RV Detailing Guide: Complete Interior and Exterior Care

RVs live hard lives.

Road trips, campground dust, cooking odors, pet hair, and months of storage. Without proper detailing, that adventure vehicle becomes a neglected box on wheels.

Here's the complete guide to keeping your RV pristine—inside and out.

Why RV Detailing Matters

Beyond Aesthetics

Proper detailing protects your investment:

The Hidden Costs of Neglect

Deferred maintenance adds up:

• Oxidation correction: $500-$2,000
• Mold remediation: $1,000-$5,000
• Upholstery replacement: $2,000-$8,000
• Seal failures leading to leaks: $5,000+

Regular detailing prevents expensive repairs.

Exterior Detailing

Step 1: Roof Inspection and Cleaning

Start at the top:

For rubber (EPDM/TPO) roofs:

1. Sweep off debris
2. Rinse thoroughly
3. Apply rubber roof cleaner
4. Scrub with soft brush
5. Rinse completely
6. Apply rubber protectant

For fiberglass roofs:

1. Rinse debris
2. Wash with RV wash
3. Address oxidation if needed
4. Apply wax or sealant

Check while you're up there:

• Sealant condition around vents, AC, antennas
• Soft spots or damage
• Debris in AC shroud

Step 2: Wall and Body Wash

Work your way down:

Process:

1. Rinse entire coach to loosen dirt
2. Foam cannon pre-treatment (if available)
3. Two-bucket wash, top to bottom
4. Clean in sections to prevent drying
5. Rinse thoroughly
6. Dry with microfiber or leaf blower

Products:

• pH-neutral RV wash
• Soft wash mitt or brush
• Extension poles for height

Step 3: Oxidation Treatment

Fiberglass and gel coat oxidize:

Signs of oxidation:

• Chalky, dull appearance
• Color fading
• Water doesn't bead
• Rough texture

Treatment options:

Step 4: Trim and Seal Care

Don't forget these areas:

Rubber seals:

• Clean with mild soap
• Apply rubber conditioner
• Check for cracks or gaps

Plastic trim:

• Clean and restore with trim restorer
• Apply UV protectant
• Replace if brittle

Metal trim:

• Polish chrome and stainless
• Apply metal sealant
• Address any corrosion

Step 5: Windows and Glass

Clean all glass:

Exterior:

• Rinse first
• Use glass cleaner (ammonia-free if tinted)
• Dry with microfiber

Don't forget:

• Mirrors
• Light lenses
• Entry door window

Step 6: Wheels and Tires

Complete the exterior:

Wheels:

• Brake dust remover if applicable
• Wheel brush in all crevices
• Dry and protect

Tires:

• Tire cleaner to remove browning
• Apply UV-protectant tire dressing
• Check for cracking or damage

Interior Detailing

Cab Area (Motorhomes)

Treat like a vehicle interior:

Dashboard and controls:

1. Vacuum loose debris
2. Wipe with interior cleaner
3. Detail brushes in vents and crevices
4. Apply UV protectant (non-greasy formula)

Carpets/floor mats:

1. Remove and shake out
2. Vacuum thoroughly
3. Spot treat stains
4. Deep clean if needed
5. Apply fabric protectant

Seats:

• Cloth: Vacuum, extract if needed, protect
• Leather: Clean, condition, protect
• Vinyl: Clean, protect with marine-grade protectant

Living Area

The heart of your RV:

Flooring:

Upholstery and cushions:

1. Vacuum all surfaces including crevices
2. Remove cushion covers if possible
3. Spot treat stains
4. Deep clean with extraction
5. Apply fabric protector
6. Deodorize if needed

Cabinets and surfaces:

1. Empty completely
2. Wipe inside and out
3. Check for moisture/mold
4. Vacuum crumbs and debris
5. Organize before replacing items

Kitchen Area

High-use, high-mess:

Countertops:

• Clean with appropriate surface cleaner
• Disinfect regularly
• Apply sealant if applicable

Appliances:

• Stove: Degrease, clean grates
• Microwave: Interior wipe-down
• Refrigerator: Clean inside and out, check seals
• Sink: Descale, disinfect

Cabinets:

• Clean exterior surfaces
• Organize interior
• Check for pests

Bathroom

Critical for hygiene:

Toilet:

• RV-safe toilet cleaner
• Don't use harsh chemicals (damages seals)
• Check and lubricate seal

Shower/tub:

• Mold and mildew treatment
• Caulk inspection
• Glass/curtain cleaning

Sink and vanity:

• Standard cleaning
• Check for leaks
• Organize cabinets

Bedroom Area

Where you recharge:

Mattress:

1. Strip all bedding
2. Vacuum mattress surface
3. Spot treat stains
4. Deodorize with baking soda (vacuum after)
5. Flip if applicable
6. Check for moisture underneath

Closets and storage:

• Remove contents
• Vacuum and wipe
• Check for moisture/mold
• Organize and replace

Odor Elimination

RVs trap odors:

Common Sources

• Holding tank gases
• Cooking odors
• Pet smells
• Mold and mildew
• Stale air from storage

Elimination Steps

1. Identify source — Fix the problem, don't mask it
2. Deep clean — Target odor source areas
3. Ozone treatment — Professional service for persistent odors
4. Enzyme treatment — For organic odors (pets, food)
5. Ventilate — Open windows and vents
6. Ongoing prevention — Proper tank maintenance, ventilation

Seasonal Detailing Schedule

Spring (Pre-Season)

Full detail before travel season:

• Roof inspection and cleaning
• Full exterior wash and protection
• Complete interior deep clean
• Check all seals and caulking
• Systems check and test
• Address any winter storage issues

Summer (Active Season)

Regular maintenance:

• Exterior wash every 2 weeks or after trips
• Interior quick clean weekly
• Bug removal after travel
• Check tire pressure and condition

Fall (End of Season)

Pre-storage prep:

• Full exterior wash
• Complete interior deep clean
• Treat all leather and vinyl
• Remove all food
• Empty and treat holding tanks
• Open cabinets and drawers for air circulation

Winter (Storage Period)

Periodic checks:

• Monthly check for moisture/leaks
• Run dehumidifier if indoor storage
• Check cover condition if outdoor

DIY vs. Professional

Do It Yourself

Good for:

• Regular maintenance washes
• Interior quick cleans
• Basic exterior protection

You'll need:

• RV wash soap
• Soft brush and extension pole
• Ladder (safely!)
• Interior cleaning supplies
• UV protectants

Call Professionals

Best for:

• Oxidation correction
• Ceramic coating application
• Deep interior extraction
• Ozone odor treatment
• Annual full details

Advantages:

• Proper equipment (lifts, extractors)
• Professional products
• Experience with RV surfaces
• Time savings

Cost Guide

Professional RV Detailing

What Affects Price

• Size: Larger RVs cost more
• Condition: Neglected RVs need more work
• Location: On-site vs. shop
• Services: À la carte vs. packages

Ready to Detail Your RV?

Whether you need a pre-trip refresh or a comprehensive restoration, professional detailing keeps your RV looking and feeling like home.

📞 Call 408-848-8468 — Schedule RV detailing

📍 Get a quote — Describe your RV and needs

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