The Ultimate Guide to RV Detailing

There’s a special kind of freedom that comes with hitting the open road in your RV. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a long cross-country adventure, your RV is your home away from home. To keep that home comfortable, looking its best, and protected from the elements, regular cleaning is essential. But beyond a quick wash, giving your RV a thorough detail can make a world of difference.

Detailing goes deeper than just surface cleaning. It’s a comprehensive process that revitalizes your RV’s appearance, protects its materials, and ensures a truly hygienic environment inside and out. Think of it as a spa day for your home on wheels!

This post is your ultimate guide to RV detailing. We’ll walk you through the process, covering both the exterior and interior, so you know what’s involved in a truly deep clean.

While tackling some detailing tasks yourself is definitely possible, for a truly comprehensive and professional result, American Vintage Trailers offers an in-shop RV detail service. We have the tools, expertise, and climate-controlled space to make your RV sparkle.

Let’s start by understanding why detailing your RV is so important.

Detailing your RV isn’t just about making it shine (though that’s a nice bonus!). It’s a crucial part of maintaining your investment, ensuring a healthy living space, and even enhancing your safety on the road.

• Preserves Appearance: Regular detailing removes dirt, grime, road film, and environmental contaminants that can dull your RV’s finish over time. This keeps your RV looking newer for longer.
• Prevents Deterioration: Bird droppings, bug splatters, tree sap, and road salt aren’t just unsightly; they can actually damage your RV’s paint, fiberglass, metal, and seals if left unaddressed. Detailing removes these corrosive substances.
• Ensures Hygiene: The interior of your RV can accumulate dust, dirt, allergens, and bacteria from your travels. A deep interior detail cleans and sanitizes surfaces, creating a healthier environment for you and your passengers.
• Maintains Resale Value: A well-maintained and clean RV will always command a higher resale value compared to one that shows signs of neglect and wear. Detailing is an investment in preserving that value.
• Allows Early Problem Detection: As you clean your RV thoroughly, you have the opportunity to inspect surfaces up close. This can help you spot minor issues like small cracks in seals, early signs of oxidation, or loose trim before they turn into larger, more expensive problems.

Detailing is an essential part of responsible RV ownership. It protects your investment and makes your travels more enjoyable.

Gathering everything you need before you start will streamline the detailing process. You’ll need a variety of supplies for both the exterior and interior of your RV.

• Washing Supplies: These are the basics for the initial exterior clean.

  • RV-specific wash soap: Choose a soap designed for RV finishes to avoid damaging decals or sealants.
  • Multiple buckets: Ideally, use the two-bucket method (one for soapy water, one for rinsing your wash mitt) to prevent scratching.
  • Long-handle brush or wash mitt: To reach high areas and apply soap effectively.
  • Hose with spray nozzle: For rinsing the RV.
    

    ---

• Exterior Cleaning Products: For tackling tougher exterior grime.

  • Wheel and tire cleaner: Products specifically formulated for these surfaces.
  • Bug and tar remover: For those stubborn road residues.
  • Mold and mildew cleaner: Essential for cleaning awnings and sometimes the roof.
  • Glass cleaner: For streak-free exterior windows.
    

    ---

• Exterior Protection Products: To shield your RV’s finish after cleaning.

  • Wax, sealant, or protectant: Choose a product appropriate for your RV’s exterior surface material (fiberglass, gel coat, painted areas). These help protect against UV rays and environmental damage.
    

    ---

• Interior Cleaning Supplies: For cleaning surfaces inside your RV.

  • All-purpose cleaner: For general cleaning of various surfaces.
  • Glass cleaner: For interior windows and mirrors.
  • Surface-specific cleaners: Products designed for countertops, wood finishes, etc.
  • Upholstery cleaner/shampoo: For cleaning fabric seating and other upholstered areas.
  • Carpet spot cleaner: For addressing stains on carpeted areas.
  • Steam cleaner: A valuable tool for deep cleaning and sanitizing various interior surfaces, including upholstery, carpets, grout, and some wall materials (as we’ll discuss!).
    

    ---

• Tools & Accessories: Things to help you apply products and clean effectively.

  • Vacuum (wet/dry recommended): For thorough cleaning of floors and upholstery.
  • Various brushes: Small detail brushes for vents, crevices, etc., and larger brushes for carpets or tough spots.
  • Squeegee: For drying exterior windows and smooth surfaces without streaks.
  • Multiple high-quality microfiber cloths: Essential for washing, drying, wiping away cleaners, and applying protectants. Have plenty on hand!
  • Sponges: For applying cleaning products.
  • Ladder or scaffolding: To safely reach the roof and upper sections of your RV.
    

    ---

• Optional but Helpful:

  • Odor eliminators: To neutralize any lingering smells.
  • Fabric protectors: To help repel stains on upholstery and carpets after cleaning.

Having all these supplies ready will make your RV detailing process much more efficient.

The exterior of your RV takes a beating from the sun, road grime, bugs, and weather. Regular exterior detailing not only keeps it looking great but also protects the finish from long-term damage.

• Step 1: Pre-Rinse

  • Before applying any soap, thoroughly rinse the entire RV from top to bottom using your hose and spray nozzle.
  • This removes loose dirt, dust, and debris that could scratch the finish during washing.
  • Pay extra attention to areas where dirt accumulates, like wheel wells and the lower body.

• Step 2: Wash (Top Down)

  • Mix your RV-specific wash soap in one of your buckets according to the product instructions. Fill your second bucket with clean water for rinsing your wash mitt or brush.
  • Start washing from the roof down. This way, soapy water and dirt flow downwards over areas you haven’t cleaned yet.
  • Use your long-handle brush or wash mitt to apply the soapy water to sections of the RV.
  • Work in manageable sections (e.g., one side of the roof, then an upper section of a wall) so the soap doesn’t dry on the surface.
  • Regularly rinse your wash mitt or brush in the clean water bucket before dipping it back into the soapy water. This helps prevent transferring grit back onto the RV, which can cause scratches.
  • Rinse each section thoroughly with the hose after washing it before moving to the next section.

• Step 3: Clean Specific Areas

  • Once the main body is washed, focus on areas that require more specific cleaning.
  • Wheels and Tires: Use a dedicated wheel and tire cleaner and appropriate brushes to clean wheels and tire sidewalls. Rinse thoroughly.
  • Awning: Extend your awning and clean both the top and underside. Use an RV-specific awning cleaner to address mold, mildew, or stains. Rinse thoroughly and let it dry completely before retracting to prevent mildew.
  • Slides (If Applicable): If your RV has slide-outs, clean the top and sides of the slides while they are extended and retracted (safely!). Pay attention to seals.
  • Bug and Tar: Apply a bug and tar remover to any stubborn spots on the front of your RV or other affected areas. Allow it to dwell as per product instructions, then gently wipe or wash away.

• Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly

  • After washing all sections and specific areas, perform a final, thorough rinse of the entire RV from top to bottom.
  • Ensure all soap residue is completely removed. Leftover soap can leave streaks or dull the finish.

• Step 5: Dry

  • Drying your RV immediately after rinsing helps prevent water spots, especially if you have hard water.
  • Use a squeegee on large, flat surfaces like windows and smooth body panels.
  • Follow up with high-quality microfiber drying cloths to dry the remaining surfaces and absorb any water left by the squeegee.
  • Work quickly before the water has a chance to air dry.

• Step 6: Surface Protection

  • Once the exterior is clean and dry, apply a layer of protection to help shield the finish and make future cleaning easier.
  • Apply a wax, sealant, or protectant product that is appropriate for your RV’s exterior surface material (fiberglass, gel coat, painted surfaces).
  • Follow the product instructions for application and removal (if necessary).
  • These products provide a barrier against UV rays, dirt, and environmental contaminants, helping to preserve the finish and add a protective layer.

Giving your RV’s exterior this level of attention keeps it looking sharp and helps protect the materials from premature aging and damage.

The interior of your RV is where you spend your time relaxing, cooking, eating, and sleeping. Keeping it clean is vital for comfort and health. A thorough interior detail goes beyond a quick wipe-down.

• Step 1: Declutter and Remove Everything

  • Before you can clean effectively, you need to clear the space.
  • Remove all personal items, decor, bedding, cushions, and anything else that’s not permanently attached.
  • This gives you full access to all surfaces that need cleaning.

• Step 2: Thorough Vacuuming

  • Dust and debris accumulate everywhere in an RV interior.
  • Use a powerful vacuum (a wet/dry shop vac is excellent for RVs) to thoroughly vacuum all floors (carpet and hard surfaces).
  • Vacuum upholstery, including under cushions and in crevices.
  • Don’t forget to vacuum curtains, valances, and even ceiling panels where dust can settle.
  • Use appropriate attachments, like a crevice tool, to get into tight corners, along edges, and around furniture bases.

• Step 3: Clean All Surfaces

  • Wipe down all interior surfaces that aren’t upholstered or carpeted.
  • This includes walls (being mindful of the material, as we’ll discuss below), ceilings, cabinets (inside and out), doors, trim, and other hard surfaces.
  • Use an all-purpose cleaner or a cleaner specific to the material you are cleaning (e.g., a wood cleaner for wood cabinets).
  • Use clean microfiber cloths and change them frequently as they get dirty.

• Step 4: Detail Kitchen and Bathroom

  • These areas require special attention for hygiene.
  • Thoroughly clean the sink, stove, oven, microwave (inside and out), and refrigerator (inside and out, paying attention to seals).
  • Clean and disinfect the toilet, shower or wet bath area, and all surrounding surfaces.
  • Clean countertops and backsplashes.

• Step 5: Clean Upholstery and Carpets

  • Address stains and dirt on your fabric surfaces.
  • Spot clean any visible stains on upholstery and carpets using an appropriate spot cleaner.
  • For a deeper clean, you may need to use an upholstery cleaner or a carpet shampooer specifically designed for these materials.
  • Consider steam cleaning upholstery and carpets for a deep, hygienic clean and to kill bacteria and remove odors.

• Step 6: Cleaning Walls and Ceilings (Including Steam Cleaning Considerations)

  • Cleaning your RV’s interior walls and ceiling is important for removing grime, fingerprints, and dust.
  • Use appropriate cleaners based on your wall material.
  • Steam cleaning can be a highly effective way to clean and sanitize RV walls, but it requires caution depending on the wall material. Too much heat or moisture applied incorrectly can cause damage. It’s vital to know what kind of walls your RV has:

  ---

  • ✅ Models You Can Usually Steam Clean (Carefully): These RVs often feature wall materials that are generally tolerant of steam cleaning.
    • Airstreams (aluminum walls — safest if bare or anodized, avoid excessive steam in seams)
    • Casita (fiberglass shell inside and out — steam friendly)
    • Scamp (fiberglass — same as Casita, very safe)
    • Oliver Travel Trailers (full molded fiberglass interior — very safe)
    • Happier Camper (fiberglass modular units — steam is fine)
    • Winnebago Solis (fiberglass and plastic walls — just be careful around seals and avoid forcing steam behind panels)
    • Some Jayco, Keystone, Grand Design models with laminated vinyl or fiberglass walls inside — Always a good idea to check manufacturer recommendations if unsure.

  ---

  • ⚠️ Models You Can Steam, But Must Be Careful: These RVs often have walls made with materials like thin plywood or MDF, typically covered with a decorative vinyl wrap. These materials are more susceptible to moisture and heat damage.
    • Most Forest River products (e.g., Salem, Rockwood, Flagstaff)
    • Coachmen (e.g., Apex, Freedom Express)
    • Dutchmen (e.g., Kodiak, Aspen Trail)
    • Older Jayco trailers and motorhomes
    • Fleetwood and Thor motorhomes (common in Bounder, Four Winds, etc.)
    • ✅ If steaming these wall types, keep it light — use low-to-medium steam, move the steam nozzle quickly across the surface, and immediately follow with a clean microfiber cloth to dry the area right after steaming. The goal is quick passes to clean, not saturating the material. Excessive steam can loosen the glue holding the vinyl wrap or cause the underlying wood/MDF to bubble or delaminate.

  ---

  • 🚫 Models You Should Avoid Steam Cleaning Walls On: These wall materials are easily damaged by steam or excessive moisture.
    • Vintage campers with fabric or wallpaper interiors (like older Shastas, Aristocrats, classic “canned ham” style trailers) — Steam can damage delicate paper or fabric and loosen old adhesives.
    • Pop-up campers (the soft sides and tent walls should never be steamed) — These materials are designed for breathability and are not meant to withstand direct steam or significant moisture.
    • DIY / Homebuilt campers (unless you know the exact wall material construction) — With unknown materials, the risk of damage from steam is high.
    • Some very cheap trailers with paper-thin decorative panels (steam could bubble or delaminate them) — These panels often lack durability against moisture.

  ---

• Step 7: Clean Interior Windows and Mirrors

  • Use a quality glass cleaner and clean microfiber cloths for streak-free windows and mirrors inside your RV.
  • Clean both the glass and the surrounding frames.

• Step 8: Address Odors

  • If any lingering odors remain after cleaning, use odor eliminators or natural methods (like placing open boxes of baking soda) to neutralize them.
  • Ensure good ventilation throughout the RV.

A thorough interior detail creates a significantly more pleasant and hygienic environment for your RV travels.

Now that you have an idea of the many steps involved in a thorough RV detail, you might be weighing whether to tackle it all yourself or seek professional help. Both DIY detailing and professional in-shop detailing have their advantages.

• DIY Detailing:

  • Pros:
    • Saves money on labor costs.
    • Allows you to clean on your own schedule.
    • You have direct control over the products used.
    • Good for regular maintenance cleaning between deeper details.
  • Cons:
    • Requires significant time and effort.
    • You need to purchase all the necessary tools and products.
    • Lifting, bending, and reaching high areas can be physically demanding.
    • You may not have access to commercial-grade equipment or specialized knowledge for tough issues.
    • Weather conditions can make exterior detailing challenging.

• Professional In-Shop Detailing:

  • Pros:
    • Achieves a deeper, more comprehensive clean, both interior and exterior.
    • Professionals have access to commercial-grade products and specialized equipment (like powerful steam cleaners and extraction tools).
    • Skilled detailers know the best techniques for cleaning different RV surfaces effectively and safely.
    • Saves you significant time and physical effort.
    • Can often address stubborn stains, odors, or oxidation more effectively.
    • Work is done in a climate-controlled environment, regardless of exterior weather.
    • Convenience of dropping off your RV and picking up when it’s complete.
  • Cons:
    • Costs more than DIY detailing due to labor and product expenses.
    • Requires scheduling an appointment.

Deciding between DIY and professional detailing often comes down to the level of clean you’re aiming for, the time and resources you have available, and the specific condition of your RV. Regular DIY cleaning is great for maintenance, but a periodic professional detail can revitalize your RV in ways a standard cleaning might not.

While this guide provides a comprehensive look at RV detailing, we understand that not every RV owner has the time, space, or desire to perform a full, deep clean themselves. That’s where a professional in-shop detail service becomes invaluable. At American Vintage Trailers, we offer expert in-shop detailing to bring your RV back to sparkling condition, inside and out.

• Skilled Team, Thorough Process: Our team of skilled technicians understands the unique needs of RVs and follows a meticulous detailing process to ensure every surface is cleaned and protected effectively.
• Commercial-Grade Products and Equipment: We use professional-grade cleaning products and equipment that are often more effective than consumer-level options, allowing us to tackle tough stains, grime, and odors.
• Professional Interior Steam Cleaning: We utilize professional steam cleaning equipment to deeply clean and sanitize upholstery, carpets, and appropriate wall surfaces, eliminating dirt, allergens, and bacteria for a truly hygienic interior.
• Convenience and Timesaving: Simply drop off your RV at our shop, and we’ll handle the entire detailing process. This saves you significant time and effort compared to a DIY detail.
• Attention to Detail: Our team pays close attention to all the details, from cleaning tight crevices to ensuring protective products are applied evenly for a flawless finish.
• Preserve Your Investment: A professional detail helps protect your RV’s surfaces from deterioration, contributing to its longevity and maintaining its resale value.

Choosing American Vintage Trailers for your in-shop RV detail means entrusting your vehicle to a team that understands RVs and is committed to delivering a high-quality clean. It’s an investment in keeping your RV looking great, feeling fresh, and protected for your travels.