Regular detailing will keep any vehicle looking and running its best, including motor homes. Whether you’re new to the hobby or doing your detailed work at home, we’ve got everything you need to know to get the job done correctly.
Motorhome detailing, like detailing for any other vehicle, entails complete interior and exterior cleaning, as well as any small repairs and maintenance work required. Starting from the top down, a motorhome detailer will go through the following steps:
Roof Cleaning
Typically, the roof of an RV or camper gets the most dirt and filth. Most roofs are flat, which means they accumulate dust more easily, and they spend a lot of time outside, beneath trees and exposed to the elements.
When preparing to clean your roof, it is important to understand what material you will be working with. Is the roof made of fiberglass, rubber membranes, or something else? Each material requires a particular type of care, so make sure you understand what you need before you begin.
Fiberglass, for example, is susceptible to oxidization. If your roof appears chalky, you’ll probably require a strong cleanser and fiberglass stain remover. If your roof has a rubber membrane, you’ll want to keep an eye out for dry rot.
You can clean your motorhome’s roof with a pressure washer, a hose with a brush attachment, or wash mitts. If you choose to hand-wash the roof, ensure it can support your entire weight. It’s also a good idea to invest in non-slip knee pads to avoid sliding off the roof.
While you’re up there, be sure to clean and fix any air conditioning units on the roof.
Exterior Wash
After cleaning the roof, wash the motorhome’s complete exterior. This can be done in a variety of methods, including hand washing, pressure washing, or using a “dry” wash solution.
Bug, Tar, and Sap Removal
After you’ve polished and cleaned the exterior of your RV, it’s important to remove any sticky things that won’t come off with a simple wash. Most of this will be bug and tar spatter, but it may also include cleaning sap from the roof.
The best approach to remove these chemicals from your motorhome is with insect and tar remover and an automotive mitt. If the wash mitt isn’t enough, gently scratch hardened grime off with your fingernail.
Washing the roof and front of the RV on a regular basis makes cleaning easier since it prevents sticky areas from hardening.
Clean the awnings
If your motorhome has awnings, you’ll need to open and clean them. Make sure to always use a product designed specifically for the awning’s material. You’ll need something strong enough to remove any pollen, dust, or sap that has accumulated, but delicate enough not to damage the paint or discolor the cloth.
Clean the tires
The tires will be the last thing you wash because you will be washing the motorhome from top to bottom. This can be accomplished with a basic sponge and tire cleanser.
Don’t forget to clean the wheels. You may need to apply extra insect and tar remover to these places and around the wheel hub.
Exterior Wax
After the exterior of the motorhome has been detailed and cleaned, it is time to wax the body. As always, make sure you choose a wax that will not damage the siding. Depending on your demands, you can select wax that is wipe-on and buff-off or spray-on and wipe-off.
Interior Detailing
Finally, it’s time to get the inside in decent enough condition to match the outside. Typically, you will clean the carpets, seats, cup holders, vents, crevices, and any other surfaces in your motorhome. Don’t forget to remove any odors and flush the water lines and tanks.
We hope this list has provided you with all of the resources you need to understand best practices for motorhome detailing! You can use this as a reference for DIY detailing or to double-check the work of a professional RV detailer.
Do not have a professional detailer for your RV yet? Mobile Detailing US has years of specialized experience dealing with a range of materials and can ensure a complete job that meets all of your motorhome’s needs. Check out our packages and services under the RV/Motorhome page.
