They say that your home is your castle; it’s only appropriate you keep your castle fit for royalty, even if you are towing that home with you around the country, so let’s take a look at the best campervan cleaning products. Many car cleaning products can be used on motorhomes to keep them clean, but some dangers exist. Motorhomes and caravans require a slightly more delicate touch; you can use snow foam and the like to get the dirt from your motorhome, but you must use a pressure washer sparingly (or better yet, opt for a hosepipe).
Unlike a car, your motorhome has many things that don’t take kindly to high-pressure water being blasted at it. Air vents for the fridge and integrated oven, window seals and sealants are not designed to have water forced at them, especially in older motorhomes and campervans. Modern motorhomes have their worries, too, with pressure washers too, causing damage to TV aerials and other items which are on rooftops or to pop-up roofs.
There is more to cleaning motorhomes and caravans than just bodywork. Windows, fridges, sanitary areas and awnings all need cleaning if not used frequently, and you’re putting your travelling home into storage over winter or for a period of not using it.
The best campervan cleaning products at a glance:
Editor’s choice: Rhino Goo! – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best brush for reach: Innhom car wash Brush – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best pipe and tank cleaner: Fenwicks Waste Pipe and Tank Cleaner – Buy now from Amazon UK
Here at Parkers, we’ve put together a guide to the best campervan cleaning products.
The best campervan cleaning products
Exterior caravan cleaning
Best exterior cleaner
Baked-on green algae can be very difficult to remove, so Rhino Goo could be your go-to product if you’ve recently purchased a motorhome that needs desperate spruce up.
Rhino Goo can also be used neat with a sponge or a cloth on stubborn stains.
Pros
- Great for removing algae
- Can be used neat on stubborn stains
Cons
- Heavy staining may need two applications
Best concentrated formula
This caravan cleaner from Fenwick’s has been designed to clean all your caravan surfaces quickly. The formula removes stubborn streaks and algae whilst leaving a sparkling finish on all your bodywork and windows.
Pros
- Concentrated formula
- Sparkling finish
Cons
- Will remove any protective coating as well as dirt
Best wax protection
Dirtbusters was established in 1986 by Gavin Finch. 19-year-old Gavin cleaned ovens & carpets in his local area. The business was successful, but Gavin became fed up with using caustic cleaning chemicals over the years. Using years of experience and expertise, Gavin worked alongside a chemist to develop Dirtbusters’ first line of non-caustic cleaning products for professionals in the industry.
After organic growth, Dirtbusters expanded into the domestic market in 2010.
You’ll only need two capfuls of this powerful cleaner per bucket; it will help remove black streaking leaving a streak-free wax finish. A protective water beading treatment on the paintwork to protect it after application and is safe on all paint finishes, glass alloys and chrome.
Pros
- Non-caustic
- Wax protection
Cons
- The finish isn't as shiny as some others
Cloths, sponges, and brushes
As your caravan or motorhome is likely more significant and taller than your regular vehicle, a new set of sponges or cleaning brushes might be a good idea to help you get to all those hard-to-reach areas.
Best brush for reach
The long handle is made up of aluminium, making it solid and sturdy without weight, and it is collapsible into four sections to make storing easy.
Pros
- Good reach
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not good for scrubbing
Best flow through brush
The two foam handle grips will enable you to make sure that the hose doesn’t slip out of your hands while cleaning.
Pros
- Able to control water flow from brush
- Good grips
Cons
- Can suffer from leakage at the joint
Best high pressure brush
Using patented scratch-free brush technology, you can be sure to reach the roof of your motorhome with its extending handle, which reaches 1.4 meters.
Pros
- High-pressure spray
- More efficient cleaning
Cons
- Jet is not wide enough to rinse large areas
Sanitary cleaning
When you climb into your motorhome, the last thing you want is foul-smelling sanitary. Here’s a list of products that can make opening the door to your motorhome just that little more pleasant.
Best budget pipe cleaner
Pros
- Conveniently cleans pipes
- Fresh smell
Cons
- Can take time to work
Best multi-purpose waste cleaner
Fenwick’s waste pipe and tank cleaner are the perfect solutions for maintaining a clean and fully functional shower and drain in your caravan or motorhome. The formula is also safe for toilet cassettes and eliminates unpleasant odours. Comes in a one-litre bottle.
Pros
- Concentrated formula
- Multi-purpose
Cons
- None, really
Awning cleaners
After you’ve finally got everything else clean, the last thing you want to do is roll out your awning and find that moss, algae and mould have got on onto it. Keeping your roof clean will help prolong its life, keep the fabric supple, and offer protection from the sunlight and the elements.
Best spray awning cleaner
This PVC Cleaner will help keep your awning looking clean all year round. The cleaner applies a water-repellent and anti-static film to your awning’s fabric for optimal protection.
Spray on, rub down with a damp cloth and then rinse with clean water, allowing it to dry.
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Not everyone likes the smell
Best budget awning cleaner
It will easily remove dirt, grease, and mildew stains from caravans and motorhomes.
Pros
- Versatile
- Eco-friendly
Cons
- Re-proofing may be required after use
Best intensive awning cleaner
Isaclean is a strong cleaner, and after cleaning with Isaclean, you will need to re-proof the awning.
Pros
- Intensive cleaning
- Perfect for the start and end of the season
Cons
- Awning will need to be re-proofed after use
The campervan cleaning plan:
There is a bit more to cleaning a campervan than there is to cleaning a car – it’s almost like doing household and car cleaning at the same time. But don’t worry, because the professionals who do this day-in, day-out have come up with a step-by-step plan to make sure you cover everything.
Cleaning the Interior:
- Declutter: Start by removing anything that isn’t part of the regular fixtures or furnishings in your campervan. This will make it easier to clean and give you a chance to organize your belongings.
- Dust and Vacuum: Use a microfiber cloth to dust all surfaces, including countertops, cabinets, and other fixtures. Then, vacuum the floors, upholstery, and any nooks and crannies to remove loose dirt and debris.
- Wipe Surfaces: Clean all hard surfaces with an appropriate cleaning product. Use a mild cleaner for general surfaces like countertops and tables, and ensure you use compatible products for specific surfaces like glass, plastic, and stainless steel.
- Clean Appliances: Pay special attention to kitchen appliances, bathroom fixtures, and any other appliances in your campervan. Use appropriate cleaners and disinfectants to keep these areas sanitary.
- Upholstery and Carpets: Spot-clean any stains on upholstery and carpets. If needed, use a fabric or upholstery cleaner to freshen up the interior.
- Windows and Mirrors: Use a glass cleaner to clean the windows and mirrors, both inside and out.
- Ventilation and A/C: Clean or replace air filters in your campervan’s ventilation and air conditioning systems.
- Odour Control: Address any odours by using air fresheners, odour-neutralizing products, or by ensuring proper ventilation.
Cleaning the Exterior:
- Rinse: Start by rinsing the exterior with water to remove loose dirt and debris. You can use a hose or a pressure washer if available.
- Wash: Use a camper van-specific or automobile-grade soap to wash the exterior. Start at the top and work your way down, using a soft sponge or mitt to avoid scratching the paint.
- Scrub and Rinse: For stubborn stains, use a soft bristle brush or microfiber cloth to scrub the affected areas. Rinse thoroughly to remove soap residue.
- Wheels and Tyres: Use a wheel cleaner to clean the wheels and tyres and a brush to remove brake dust and road grime.
- Wax and Polish: If desired, apply a wax or polish to protect and shine the exterior of your campervan. Follow the product’s instructions carefully.
- Seal and Protect: Consider using a specialized sealant or protectant on plastic and rubber parts to prevent fading and damage from UV rays.
- Check Seals and Seams: Inspect the seals and seams for any signs of damage or wear. Repair or replace as needed to prevent leaks.
- Roof Maintenance: Don’t forget to clean and inspect the roof of your campervan, especially if you have a pop-top or convertible roof.
- Tyre Pressure: Check and maintain proper tire pressure for better fuel efficiency and safety.
- Interior/Exterior Integrity: After cleaning the exterior, check the interior for any water ingress or dampness caused during the cleaning process. Ensure everything is dry.
After all that, you can relax and enjoy your travels in comfort.
Myles Warwood is an Autos Products Writer for both Parkers and CAR, specialising in child seats and e-bikes. In his spare time, he’s a freelance cycling journalist and dog owner.
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