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The Post-Trip Caravan Deep Clean Checklist (Mar 2026)

Most car owners make this harder than it needs to be. Here's the straightforward approach that actually works—no fluff, no upselling.

Don't let that red dust and salt spray eat your investment away. Here is the exact checklist I use to get vans back to showroom condition after a lap of the map.

B"W
Barry "Bazza" Williams Product Reviewer
| Updated: 17 March 2026
The Post-Trip Caravan Deep Clean Checklist (Mar 2026)

Aussie Conditions

Australian conditions are tougher than most—intense UV, red dust, coastal salt, and 40°C summers. European car care advice often doesn't cut it here.
Quick Summary

Look, cleaning a caravan is a massive job, and if you don't have a plan, you'll be at it until next Christmas. I've spent 15 years scrubbing everything from tiny teardrops to massive 24-foot off-roaders, and the secret is all in the sequence. Whether you've just come back from a dusty trek through the red centre or a lazy month on the coast, this checklist will get you sorted without the headache.

01

The Essential Kit

What You'll Need

0/8
Extendable wash pole with soft bristle head — Don't cheap out here; a stiff brush will mar your gelcoat faster than you can say 'no dramas'.
Snow foam cannon and high-alkaline soap — Essential for breaking down that stubborn red dust before you touch the paint.
Two 15L buckets with grit guards — One for soapy suds, one for rinsing your mitt.
Bowden's Own 'Bug Shifter' or 'Muck Off' — My go-to for those baked-on grasshoppers you picked up in the Riverina.
Dedicated awning cleaner or mild 303 Multi-Surface — Avoid bleach! I once saw a bloke ruin a Dometic awning in ten minutes with straight bleach.
Large microfibre drying towels — Get the big 90x60cm ones. Chamois are old school and just move dirt around.
Rubber seal conditioner — Crucial for our UV. Stops your window seals from cracking and leaking in the next storm.
A sturdy ladder — Check the feet are stable. Falling off a ladder is a rubbish way to spend your Saturday.
02

Pre-Start Sanity Check

What You'll Need

0/4
Windows and hatches locked tight — Double check the roof hatch. I learned this the hard way on a Jayco, the missus wasn't happy about the wet bed.
Electrical inlets covered — Make sure the 15A plug cover is snapped shut properly.
Check for 'surprises' — Look for hornet nests in the fridge vents or spider webs near the gas bottles.
Park in the shade — If you wash a caravan in 40 degree sun, the soap will dry instantly and leave nasty streaks.
03

The Step-by-Step Method

Tap each step to mark complete
01

The Underbody Blast

Get underneath with a high-pressure hose first. Flush out all the salt and red mud from the chassis rails and suspension components.

02

Roof and Solar Panels

Start at the top. Use plenty of water to rinse off bird droppings. Clean the solar panels thoroughly so they actually charge your batteries.

03

Snow Foam Soak

Cover the whole van in foam. Let it dwell for 5 minutes (don't let it dry!) to lift the surface grit safely.

04

Contact Wash

Wash from the top down using the two-bucket method. Use the pole for the high bits and a mitt for the lower sections.

05

Awning Deep Clean

Roll it out, spray your cleaner, and gently scrub. Rinse both sides before rolling it back up once it's dry.

06

The Final Rinse

Give it a massive rinse. Pay attention to window tracks and door seals where suds like to hide and cause streaks.

04

Final Inspection Checklist

What You'll Need

0/4
Acrylic window check — Check for fine scratches. Use a dedicated plastic polish if they're looking hazy.
Sealant integrity — Look at the Sikaflex around the roof joints. If it's peeling, you've got a leak waiting to happen.
Tyre condition — Check for UV cracking in the sidewalls. Use a non-greasy tyre dressing to protect them.
A-Frame and Coupler — Wipe down the hitch and re-grease if necessary. No one likes a squeaky tow.

A Few Detailing Secrets

If you've been in the red dust, your white silicone seals will be stained orange. Truth be told, most cleaners won't touch it. I reckon a light wipe with a magic eraser works wonders, but be gentle as they are slightly abrasive. Also, don't waste your money on 'car' wax for a caravan. Use a marine-grade sealant like Gtechniq Marine. It's designed for gelcoat and handles the Aussie sun much better.

Watch Out

NEVER use a high-pressure washer directly on the fridge vents or window seals. You'll blast water straight into the cabin or damage the sensitive cooling fins. Also, keep the pressure at least 30cm away from any decals or they'll peel right off, seen it happen to a brand new New Age van and it's a bloody expensive mistake to fix.

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