Like any home, the inside of your RV is your sanctuary! It's where you start and end your day. You bought your RV for the great outdoors, but you still spend quite a bit of time inside. After a while, your RV begins collecting dust, smudges, and just needs a good cleaning! But don't worry, you now have the comforts of A/C, refreshments, and ... the kids.
Interior Cleaning Checklist
Remember to clean top to bottom and left to right to make sure you don't miss anything.
One of our pro tips is that before you bust out those cleaning supplies, take everything out of your RV. Cushions, linens, smaller appliances, and anything else you find on counters. This will help you in the cleaning process so that you're not having to clean around items or move them out of the way. This will help you to not feel so overwhelmed! Make sure to place these items in a safe and protected spot outside your RV.
Young boy removes items from the RV for RV spring cleaning
If you have young kids, this is their moment to shine! Hand them a small water gun filled with the cleaning solution and direct them to spray the ceiling, walls, counters, and cabinets. We have found incorporating our kids in the cleaning process in a fun and playful way helps our cleaning process run MUCH smoother, and A LOT faster!
After your kids have successfully turned your RV into a water park, begin on the ceiling. Wipe down all areas of the ceiling. Make sure to scrub all can-lights and vents, which may have collected quite a bit of dust.
To remove the filter from your vent, you will first need to remove the lid. This can simply be done using a screwdriver. Once you've taken out the filter, rinse it with water (removing all dust), and let it dry. Once dry, place it back into the vent along with the lid. Super easy and SUPER important!
RV Spring Cleaning, detail view of vent filter being cleaned
Once all areas of your ceiling have been addressed, move down to the walls. Apply the same steps you did with the ceiling. Wipe all areas of your walls! This includes cabinets and doors as well. I know this can feel like a lot, so if you feel a bit overwhelmed, just have your kids draw on the walls ... with the rags. They'll never know the difference, right? ;) Hang in there, this is the toughest part!
This includes countertops, your front dash, chairs, couches, and TVs.
Wash all bed linens and vacuum each mattress.
Moving into the bathroom, sprinkle some baking soda and lemon juice into your toilet and shower and let sit. After about 15 minutes, scrub toilet and shower, and rinse. Make sure to wipe down at the end for a nice super-shiny bathroom!
Young woman scrubs down the RV toilet for spring cleaning
Use a non-abrasive cleaning solution to clean this part of your RV. We use Mrs. Myers, but there are many to choose from.
Be sure to use an ammonia-free product on tinted windows.
After all the ceiling, walls, counters, and cabinets have been cleaned, you will find that a lot of the dust has fallen to the floor. Grab your broom (cause it's a mess), and begin sweeping into piles. Make sure you are sweeping every corner, behind furniture, and anywhere else dust might be hiding. Vacuum each pile, then proceed to mop all areas of the floor.
Young woman sweeps floor of Winnebago Intent for spring cleaning
Making a paste out of baking soda and warm water, spread paste inside your oven and let sit overnight. This will remove all splatters and spills that have accumulated over time! Wipe clean the next day.
Best RV wash and detail near meWipe down the inside of your microwave with vinegar, lemon juice, and warm water. A good tip here is to microwave a wet paper towel for a couple of minutes, then wipe down with the solution. That extra step just helps to get everything good and loosened up.
First, remove all questionable food that has been lingering in the back of the fridge for a while. (If you're unsure, THROW IT OUT! It's just not worth it, you guys.) Then, wipe down the inside of your fridge with your vinegar solution. While you're at it, throw a box of baking soda in there and replace every now and then as it loses its deodorizing power.
Remove all old spices and food you haven't touched in the pantry. (Space is limited people, and you NEED all the extra space you can get). Maybe now is a good time to organize your shelves with sliders or baskets as well. The nice thing about spring cleaning is that you get to decide how far you go!
Since your floor is spic and span, this is a good time to sit down for a minute because YOU earned it! Don't even think about how there are still like 4 (maybe 5... or 6) steps left- all that matters right now is that all your hard work is paying off. Grab some freshly squeezed lemonade, talk to your kids about walking uphill both ways, and dream about nice long trips in your beautifully cleaned RV.
Ok, break is over, time to get back to work!
Remember all of those items you took outside? Well, it's time to bring those back inside, but first you will need to wipe down and clean those items. Shake out all the rugs, wipe down and vacuum all cushions, and then bring all items back to where they belong.
Young boys help with RV spring cleaning and wipe down household accessories
Young boys help with RV spring cleaning and wipe down household accessories
Replace batteries in your smoke detector if needed. Also, check all fuses to make sure they are all working as they should.
The final step is to check your black, gray, and freshwater tank readers and sensors to make sure they are reporting an accurate level.
Ladies and gentlemen, you did it. HOORAY! Go ahead and pat yourself on the back because you are now OFFICIALLY ready to hit the road. Not feeling up for it just yet and need to rest? Totally understand, find that pillow, and dive into those freshly washed linens and dream about that upcoming road trip with the family!
Young man makes the bed of Winnebago Intent
Remember, do not stress over getting this accomplished in one day! A lot of people (including us) break this down into sections. We will often focus on the outside of our Intent one day and the inside another. That is TOTALLY fine! Cleaning your entire RV is a lot of work, but is SO worth it in the end!
As I mentioned earlier, if you are unsure about how to do something, or are not sure you have the abilities to properly check something, seek the guidance of your local RV dealer or Winnebago Owner Relations. They are there to help, and at the end of the day, it's nice to feel assured that an expert is looking at your rig.
Happy RV season everyone! Get out there, explore, and make some memories with your family.
When dirt and grime is left to collect on the surface of your RV over a long period, it cakes up and hardens, making it harder to remove when you finally get around to cleaning your rig. While trying to remove the caked-up dirt, you may end up smearing and smudging it over the surface of your rig, causing scratches and swirl marks.
Dirt and grime can also damage your RV. RVs have many sections and numerous features with seals and connections, most of which can easily be compromised when dirt builds up on the outside. For example, the gaskets around their doors, windows, or sliding sections can get damaged or corroded when dirt and grime collects in them.