How to thoroughly clean your RV on an annual basis

 

Cleaning your rig regularly can be done in the spring or at the end of the season, depending on the year.

In contrast to routine post-trip cleaning, annual cleaning is much more extensive.

Re-waxing vinyl or tile floors is a good idea after scrubbing them clean. For R.V sales, resale, and maintenance, carpets and upholstery should be properly shampooed.

Renting a "Rug Doctor" from the grocery store is a viable option for those without a carpet cleaner.

If you can "flip" your mattress, you may want to do so. Before turning your mattress over, check if the bottom side matches the top. Vacuum thoroughly and remove and clean bedding, including bedspreads and comforters. No matter how clean they are, dust and residue from your body and cooking fumes will have accumulated. Dry cleaning may require bedspreads, comforters, and sleeping bags, but sheets, pillowcases, and sleeping bag liners can be washed.

Disinfect the cabinets and drawers by removing everything and cleaning them with a disinfectant cleaner. R.V Maintenance should keep you safe from spills and leaky containers; however, you should clean up any mess as soon as possible. Dispose of any food containers that are past their expiration date or damaged. If you notice any unpleasant odours, your freshwater tank should be filled with bleach (one cup per 60 gallons of water). Then, pump water through all the fixtures until you can smell the bleach from your faucets. Drain and flush the system after letting it sit for at least four hours. After filling the fresh water tank to the brim, add a half cup of baking soda and flush the system with clean water before re-filling the tank for your next trip. While you're at it, check on the status of your RV's mechanical systems.

Although some products can be used in the fresh water tank to preserve freshness, they are generally not necessary without contamination in the water supply. Once the black water tank is emptied, it should be given a new charge of holding tank chemicals unless you are winterizing your RV. To add the correct amount of chemicals, you must know the size of your tank. Neither too little nor too much money is productive. It's like putting perfume on a pig and hoping it will mask the stench. As soon as the odours become unbearable, you should dump and flush the tanks and begin anew.