Weekly and Monthly RV Cleaning Routines | How to Do Properly

Living in an RV comes with its own unique set of cleaning challenges. Unlike a stationary home, an RV requires regular interior and exterior cleaning to keep things fresh, prevent buildup, and maintain functionality while on the road. Establishing weekly and monthly cleaning routines tailored to RV living is key.

I’ve been a full-time RVer for over 5 years now, and keeping my rig sparkling from roof to tire has made all the difference in enjoying this lifestyle. From quick wipedowns to deep scrubbing, here are my best tips for weekly and monthly RV cleaning.

Why Weekly and Monthly Cleaning are Important?

Life in an RV moves fast, so letting too much time pass between cleanings causes dirt, grime, and clutter to accumulate quickly. Staying on top of messes with regular cleaning allows you to fully enjoy the freedom of RVing.

Weekly cleanings tackle surface-level dust, wipe away spills, remove trash, and handle small jobs. This prevents messes from building up and makes monthly deep cleans faster and easier.

Monthly cleanings give you a chance to disinfect surfaces, scrub floors, wash linens, polish metals, and handle jobs that require more elbow grease. This keeps your RV looking great and functioning properly.

Consistent cleaning also extends the life of your RV and its components by preventing mold, mildew, and damage that can occur from letting dirt and moisture sit too long.

Weekly Cleaning Routine that I Follow

Staying on top of messes in my RV is essential for comfort and convenience while on the road. Here is the simple yet thorough weekly cleaning routine I follow.

For Exterior Part

Remove Debris, It’s important to thoroughly remove all debris like leaves, dirt, bird droppings, etc. from the roof, slide-outs, door, and storage compartments. Otherwise, it can lead to corrosion, staining, and even mechanical issues if debris blocks slide-outs. Always check the door and window seals while cleaning and reapply a protective sealant if any cracks appear.

Wash Windows, Use a high-quality streak-free RV window cleaner and microfibers to clean inside and out. Check closely for any chips or cracks and re-seal as needed to prevent leaks. Clear windows are critical for visibility and safety while driving.

Clean tank compartments, Peer under the RV to locate the exterior compartments housing black and grey tanks. Remove any accumulated mucus, leaves, dirt, or debris. Then sanitize the entire area using a bleach-water solution to destroy bacteria and prevent odors or clogs.

Tidy exterior storage, Slide out storage bays underneath the RV or propane compartments. Remove any gear, and sweep out dirt and debris. Wipe down all interior surfaces using a damp rag and all-purpose cleaner. Allow time to fully air dry before replacing items to avoid mold.

For Interior Part

Clean flooring and vacuum debris from all carpeting using extended crevice tools to reach corners. Spot clean any spills or stains. Mop hard surfaces like vinyl or linoleum flooring too. Occasionally shampoo soiled carpeting for a deeper refresh.

Tidy living spaces, Wipe down all hard surfaces in living areas with a multi-surface cleaner and paper towels. Dust TVs, décor, and shelves. Take out all garbage, recycle, and recycle properly. Neat, clean spaces prevent pests and feel more relaxed.

Disinfect bathrooms, Clean all sinks, countertops, shower walls, and fixtures with a non-abrasive bathroom cleaning spray. Disinfect the toilet bowl and empty the wastewater. Restock toilet paper rolls and cleaning supplies. Removing soap scum and hard water buildup weekly keeps bathrooms fresh.

Disinfect the sink, countertops, and table, Use a non-toxic cleaner and wipe down the kitchen sink, faucet, countertops, and dining table. Pay special attention to handles, knobs, and edges. This helps kill bacteria that cause odors and food-related illnesses.

Deep clean inside microwave, Remove the glass turntable and wash thoroughly. Mix warm water and vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl, microwave for two minutes to loosen grime, then wipe interior walls clean. This deodorizes and ensures safe food heating.

Wipe down the interior fridge and freezer, Take everything out of the refrigerator and freezer compartments. Toss expired items. Use a refrigerator cleaner spray and a soft cloth to wipe down interior walls, shelves, and drawers. Pay attention to handles, seals, and corners where grime collects.

Remove crumbs from the toaster oven, Unplug the toaster oven before cleaning. Turn upside down over the sink and gently shake out any fallen crumbs. Use a small vacuum brush to clean crevices. Wipe down interior and exterior surfaces with a multi-surface cleaner.

Descale coffee machine, Fill the reservoir with equal parts vinegar and water. Run two cycles to break up mineral buildup in machine lines and spray head nozzle for better flow and taste. Rinse well afterward.

The Monthly Cleaning Routine that I Follow

Performing a thorough deep clean monthly helps catch any mess that regular quick cleans may have missed. Setting aside a full day also gives you a chance to tackle systems and appliances needing more heavy-duty attention.

For Exterior Part

Wash and wax exterior, Mix RV-safe soap into warm water and gently wash the entire exterior including fiberglass, painted metals, decals, etc. Rinse then apply a polishing wax while the surface is still wet. This restores shine, protects from UV damage, and repels dirt/debris.

Clean exterior storage, Remove everything from exterior storage compartments. Sweep out any dirt or debris. Use a multipurpose cleaner and rag to wipe down interior surfaces, walls, and floors. Allow to fully dry before replacing items. Prevent mold/mildew.

Inspect slide toppers, Slide toppers are canvas/vinyl awnings extended when slide-outs are activated. Inspect the canvas and hardware mounts for damage or tears. Brush fabric to remove stuck-on debris and ensure proper retraction.

Reseal caulking and inspect caulking around windows, roof fixtures, seams, etc. Repair cracks or holes in sealing by recaulking which prevents costly water damage. Use RV sealant compatible with your RV’s construction.

For Interior Part

Wash Pillows and Linens, Remove all bed pillows and linens like sheets, shams, blankets, etc. Wash in your RV-safe washer/dryer unit or nearest laundromat if more convenient. This eliminates allergens like dust mites or pet dander for better sleep.

Disinfect Surfaces, For a deeper clean, use antibacterial wipes or spray disinfectant cleaner formulated for RV use on all surfaces in living areas, bathrooms, etc. Pay special attention to commonly touched surfaces around seating areas, tables, and counters.

Descale Plumbing, Mix white vinegar and water at a 50/50 ratio. Run solution through all taps and shower heads to break up and dissolve any built-up hard water deposits and sediment inside the freshwater plumbing system. Flush with clean water afterward.

Questions You May Also Ask

How Often Should I Deep Clean My RV?

You should do a thorough deep cleaning of your entire RV every 3-4 months. This includes sanitizing the fresh water system, emptying and flushing tanks, shampooing upholstery, washing linens, polishing fixtures, and vacuuming out every storage area.

What is The Most Important Thing To Clean in an RV?

The most important thing to clean regularly in an RV is the grey and black water tanks. Letting waste accumulate leads to odor issues and even costly damage over time. Use a tank cleaning solution monthly.

Can I Use Household Cleaners in My RV?

You should avoid household cleaners with harsh chemicals. RV components are sensitive to corrosives that can damage finishings or pipes. Use cleaners made specifically for RVs instead.

Should I Hire A Professional Detailer for My RV?

Consider hiring a professional mobile detailer to deep clean your RV twice a year. Their powerful equipment can sanitize tanks, descale plumbing, extract carpets, polish metals, and more – saving you major time and energy.

How Do I Keep My RV From Smelling Musty?

To prevent musty odors, be diligent about cleaning, keep vents open when possible, run roof vents when showering, empty tanks regularly, and use moisture-absorbing products. Also, change AC filters monthly.

Wrapping Up

The key to enjoying life on the road is keeping your rig sparkling through weekly surface cleanings and monthly deep scrubs. Consistent cleaning prevents buildup and musty smells, extends RV component life, and leaves you with more time to enjoy the freedom of RVing. Establish a routine that fits your lifestyle, invest in quality RV-specific cleaners, and don’t be afraid to call the pros for an occasional detail. Your home on wheels will shine!

What tips do you have for keeping your RV fresh? Share your best tricks in the comments below! And as always, safe travels and happy camping!