If you're a proud RV owner, you know the excitement of hitting the open road and exploring new destinations. But with great adventures comes the responsibility of maintaining your vehicle - especially when it comes to cleaning. Keeping your RV clean is not just about looking good; it's about preserving the longevity of your vehicle, ensuring the comfort of your travels, and protecting your investment.
Many owners ask the same questions: What is the best thing to wash an RV with? Can I use Dawn dish soap? What's the best RV wash brush? This guide provides clear answers to help you clean your RV safely, effectively, and without ever needing a dangerous ladder.
Why Cleaning Your RV Is Important
You might be wondering, Why should I put in the effort to clean my RV?
Here’s the thing: dirt, grime, bird droppings, road salts, and even the occasional tree sap can accumulate on your RV during your travels. These contaminants aren’t just unsightly; they can cause long-term damage. Here are some reasons why regular cleaning is essential:
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Prevent Damage: Dirt, grime, road salt, and bird droppings can accumulate quickly and, if left untreated, can cause permanent damage to your RV’s exterior. Regular cleaning ensures that these contaminants don’t wear down your paint or protective coatings.
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Preserve Roof and Solar Panels: Keeping your roof and solar panels clean ensures they remain functional and efficient. A dirty roof can lead to water damage, while grime on solar panels can reduce their efficiency by up to 25%.
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Maintain Value: Keeping your RV clean helps preserve its resale value. An RV that’s regularly cleaned and well-maintained will fetch a higher price when you’re ready to sell or trade it in.
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Health and Comfort: A clean interior ensures your RV is comfortable to live in. Regular cleaning can prevent mold, mildew, and allergens from taking hold, making it a healthier environment for you and your family.
Why the Extend-A-Reach RV Cleaning Kit Is Your Best Option
When it comes to cleaning your RV safely and effectively, the right truck wash equipment makes all the difference. To wash an RV properly, you need to reach every part of it. Traditional cleaning methods involve ladders or risky climbing, but with the Extend-A-Reach RV Cleaning Kit, you can clean every inch of your RV safely and efficiently without ever leaving the ground.
What Makes the Extend-A-Reach RV Cleaning Kit Stand Out?
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Long Reach Without the Ladder
A car wash brush with a long handle is non-negotiable. The Extend-A-Reach RV Cleaning Kit comes with a telescoping pole that extends up to 24 feet, so you can reach high spots, like the roof or solar panels, without needing a ladder. This is especially important for those hard-to-reach places that can be dangerous to clean with a traditional ladder. -
Soft, Durable Cleaning Head
The cleaning head is designed with soft bristles that won’t scratch or damage your RV’s paint or surfaces. Whether you’re cleaning your vehicle’s exterior, windows, or solar panels, the soft brush ensures a gentle yet effective clean every time. -
Lightweight and Easy to Handle
Despite its extended reach, the Extend-A-Reach Truck Washing Kit is lightweight and easy to maneuver. Whether you’re cleaning your RV’s roof or washing windows, you’ll be able to control the pole easily, making the job less tiring and more efficient. -
Safe and Secure
The telescoping pole features a reliable locking mechanism to ensure the pole stays securely in place while you clean. You won’t have to worry about the pole slipping or losing control as you clean your RV from a safe distance. -
Versatility
While the primary use of the Extend-A-Reach RV Cleaning Kit is for cleaning RVs, it’s also perfect for cleaning high windows, solar panels, awnings, and even cleaning your car or truck. One tool can do it all.
What Kind of Soap Should You Use to Wash an RV?
This is the most critical question. Using the wrong soap can strip wax and damage your RV's finish. Here’s a breakdown of your options:
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Dedicated RV Wash & Wax: This is the best and safest option. RV cleaning products are specially formulated to remove dirt, bugs, and black streaks without stripping the protective wax coating. Many include a wax component to enhance shine and protection.
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Car Wash Soap: Good alternative. High-quality car wash soap is pH-balanced and safe for automotive paint, making it a suitable choice for your RV’s exterior. It won't strip wax and will leave a clean finish.
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Dawn Dish Soap: Use with caution. Is Dawn dish soap good for washing an RV? The answer is nuanced. Dawn is a powerful degreaser, which is great for removing tough grime, tar, or old wax before applying a new coat. However, for a routine wash, it's too harsh and will strip away your RV's protective wax layer, leaving the finish vulnerable. Never use Dawn on an RV with a wax coating you want to preserve.
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Simple Green / Vinegar: For specific jobs only. Diluted Simple Green can be effective on awnings, tires, and tough spots, but rinse it thoroughly. A diluted vinegar solution is excellent for creating a streak-free shine on windows but shouldn't be used for the entire vehicle body.
How to Clean your RV the right way: A Step-by-Step Guide
Using the Extend-A-Reach RV Cleaning Kit is simple, even if you’re new to RV care. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean your RV effectively:
Step 1: Set Up Your Pole
Extend the pole to the desired length by unlocking the pole sections and sliding them into place. The pole is designed for easy adjustments, allowing you to customize the length based on your needs.
Step 2: Attach the Cleaning Head
The cleaning head is easy to attach and remove. Simply slot it into the pole, and you’re ready to go. The soft bristles on the cleaning head make it gentle on your RV’s surfaces while still removing dirt, grime, and debris effectively.
Step 3: Start Cleaning
Begin with the roof, sweeping away dirt and debris from top to bottom. Then move on to the sides of your RV, cleaning windows, awnings, and any other surfaces. For solar panels, use the gentle, microfiber head to ensure no scratches or damage occur.
Step 4: Rinse and Finish
Once you’ve brushed away the dirt, use a garden hose or spray nozzle to rinse your RV clean. The Extend-A-Reach RV Cleaning Kit makes rinsing high areas easy and efficient with its long reach.
The Benefits of Using the Extend-A-Reach RV Cleaning Kit
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Safety: No ladders are needed, keeping you safe while cleaning hard-to-reach areas.
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Convenience: Save time and effort with a tool designed to tackle the entire RV, from the roof to the wheels.
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Efficiency: The extendable pole and durable brush head ensure a faster, more thorough cleaning.
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Cost-Effective: With one investment, you get a tool that serves all your RV cleaning needs—saving you the hassle of buying multiple products.
When to Clean Your RV
Here are some tips on when to clean your RV for optimal results:
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After Each Trip: Wipe down surfaces to remove dust, dirt, and bugs.
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Seasonally: Clean your RV before and after the winter season to prevent snow buildup and protect your paint.
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Post-Storms: If your RV has been exposed to wind, rain, or hail, clean it promptly to prevent long-term damage.
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Solar Panel Maintenance: Clean solar panels every few months to ensure they continue to operate efficiently.
Conclusion: Keep Your RV Looking Great All Year Long
By regularly cleaning your RV with the Extend-A-Reach RV Cleaning Kit, you’ll ensure that your investment stays in top condition for years to come. This tool is designed to make RV cleaning effortless, safe, and efficient, so you can focus on what matters most: your travels and adventures.
With its telescoping pole, soft bristles, and ergonomic design, the Extend-A-Reach RV Cleaning Kit is the ultimate tool for RV maintenance. Don’t let cleaning be a chore—make it part of the adventure!
RV Washing FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered
1. Is it okay to pressure wash an RV? Be very careful. A pressure washer can be effective, but it can also easily damage seals around windows, vents, and slide-outs, forcing water into your walls. It can also peel decals and damage the paint. If you must use one, use a low-pressure setting (under 1,500 PSI) and a wide-angle nozzle, and stay far away from seams and decals.
2. How often should you wash your RV? This depends on usage. A good rule of thumb is to wash it after every long trip to remove bugs and road grime. At a minimum, give it a thorough wash and wax at the beginning and end of the season.
3. Can an RV go through a truck wash? Some larger, automated truck washes can accommodate RVs, but many are not recommended. The high-pressure jets and harsh chemicals can damage sensitive components like antennas, vents, solar panels, and awnings. Always check if the facility is specifically "RV-friendly."
