Caravan or motorhome exterior cleaning checklist
Over time your van is going to collect mud, tar, insects, streaks and of course the dreaded green algae. It’s important to remove these unwelcome guests with regular cleaning before they do damage to your bodywork, but there’s more of a science to this than meets eye.
Here are our favourite tips and tricks for cleaning the outside of your caravan or motorhome.
Use cleaning products suitable for caravans
We stock our very own Bailey-approved caravan and motorhome kit, as well as the AutoGlym range, in our shop. These specialist cleaning products won’t damage your specialised seals, paintwork or windows, but they will leave you with a gleaming exterior. Whatever you do, don't use bleach when cleaning. It could cause some real problems.
Removing black streaks from your van
The streaks are caused by oxidised rubber washing onto your bodywork. Use AutoGlym Caravan and motorhome cleaner to remove the oxidised layer from window surrounds etc. and to gently shift stubborn streaks. The product’s a great cleaning all-rounder as well, for inside and out.
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Wash your van upwards or downwards?
This causes raging controversy in the chatrooms. Our best advice is: apply shampoo from the bottom up to prevent streaking and to keep the van wet (which will make rinsing easier and more effective). However, rinse from the top - and leather dry if your water’s hard.
Incidentally, clean your roof first!
Don’t use a pressure washer to clean your caravan!
You run the risk of damaging your paintwork, seals and even your panels with a pressure washer. Garden sprayers, designed for delicate plants, are great labour and water-saving tools however - or else wash by hand (a microfibre wash noodle will protect your fingers).
Caravan window cleaning, by hand
The acrylic used for caravan windows is prone to scratching. It’s a good idea to wash the window with your shampoo first directly using your hand, provided your product is safe on skin. You’ll instantly feel any stuck-on grit and it’s gentler than using a cloth or sponge.
Finish by applying a dedicated caravan cleaner like Autoglym Fast Glass with a microfibre cloth (avoiding skin contact).
Say ta-ta to tar
On the road, and especially in hot weather, you’ll likely pick up minute flecks of melted tar. This can stick stubbornly to your paintwork and if you try to scrub it off you’ll most likely cause a scratch. AutoGlym Intensive tar remover will wave goodbye to the sticky stuff.
Let your cleaning products do the work!
Check your product’s instructions. Many will tell you to leave the solution to do its work for a period of time, allowing it to gently lift the dirt. This saves elbow grease, reduces the risk of scratching and allows time to refuel with tea! Take a cuppa on the move with a Bailey thermal mug.
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Rinse your van off before it dries
It’s a good idea to clean one section of your caravan or motorhome at a time. Rinsing off shampoo before it dries will make life easier and give you a better finish. You could also apply AutoGlym Rapid Aquawax below while wet to add a ‘hard wax’ protective finish.
Don’t forget your caravan wheel and tyre care
If you’re going for showroom condition, clean your wheels and tyres. Gleaming hubs and rubber really complete the picture and we stock various products to make them shine. You can see our whole range in person at our Click and Collect Store just off Junction 16 on the M5 at Bristol.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our overview of caravan and motorhome cleaning. Please always check your manufacturer’s guidelines and product instructions before starting work – and have a happy season ahead!