By Gail Marsh
Just so you know, I’m that person. The one who absolutely cannot leave for vacation until our sticks-and-bricks home is clean enough to pass a hospital inspection. Yes, I’m a clean freak. So, when it comes to storing the RV for the off-season, I get out my checklist. Hubby rolls his eyes (in a loving way) and also rolls up his sleeves. Then, we get busy!
Deep cleaning doesn’t happen overnight!
First, a caveat: If we plan to do a complete, deep clean of our RV, it’s done over the span of several days. I try to keep current with cleaning the interior (vacuum, dust, disinfect sinks/shower surfaces) regularly, while we live in the RV. Hubby does the same for the exterior, keeping up to date on RV maintenance throughout the camping season. This means some of the “To Do” items will only require a quick check and very little elbow grease.
The list (It’s a doozy!)
So, here’s our list. (You may want to sit down. Reserve your energy. You’ll need it.) Remember! You don’t have to tackle the entire list at one time. Keep current on your rig’s upkeep, then preparing for off-season storage will be a snap!
RV exterior
• Climb up to check the roof. Look for cracks and/or deteriorating caulking, especially around the air conditioner, antenna and vents. Repair any spots that need it. Be sure the newly applied caulk is dry and then thoroughly wash and condition the roof. (Go inside and check for leaks, or have someone inside watching for leaks as you wash the roof.)
• Check around windows, doors, lights and mirrors. Repair missing or damaged caulking. When the caulk is set, wash the exterior of the RV. Rinse thoroughly. Again, check for leaks inside.
• Inspect windshield wipers. Plan to replace them, if needed.
• Check the windshield for pits or cracks as you clean it. (Hubby usually applies Rain-X once the windshield is clean.)
• Thoroughly clean the tires. Check treads and overall wear. Plan to replace tires, if needed.
• Lube locks and hinges on storage bay doors.
• Inspect RV’s entrance steps. Clean and lube, if needed.
• Crawl under the rig and look for potential entry points for critters like mice and ants. Seal off any holes to keep them out!
• Clean and organize the basement storage spaces.
RV interior
• Remove all food and condiments from the fridge. Defrost, if necessary. Wash the interior of the fridge with warm, soapy water. Secure a newly opened box of baking soda inside both the refrigerator and freezer. Brace the fridge open for storage. Wipe down the exterior of the fridge. I use this stainless steel cleaner to polish the fridge and other stainless steel surfaces.
• Remove all food from the pantry and other storage spaces. Wipe out cupboards.
• Take all pet food out of the camper. Clean pet bowls.
• If you plan to store cookware and appliances inside the RV, make sure they are clean and free of crumbs or food bits. Think: toaster (mice will feast on the crumbs that sit in the bottom) and coffee maker (no one wants to find a used coffee filter on your first camping trip next spring).
• Thoroughly clean the microwave, stovetop, and oven. Leave no crumbs or grease for pests to find.
• Look through all of the cupboards and drawers. Pull out those things you didn’t use this past camping season. Think: utensils, games, DVDs, and more. Take them out of the camper.
• Remove all clothing, bedding, towels, and anything that pests might transform into warm, comfy nesting spots. Plan to launder everything. Then pack it away and store it inside your sticks-and-bricks home. Hint: Place scented dryer sheets between layers of fabric to keep them fresh.
Take a break, then continue cleaning (You’re doing great!)
• Wash the interiors of all windows. Check again for cracks or places that may leak with the changing temperatures of winter. Repair or replace any broken window knobs or screens. Wipe down shades and repair those that need it.
• Thoroughly check all around the entrance doors. Replace cracked seals and fix any broken components. Wipe down both sides of the door and clean the door sill. Lubricate the door hinges, if required.
• Remove, clean, and reinstall the air conditioner filter(s).
• Wash vent fan blades and securely close the vents for storage.
• Clean ceiling fan blades. Dust fan motor cover.
• Clean light fixtures and wipe down switches.
• Wipe down leather or leatherette furniture upholstery. Vacuum fabric-covered upholstery. Use a spot remover, if necessary, or steam-clean furniture fabric.
• Dust all furniture and cabinet doors. (I like to use this on all of the wood in our rig because it cleans and polishes with one swipe.)
• Vacuum the floors. Steam or spot clean, as needed. (Move as much furniture as possible so you can get behind each piece to clean.)
• Mop vinyl floors.
Whew! That’s quite a list to clean your RV. But you’ve got quite an investment in that RV, too. It’s worth taking good care of it. And that first trip next spring is going to make it all worthwhile.
Can you add anything to my list?
RELATED
- Why storing your RV outside can be a bad idea
- Everything you need to know about storing an RV
- Should you cancel your RV’s insurance while storing it?
RVDT2764
I wash all bedding, leather chair covers, throw rugs and wash all the windows. We have cats so I clean the litter that gets under the side with a thin yard stick with a wet handy wipe wrapped on the end of it.
You forgot the bathroom! Least favorite job!
And then there’s the motorhome chassis end-of-year maintenance and winterizing the coach along with all the cleaning!
“Look for cracks and/or deteriorating caulking, especially around the air conditioner…”
What would be caulked around an air conditioner? The ACs sit on foam seals and don’t have caulk around them.