RV Cleaning Tips
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RV Cleaning Tips and Resources
Having worked on hundreds of RV's, Motorhomes, Motor Coaches, and Toy Haulers over the past twenty-plus years, I am including this page of useful RV cleaning and maintenance tips. Not only will I be laying out specific tips to save you time and money, but actual products that will help you get professional results normally reserved for veteran detailers like myself.
The good news is that most of your car care products are the very same products you can use on your RV's, motorhomes, boats, and toy haulers. Despite the fact that RV's are constructed of numerous types of building materials, they all have a few things in common:
- They need regular washing; dirt and sun are the biggest enemies.
- They all need some form of protection from the elements in the form of waxes or sealants.
Follow along as I outline strategic tips of RV cleaning and maintenance for your new RV's, as well as the RV's that are looking a little rough around the edges.
RV Washing
As any RV-er knows, these "toys" are big! Washing your RV alone is problematic alone without even considering the waxing and detailing your RV. My experience has shown that a few common questions exist as to how to wash an RV or motorhome. The bigger the RV the bigger the hassle, and some professional tips will help to get you better results.- Dirt and sun are your RV's worst enemies; respond accordingly.
- Most retail RV washing products are overly mild and will offer very little in the way of actual rv cleaning.
- RV wash and wax products are even more mild and recommended only on RV's in truly excellent condition.
- Do not use municipal water and allow to drip dry; the minerals in this type of water will create hard water spots that can etch into materials.
The objective of washing your RV is simply to get the dirt off of it. Using a soft brush is recommended to break loose the superficial dirt. Follow these additional RV cleaning and washing tips:
RV Washing Tips for RV's in Excellent Condition
If you are the proud owner of a brand new RV in excellent condition, or have the means to store your RV indoors, then you are ahead of the curve. Any quality car washing or RV washing product will suffice for basic RV washing. The higher-end RV's with full paint are especially suited for these types of products and will provide excellent results. Shopping for a multi-use product like a wash and wax will add even more visually fulfilling results.
Required Tools and Products for RV Washing
The following are my recommended picks for the necessary tools and products for basic RV washing. Use any of the secure links below to get your own.
Shurhold Soft Yellow Deck Brush, 10 Inches
Meguiars Mirror Glaze #54 Mirror Glaze Boat/RV Gel Wash
Shurhold Deluxe Water Sprite Mop
Darren's Tips
If you are working alone, then pick the early morning or early evening when there is no direct sunlight to avoid water spotting in the heat. Start with the roof and work your way down onto the sides picking and finishing one side at a time until completion; this means both washing and drying one side at a time. Whether you are working alone or have some help, the The Water Sprite mop is an absolute must! The best way to avoid water spots and for professional results. It's like having an extra helping hand; no more climbing up and down the ladder endlessly trying to dry all the siding!
RV Washing Tips for RV's w/ Mild Oxidation
Most RV's are stored outdoors and are subject to the elements of weather. With this comes oxidation in its many levels. If you have an RV with mild levels of oxidation to the fiberglass or gel coat, then washing your RV with the kind of wash product from above will do little more than remove superficial dust and dirt. Once the fiberglass begins to oxidize and turn chalky, it begins to "soak" up the dirt. This makes for harder washing and waxing. Any of the traditional RV wash products will be ineffective at removing this embedded dirt from the oxidized surface, and this is where it can get tricky. I personally use a pump type of sprayer to spray some form of degreaser or heavy duty cleaner to the wet sides of the RV and scrub. It will be through the combination of the manual agitation and the heavy duty cleaner that you will be able to remove the typical black drip stains and embedded dirt from the oxidized siding.
Most retail, all-purpose, heavy duty cleaners will suffice and will provide better and deeper cleaning of oxidized fiberglass siding of RV's. You will have to experiment with this on your own to see what cleaner provides acceptable results. Just keep the (3) points in mind:
- Fiberglass siding is very durable by nature, despite what we have been lead to believe.
- Most retail RV and car wash products are overly mild and will be ineffective for this kind of dirt.
- Test your choice of heavy duty cleaner in an inconspicuous area first.
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I have been using Darren’s professional detail services, Auto Fetish Detail, for close to 15 years now and continue to do so. Darren has taught me and my staff just what real detailing is. Darren is incredibly meticulous and attentive to details. Whenever I have a customer who demands the best, I tell them to call Darren at Auto Fetish. I can always tell when Darren has detailed a car because the level of quality is like no other! He is not the cheapest guy in town, but you can’t beat the quality!
Ron Erickson
President, Exclusive Motors
Placentia, CA
I have known and used Darren's services for 20+ years. I own Xlnt Tint of Anaheim inc. and see many cars every day. When we have a particular customer that needs top notch service, there is nobody else I would trust but Darren! He is very meticulous, and knowledgeable. If you are in need of someone who will take their time but most importantly bring over 20 years of hands on knowledge, this is the company for you.
Mike Schuch
President, Xlnt Tint
Anaheim, CA
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Mike N.
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
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Samantha
Maxim Security Systems
Corona, CA
"We have seen the work of other detailers in removing various forms of vinyl car decals and vehicle wraps. Often we have to spend additional hours due to the incomplete removal of old graphics, before we can apply new graphics. Save yourself time and aggravation by calling Darren first and have it done right the first time around; this is the way it should be done!"
Tim Cecil
President, Sign Pros
Brea, CA
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H. Barstow
Anaheim Hills, CA
"I just wanted to let you know that it was a pleasure meeting you on Saturday. You are a true professional and I find it very comforting to know that there are still people out there that take pride in what they do. "
M. Poris
Playa Del Rey, CA
My initial conversation with Darren at Auto Fetish Detail consisted of what his services would provide. Darren did exactly what he described to me and more. Darren detailed parts of the car that never crossed my mind to clean. Darren was promptly at the time, place and date we had agreed upon. Darren’s professional service and meticulous efforts made my car look better than the day I took delivery from the dealer. It was a great experience to deal with Darren and his professional service and work ethics.
Ron Marquez
President, Aquarian Drumheads
Anaheim Hills, CA
"Darren-you have and do continue to produce AMAZING results time and time again, over the last 17 years or so that you have been doing our cars we have never once been disappointed in the least bit. Thank you for always being consistent and reliable!"
Chandler E.
Yorba Linda, CA
"Darren- just wanted to let you know how great my Escalade looks each time you service it. Of course I love the convenience of your services, but what I really love is the quality of work! My husband and I have used other detail services in the past, but none of them spent the time you do on our cars. My husband has a critical eye and has remarked on numerous occasions regarding the quality of your work. With two teenagers and a regular carpool schedule, it is amazing how great the Escalade keeps on looking thanks to you!"
M. Goerlitz
Laguna Beach, CA
"Darren-you treat my cars as though they were yours; thank you!"
Tanya B.
Yorba Linda, CA
"Detail day is my favorite day of the month-I just love the way you make my cars look Darren!"
Theresa D.
Newport Coast, CA
I have generally used other mobile detail services in the past and continue to do so for what I call a normal detail job. But I met Daren through Exclusive Motors as we share the same building. My wife uses the Suburban to run our 3 kids around and it gets very dirty in the process. The carpeting and seating was extremely bad and I thought I was going to have to replace the both the carpeting and seating. I told Darren the other detailers in the past were not able to get the carpet and leather very clean. I was floored when I saw the results Darren was able to get! I tell people all the time that I have never paid so much for a detail, but that I have never had such an amazing job either! I send Darren to all my customers who simply demand the best, as Darren is the best!
Craig Haller
President, Exclusive SUV
Placentia, CA
"Darren-your service makes this one area of my life stress free; you do what you say and do so consistently!"
Mike B.
Anaheim Hills, CA
"Darren- whether I send you to my
house or business, I know I can trust
you to take care of business-
thank you!"
David K.
San Clemente, CA
"I swear my Ferrari has never look better; you do amazing work!"
Brian S.
Corona Del Mar, CA
"I wish I could afford you
every week; the cars look so good
when you have done them!"
Griffin W.
Placentia, CA
"My house cleaners don't do
as good a job as you Darren-
will you teach them what clean really is."
Maurice O.
Anaheim Hills, CA
"Darren-
My Mustang has never looked better; you did a fabulous job!
My daughter noticed how much time you spent detailing the Mustang today (something she normally would never be aware of) and asked how much it costs, I told her it is expensive and said I use Darren because he is the best detailer I have ever used.
Darren you do exactly what you say you are going to do, and do so every time!
I use you Darren because you conduct business exactly as I do!
Thanks again!"
D. Reilly
President - CSBA
Orange, CA
"Thank you Darren....
you saved me a "bucket" of money by removing and not replacing
those deteriorated side moldings on my 2005 Chevy truck
and my truck looks new again!"
Steve G.
Anaheim, CA
Darren- I just wanted to call and let you know what a terrific job you did on my motorhome. I really appreciate the effort you put into all the many details of the job! It looks better than the day I picked it up brand new!
J.R. Maurer
Vice Chairman, Thompson National Properties, LLC
Irvine, CA
"I asked Darren to detail my boat like it was his own, and he definitely did! Fantastic job Darren, the boat looks great! I would recommend you to anyone! Thanks for the fast and great service."
Yale Smith
President-Maxim Security Systems
Corona, CA
"The Teton looks fabulous. Thanks for being so responsive and for the great job! Looking forward to seeing you when it's detail time on the cars."
D. Dukes
CEO-Simon Foundation for Education and Housing
Newport Beach, CA
I used Darren to take off a vehicle wrap on a Ford Econoline van of ours. Darren showed up on time and did a great job removing not only the decals but all the residue that was left from the glue. If you need a vehicle wrap taken off, give Darren a call.
Jake Duehring
Marketing/Product Development
Felt Bicycles
Irvine, CA