There are a number of cleaning products that can be effective for use in an RV. I have some favorites that I just can’t do without.
It is always best to check the owner’s manual for specific recommendations for your type of RV and the materials inside it. Remember: Aerosols can set off LP and smoke detectors if sprayed too close to the detector.
My favorite RV cleaning products
- All-purpose cleaner: An all-purpose cleaner can be used to clean a variety of surfaces in your RV, including countertops, appliances, and tables. Using an all-purpose cleaner simplifies cleaner selection and saves storage space. Simple Green is my choice for a popular all-purpose cleaner.
- Microfiber cloths: These are great for cleaning, drying and wiping up messes. It is a good idea to designate ones for different chores as they can hold residue even after washing. Ones used for furniture polish may streak when used on windows. (Read this article about all the different ways to use them in/around your RV.)
- Glass cleaner: A glass cleaner is helpful for keeping windows, mirrors and headlights clean and streak-free. There are a lot of brands. My old favorite, Sprayway, has been replaced by Armor All glass cleaner.
- Dish soap: It is impressive how well Dawn dish soap gets out grease and dirt from surfaces and clothes. (Check out these 21 ways to use it.) And if you need to conserve water, try washing your dishes with Dawn Powerwash.
- Antiseptic wipes: Covid taught me this! I keep a package on the counter and use to wipe down often-touched surfaces and do quick bathroom touch up.
- Furniture polish: If an RV has a lot of wood surfaces, furniture polish can help clean and protect. Hint: Spray polish on the cloth rather than on the surface to be polished. Overspray can be slick on tile surfaces.
- Toilet cleaner: Strong household toilet bowl cleaners are not recommended for RV use. The strong chemicals can kill essential enzymes in the black water holding tanks. They can also harm the toilet bowl seal. Our owner’s manual suggests Bar Keepers Friend for toilets and sinks. I usually use just a light spray of all-purpose cleaner in the bowl and use a toilet bowl brush with no harmful effects. Be gentle on plastic toilets as heavy brushing can scratch the surface.
- Auto wax: Glass and plastic shower doors sparkle and resist spotting with a coat of auto wax after cleaning. I haven’t actually tried auto wax yet, but other RVers swear by it.
- Scrubbing Bubbles and Clean Shower: My personal favorite for getting soap scum off shower walls and faucets. Worth the extra space they take to store. If I had to choose just one it would be Scrubbing Bubbles.
- Stainless steel cleaner: A stainless steel cleaner can be used to keep appliances and other metal surfaces shiny and fingerprint-free. Good on our microwave too. My husband uses it on his bike and on the chrome on our motorhome.
- Swiffer® Wetjet™: Works well for tile, vinyl and laminate floors. Although it’s a bit bulky to store, it makes quick work of cleaning floors. I use the hardwood pads to soak up water quicker.
Read the labels
It is important to read the labels on cleaning products and follow the instructions for use carefully. Some products may be harmful to certain surfaces or materials, and it is important to use them only as directed.
Read the owner’s manual, too, for both recommendations on cleaning products and cautions.
These are my favorites. If you have a favorite cleaner (or cleaners) please share it with us in the comments below.
##RVDT2031
Thank you, Nanci! We travel with the Swiffer handle and pad stored in the cabinet for our washer and dryer. We use both dry and wet sheets to clean the floor of our RV as needed. I tend to vacuum the floor before departing and upon arrival on travel days. If we happen to be on batteries/inverter, then I use the dry Swiffer instead of vacuuming. I spot clean the tile floor with glass cleaner and use the wet Swiffer if several areas require cleaning. We also can use the Swiffer duster instead of vacuuming, or to supplement it.
In order to conserve water, I dilute Dawn I use at the kitchen sink. It goes further, cleans just as well and rinses off quicker. I also cut sponges in half so I use less water to rinse them out. I learned those tricks from hanging out on my dad’s sailboat.
Foaming glass cleaner on the windshield is only option for me. It clings to the glass and does not evaporate as quickly.
Nanci,
Instead of glass cleaner, try a chamois with plain warm water. It will leave no streaks and you don’t pay for things like Windex and paper towels….a combo that always seems to leave a streaky mess almost all the time.
Numbers 1-5 should be Dawn/Dawn Powerwash! Big fan.
Investigate E Cloths…use nothing but water to clean and polish (except wood). My daughter gave me a set…different cloths for different surfaces..and they work great…especially the glass cloth. I still keep special products for special surfaces and special purposes but rarely use so can keep smaller size. Love Murphy’s Soap pre mix for cleaning wood surfaces…like cupboards and cabinet doors.
Invisible Glass is the very best glass cleaner I have ever used….sometimes found in the automotive care/cleaning dept.
Vinegar and baking soda, but not together !
I use them together to clean and soak small parts.
Only one cleaner needed for everything in and out of RV and that would be AWESOME from the dollar store. Without bleach or any other destructive additives, it is safe to use everywhere including awnings and toilets, It’s now the only cleaner we carry. Dan
It’s not the only cleaner we carry but I wholly agree on it’s versatility, inside and out.
Agreed
Dawn can actually be used to wash wool blankets and sweaters, too.