What You'll Learn
Aussie Conditions
Look, we've all been there, you come back from a three-week stint up north and the van looks like it's been through a blender with a bag of Cheetos. This guide is for the weekend warriors and the grey nomads who want to keep their rig looking schmick without spending three days scrubbing. I'll show you how to tackle everything from those nasty black streaks to that stubborn red outback dust that gets into every single crevice.
Keeping the Home on Wheels Fresh
What You'll Need in the Driveway
What You'll Need
While you're here...
Before You Pick Up the Hose
Check the seals
Give all your window and door seals a quick look. If they're cracked or peeling, high-pressure water will find a way inside and ruin your missus's favourite cushions.
Close everything up
Double-check the roof hatches, vents, and windows. I once started washing a customer's Winnebago only to realise the skylight was cracked open. Not a fun conversation to have.
Move it to the shade
If you try to wash a 20-foot van in the midday sun, the soap will dry before you've даже finished one side. Do it early morning or late arvo.
The Full Detail Procedure
The Chassis Blast
Start from the bottom. If you've been on the beach, you need to get that salt off the frame. Use a high-pressure hose to get into the nooks of the suspension. Don't be shy here.
The Pre-Rinse
Rinse the whole van with just water. This knocks off the loose 'easy' dirt so you don't drag it across the paint later and cause scratches.
Snow Foam (If you've got it)
I love using a foam cannon for caravans. It dwells on the vertical surfaces and breaks down the red dust. Let it sit for 5 minutes, but don't let it dry.
Start with the Roof
Worst job first. Get up on that ladder and scrub the roof. It's usually covered in bat droppings and sap. If you leave the roof for last, all that filth will run down over your clean sides.
The Top-Down Scrub
Work in sections (maybe 2 metres at a time). Use your soft brush and plenty of soapy water. Don't press hard; let the soap do the heavy lifting.
Tackling Black Streaks
If you see those dark lines, spray a bit of dedicated streak remover on a microfibre cloth and wipe them away. Don't use a kitchen scourer, I saw a bloke do that once on a brand new Crusader and he ruined the gelcoat.
Window Care
Most caravan windows are acrylic, not glass. They scratch if you even look at them funny. Use a very clean microfibre and heaps of water. Avoid ammonia-based glass cleaners; they'll make the plastic go cloudy over time.
The Final Rinse
Give the whole thing a massive rinse. Make sure no soap is hiding behind the awning arms or in the fridge vents.
Drying
Use your big drying towel. If you leave it to air dry in Australia, you'll get nasty water spots from the minerals in our water. It's a pain, but worth the effort.
Wheels and Tyres
Give the rims a scrub and chuck some tyre shine on. It makes the whole rig look 10 times better, trust me.
Watch Out
Dealing with Red Dust
Protecting the Finish
Ongoing Maintenance
Common Caravan Queries
Can I use dish soap to wash my caravan?
How do I get rid of the yellowing on my fibreglass?
The red dust is stuck in my awning, what do I do?
Is it worth ceramic coating a caravan?
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