Your Post-Trip RV Cleaning Checklist

RV trips are both exhilarating and exhausting, and when you roll back into your neighborhood, you might be ready for things to return to normal. First, however, you have some things to attend to. Besides just unpacking, your camper needs to be cleaned out. Follow this checklist from The Outpost RV to ensure everything is ready when your next adventure arrives.

1. Air the RV Out

Airing out your RV for a few hours can prevent it from developing a smell or becoming stuffy when you put it in storage after an RV trip. You may wish to put plug-in air fresheners in various rooms to add pleasant scents to the air during this process.

2. Start the Laundry Now

This isn’t directly related to the RV, but if you start washing your towels, washcloths, and sheets when you start cleaning the RV, they should be ready to be placed back in the RV or in storage by the time you are done cleaning.

3. Remove Perishables

Any trash or perishables should be removed to ensure there aren’t any nasty surprises waiting for you on your next RV adventure! Wash your dishes, and give your refrigerator, freezer, and cabinets a thorough cleaning.

4. Unpack Items

There are numerous items that are fun to have on a trip but don’t permanently belong in your camper. Things like suitcases, electronics, board games, and so on will usually go out. Shampoo, soap, kitchenware items, sunscreen, and other items that you use often can be stored in the RV because you know that you will use them on your next trip.

5. Vacuum

Once you’ve cleared the unnecessary clutter, it’s time to start vacuuming. RVs tend to pick up a lot of dirt and dust while on a trip, so be thorough and vacuum the upholstery as well as the floors.

6. Tackle the Bathroom

Sanitize every surface and clean the toilet as well.  Mold and mildew can grow on a removable shower curtain while your RV is in storage, so clean it and let it dry if you have one. This is also a good opportunity to restock toiletries like toilet paper.  

7. Tend to Your Awning

RV awnings are excellent to have on any RV trip, but they can get dirty! By spraying it down and washing it with soap, you can prevent long-term staining from things like bird droppings or tree sap.

8. Empty Your Tanks

Next, you should fully empty and clean your camper’s tanks using the practices described in your RV owner’s manual to keep your potable water tank fresh and reduce smells from your blackwater and greywater tanks.

9. Wash Your Camper

When washing your RV, use a gentle soap to help preserve the finish and clean from top to bottom. Check the roof and window seals and treat anything that needs it, then check and clean the battery connections.

10. Put Your RV in Storage

If you plan to put your RV in storage, find a secure place. Ideally, it should be covered to protect it from the weather. Ensure all doors and windows are closed before locking up.

We here at The Outpost RV wish you luck on all of your future RV adventures. For more information, or to view our selection of models, visit us at our dealership in Middlebury, Indiana. We are proud to serve local communities like Fort Wayne and Elkhart. We hope to see you soon!