Spring Cleaning Your RV: Tips for a Tidy Trailer
As the weather warms and flowers bloom, it's the perfect time to pull your travel trailer out of storage and give it a thorough spring cleaning. Whether you're gearing up for a new season of adventures or preparing to hit the road for the first time this year, a clean and organized RV can make all the difference. Not to mention, keeping your rig in storage all winter can result in some unexpected messes. (Mouse poop? Eek!)
In this blog post, South Thompson RV will share some top tips and tricks for spring cleaning your RV, ensuring it's fresh, tidy, and ready for your next journey.
What Do I Do If Mice or Rodents Got into My RV Over the Winter?
If you failed to properly winterize your RV before putting it in storage, your RV may be subject to some uninvited “mouse” guests. That’s right – while in storage, your home-away-from-home is the perfect breeding ground for mice and other critters who need a warm place to stay to get away from the cold. Discovering mice or rodents in your RV after it has been stored for the winter can be a nuisance, but there are steps you can take to address the issue:
- Assess the Damage
- Clean and Sanitize
- Seal Entry Points
- Set Traps
- Use Repellents
- Store Food Properly
- Schedule regular inspections
If the problem persists, you can also consider a professional pest control service to take care of the job. Be sure to check out our past blog post for ways to mouse-proof your RV when you store it away for the off-season come winter.
How Do I Clean My RV Plumbing System After the Winter?
Cleaning your RV plumbing system after the winter is essential to ensure that it functions properly and provides safe and clean water for your travels. Here's a step-by-step guide to cleaning your RV plumbing system:
- Flush the entire water system to remove any antifreeze or stagnant water that may have accumulated over the winter.
- Open all faucets, and allow the water to run until it flows clear. This will help flush out any residual antifreeze and debris from the plumbing lines.
- Ensure the water heater is turned off and bypassed before flushing the system.
- Flush the Holding Tanks thoroughly to remove any residue and buildup. Use a designated RV tank cleaner or a mixture of water and white vinegar to clean the tanks.
- Replace any water filters or screens in your RV's plumbing system, including those in the freshwater inlet and at individual faucets.
Book a De-Winterization Service
What Are the Best Cleaning Supplies for RVs?
Your RV requires specific supplies to ensure to maintain its cleanliness and integrity without causing damage to surfaces or fixtures. Some essential cleaning supplies we swear by include:
- RV-Safe All-Purpose Cleaner
- RV-Specific Toilet Cleaner
- White Vinegar
- Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
- Soft Bristle Brush
- Rubber Gloves
- RV-Safe Degreaser
- Window and Glass Cleaner
- Awning Cleaner
- Septic-Safe Drain Cleaner
Should I Wax the Outside of My RV In the Spring?
Waxing the outside of your RV in the spring is a beneficial practice for protecting its exterior surfaces and enhancing its appearance. Some benefits include protecting your RV against UV and water damage, improving water beading, enhancing shine and gloss, and making cleaning easier. Waxing the outside will also help preserve your RV’s resale value.
How Do I Clean Rust Off My RV Hinges/Bolts?
Cleaning rust off RV hinges and bolts is essential to prevent further corrosion and maintain the functionality and appearance of your RV. Start by removing the rusty parts and vigorously scrub them with a wire brush. Once the loose rust is removed, use medium-grit sandpaper to sand the surface of the hinges and bolts. Apply a rust remover and then a rust-resistant primer. Once the primer has dried, apply a fresh coat of metal paint to the hinges and bolts before reassembling.
How Do I Get the Musty Smell Out of My RV After the Winter?
Getting rid of the musty smell in your RV after the winter requires thorough cleaning and deodorizing to eliminate any mould, mildew, and stale odours that may have developed during storage. Try ventilating the RV by opening all windows, vents, and doors. If you smell any signs of mould or mildew, use a mixture of water and white vinegar to remove them. You may also want to remove any upholstered cushions, curtains, and bedding from your RV and launder them.
Have Your RV Spring-Ready at South Thompson RV
From de-winterization services to routine maintenance checks, the service team at South Thompson RV will have your trailer spring-ready in no time. Book a service appointment online or contact our RV dealership in Kamloops today to get started!
