting regular cleaning habits, you can ensure your RV remains a welcoming and comfortable home on the road. After all, a clean RV is a happy RV, and a happy RV means happier travels. So, instead of digging through clutter to find your map or dealing with an unpleasant smell from the tanks, you can focus on the open road and the adventures that await.
So there you have it, the roadmap to a clean RV interior. With your cleaning routine down pat, you're free to focus on what really matters – exploring and enjoying your adventurous RV lifestyle. After all, aren't the sights, sounds, and experiences of the journey why you embraced the RV life in the first place? So, get out there and explore, safe in the knowledge that your squeaky-clean RV is ready and waiting to be your home away from home.
Remember, the secret is in the routine. Just like any good adventure, your cleaning journey needs a solid plan. It might take a few tries to find the rhythm that suits you best, but once you do, it'll be smooth sailing… or, well, smooth RVing!