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!
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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 as 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’re going to need it.) Remember! You don’t have to tackle the entire list at one time. Keep current on your rig’s upkeep and getting ready 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 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?
##RVDT2241
Thank you, Gail! Almost every item applies to our RV. Thanks again! 🙂
One thing that we use are Puppy Pads in the entry door areas.
They soak up any water that we or the dogs drag in after a walk.
They are easy to shake out and when dirty just throw them away.
This saves on cleaning the entrance carpet throws.
I have found that it’s a waste of my time to wash the floor before turning our trailer over to the RV storage place. They winterize/dewinterize for us and track dirty water and antifreeze all over.
We live full time in our rv and do the cupboard above sofa and chairs and then the entertainment center cupboards (above it and below as well). Then I will do the bathroom cupboards, then bedroom cupboards. Then I will wash all the floors. As we use the sinks daily I clean them at that time. Same as the shower. It seems that all I do is sleep and clean but at least our 5’er is set to go. Exterior is done during spring and summer months.
I do like your list and will print it off so I can refer to it and maybe do one pertaining to our rv.
I agree with taking out anything that is food related and washing the linens. Bounce drier sheets in every corner of each cupboard too. But I don’t deep clean until Spring. Bathroom gets cleaned regularly anyway. Why spend my time and energy now when I will want to clean in the Spring? Plus, we aren’t guaranteed to be able to use the trailer next year. Anything could happen in the next 6 months. So I leave it as is and spend time on other projects at home.
Yup. Same here.
Hi Gail. You mentioned cleaning the stove top, microwave, and oven, but not specifically the filter on the stove’s vent fan & hood. I’m sure you do it but I didn’t specifically see it on the list. That can get pretty dirty, especially the filter.
On my DP motorhome, I also like to clean the engine and it’s compartment as best I can, considering all the wires & hoses. For those with a rear radiator, the surface of the radiator facing the engine can get very filthy and should be carefully cleaned. All of this helps the engine dissipate heat better and long term may keep you off the side of the road. Good time to inspect belts, hoses, and electrical connections too.
Your list is great. It does make me extra thankful that I have a 14 ft Lance instead of a larger trailer!
Andy B
In addition I use my Swiffer Mop with shortened pole to clean my ceilings. Vinyl walls are wiped down with Clorox wipes. Usually takes me a week but agree well worth it to be ready for next trip.
We don’t live in ours, but I do try to keep things as clean as possible daily when we are using it. And I do a deep clean inside and out every time we return from any extended outing. It is always clean and ready to go for the next time.
Thanks for putting it in writing! We do these things a couple of times a year because we spend so much time in our RV and it is seldom in storage but when we do get home…..
My husband cleaned our RV the last time and we pick it up next week. I have a feeling having an actual printed list will go a long way in preventing any “discussions” when we get to Texas