Giving your RV a good cleaning isn't quite the simple task washing one's car tends to be. Given the size of the vehicle, automated car washes are a no-go, and campgrounds frequently post restrictions on cleaning Class A motor homes on site. So, chances are, your primary location option is at home, provided you have a place to drain the water required to clean the RV.

RV exteriors mainly consist of painted metal and fiberglass, a popular material for its lightness (and resulting fuel efficiency). Older RVs and trailers often feature unpainted metal as well, often aluminum or stainless steel, and can be cleaned the same way as more modern models. Fabric awnings are easily cleaned, though aggressive scrubbing can remove the finish or weaken the fabric.

While a job of this size may inspire some to break out the pressure washer, great care should be taken with the overlapping material layers, rivets, gaskets and silicone sealants along windows, slides and doors. These are easily damaged by leaks and high-pressure water blasting the area. If you do use a pressure washer, make sure you follow proper technique guidelines and are familiar with using these machines.

We strongly recommended that you use a snow foam cannon attachment for your pressure washer. These attachments push the flow of water through the cleaning solution before expelling from the tip, creating a thick foam to apply to your RV exterior.

It's important to choose a non-corrosive cleaning product that won't degrade the rubber, plastic and silicone parts of your RV exterior. Simple Green Wash & Wax is gentle enough for delicate RV surfaces, yet tough enough to cut through dirt, grime and bug residue for a clean, polished and protective shine. For a long-lasting shine you may want to hand wax after cleaning, but Simple Green's formula uses real carnauba wax for an added layer of protection on your RV exterior.

To clean the rubber roof of an RV, check out this tip.

Directions for Washing an RV:

Consult your owner's manual for manufacturer-recommended cleaning products and practices before beginning. Be sure to find an even surface for ladder placement, to avoid falls. Clean in a shaded area - never wash your RV in direct sunlight.

What You Need:

1. Sponge, soft-bristle brush or non-abrasive cloth
2. Hose or water source, bucket (optional)
3. Simple Green Wash & Wax
4. Pressure washer with snow foamer/foam blaster (optional)
5. Chamois, non-abrasive, clean dry towel
6. Ladder

Manual Cleaning:

1. Rinse car to remove loose dirt & debris.
2. Mix 1 oz. Simple Green Wash & Wax with 1 gallon of water in a bucket.
3. Apply Simple Green solution. Work in 4-5 foot wide sections, washing with a soft sponge, soft brush or non-abrasive loth, and working from the bottom to the roof in large sections.
4. Wash area thoroughly and starting at the roof, rinse downward with clean water. Then move on to next section.
5. Dry immediately with chamois or non-abrasive, clean dry towel. To avoid spotting or streaking, do not allow soap or water to dry before rinsing. Once RV is clean, dry immediately with a chamois or non-abrasive cloth or towel.

Snow Foam Cannon Directions:

Ensure that you are using appropriate PSI and nozzle tips for vehicle washing. To avoid potential damage, we recommend starting 3-5 feet from the surface and moving closer as needed.

1. Rinse car with 25-degree nozzle tip to remove loose dirt & debris.
2. Pour Simple Green into snow foam cannon.
3. Apply solution to car surface with snow foam cannon.
4. Rinse with 40-degree nozzle tip.
5. Dry immediately with chamois or non-abrasive, clean towel.

Wheel Cleaning Tip: Use Simple Green All Wheel & Tire Cleaner to cut through brake dust, dirt and other road grime on your tires, chrome, aluminum, mag wheels and more.