Top 10 Tips for Caravan Spring Cleaning You Need To Know

Imagine planning a spontaneous road trip with your friends only to sit in your caravan and realize that not only has it been leaking all winter but it’s too dirty to handle!

To avoid ruining the fun of unexpected trips, be prepared beforehand. Spring is right around the corner and if you’re a seasoned caravan owner, you should know that this is the best time to give your ride a makeover. 

Your caravan’s interior and furniture are not only about aesthetics but functionality as well. So it is essential to efficiently clean it to make your portable home welcoming and comfortable. While we recommend regular cleaning sessions, a deep spring clean is vital to give your caravan a crisp and fresh feel. 

Are you ready to get started? Check out the article below for information on how to do a thorough caravan spring cleaning before heading out for your next trip.

Where Should You Clean Your Caravan?

Although you might feel comfortable washing up your caravan at home, it is not recommended because all cleaning agents that are used can be harmful and could end up in the ecosystem. The best way to clean your campervan or caravan is in a designated car wash or self-service washing areas for motorhomes.

#1 Gathering the Required Supplies

The most important part of any task is planning and preparation. You need to gather all the supplies beforehand to avoid wasting any time mid-clean. 

We have put together a brief list of the items you will need:

1. Portable vacuum cleaner
2. Multipurpose wipes
3. Glass and surface cleaners
4. Mild detergent
5. Stain and spot remover
6. Microfiber cloths
7. Disinfectant
8. Warm water
9. Soft sponge

#2 Airing and Decluttering

Has your caravan been holed up and gathering dust all winter? That musty stench that you can smell from a mile away can be nauseating, to say the least, and is a common problem in caravans. Now that spring is here, it’s time to open the doors and windows and let fresh air breeze through your home away from home.  Air fresheners are great for giving the caravan some freshness.

Once you’re done with airing, the next process is decluttering the caravan. Start from one end of the vehicle, removing all unnecessary, expired, or broken items. Sort through each item and decide whether it needs to be donated or discarded. 

Since a caravan has limited storage space, make sure you only keep essential items instead of hoarding items that you probably won’t be able to use.  

#3 Deep Cleaning

After airing and decluttering, give your caravan a detailed clean. Take a look at the table below for a simple guide on how to get started:

#4 Internal Cleaning

Check out the list below for an idea of how to clean the interior of your caravan:

1. Kitchen—Deep clean the fridge and microwave. Remove all expired or unnecessary food items. Wash the sink and sanitize the countertops. Thoroughly clean the stove and oven.
2. Bathroom—Scrub and wash the sink, toilet, and shower. Wipe down the mirrors. Replenish toilet paper and soap. Open the bathroom windows to let air in.
3. Bedroom—Wipe down all surfaces. Wash and change the bedsheet and pillow covers. 
4. Lounge—Vacuum any carpets or rugs. Wipe all furniture and shelves.

#5 External Cleaning

Whether your caravan has been covered or not, a thorough wash is necessary to clean it from the outside. You will need the following items:

• A mild detergent
• Sponge
• Car wash mop
• Hose

Start washing from the top of the caravan to the bottom. Don’t use high-pressure washers; they can break seals and force water inside the caravan. Be careful around antennas and solar panels to avoid any damage. 

Avoid standing on your vehicle’s roof to clean it as this can cause the roof to sag and cause internal damage to the caravan.

A coat of wax on top of a washed vehicle will give it a more prim and cleaner look.

#6 Windows

Dirty and dusty windows prevent natural light from coming into the caravan. Use glass cleaners and microfiber cloth to clean windows from both inside and outside. Window tracks can be cleaned with a wipe or dust cloth.

#7 Fix mold

Mold is a common problem in caravans since they’re holed up in garages for so long. It is necessary to air out caravans frequently to prevent mold or mildew from growing. 

In case you still find mold, treat it with a mixture of white vinegar and water. Once you have wiped the area clean, let it dry to prevent any moisture from seeping back in and encouraging regrowth.

Alternatively, you can also invest in a dehumidifier. 

#8 Maintenance Check

Spring cleaning is the best time to carry out a maintenance check as well. You need to make sure that all parts of the caravan are working properly so that even if a spontaneous road trip comes up, you are prepared. If you have looked after the caravan properly, it should only need a few basic checks, but it’s always safe to give it a thorough once-over to prevent any unexpected hiccups. 

Check out the table below for a list of the basic maintenance checks for a caravan:

#9 Storage and Organization

Since a caravan has limited space, use organization bins and baskets to make the most of what you have. To avoid getting confused, label all your containers for easy identification.

#10 Inspection

After your comprehensive cleaning session, inspect the interior and exterior from all angles to make sure that everything is clean and fresh. Pay attention to the little details. 

Once you’re done with these 10 tips, your caravan is in top condition and you are ready for your next adventure!

Find the Best Portable Home With Sunshine Trails

Are you looking for a camper or caravan for your next road adventure? You have come to the right place! Explore Sunshine Trail’s complete range of hybrid caravans, pop-top caravans, and camper vans for sale!

Check out our website or visit our in-store outlet to browse the complete range of new, used, or hybrid caravans for sale!