How to Wash an RV? | Sparkling Without Scratches

For the full breakdown, see our best Wash Brush for RV guide.

Washing a motorhome or travel trailer the wrong way—high pressure near decals, abrasive brushes, dish soap—does more harm than good. The right way to wash an RV takes a few hours, basic supplies, and a simple top-to-bottom order that keeps you from re-soiling what you just cleaned. Start with doors, windows, and vents shut, then work in manageable sections so soap never dries on the surface.

What You Need Before You Start

Gather everything before you climb the ladder. You’ll want two buckets, a soft wash mitt or sponge, a soft-bristle brush with an extendable handle, a hose with a low-pressure nozzle, a ladder, microfiber towels or a chamois, and an RV-safe cleaner. Keep a separate brush for wheels and tires so abrasive grit never touches the painted body.

Pick a cleaner that matches your RV’s specific surface—fiberglass, painted, or decal-covered—and check the owner’s manual if you’re unsure. For a general manual wash,

The Step-by-Step Wash Order

Washing in the right sequence is what prevents streaks and missed spots. Follow this order every time, and the whole job goes faster.

1. Pick the right time and place. Work in shade, never on a hot surface or in strong sun—heat dries soap too fast and leaves film. Park where you can reach all sides and the roof safely.
2. Close everything. Shut all doors, windows, and rooftop vents before any water flows.
3. Rinse first. Knock off loose dirt and grit from the roof down. This step prevents scratching when you start scrubbing.
4. Wash in 4–5 foot sections, top to bottom. Start at the roof and work downward so dirty runoff doesn’t land on clean areas. Apply cleaner to one small section at a time, scrub gently with your soft brush or mitt, and rinse before moving on.
5. Rinse thoroughly. Flush each section completely, including seams, slides, vents, and the underbody where road salt and grime collect. Soap left behind dries into streaks.
6. Dry immediately. Use a chamois or non-abrasive towel on the body and a squeegee on windows. Drying right away is what prevents hard-water spots.

Winnebago’s cleaning guidance emphasizes starting at the top of the RV and working downward, and it carries one important warning: skip the power washer. High-pressure spray can peel decals right off, and direct pressure on rubber seals can force water into places it shouldn’t go.

What Not to Do (Mistakes That Cost Money)

The most common RV-washing errors come from rushing or using the wrong tools. Avoid these and your paint, decals, and seals will last far longer.

• Don’t wash in direct sun. Soap dries before you can rinse it, leaving a film that’s hard to remove.
• Don’t let soap dry. Work one small section at a time and rinse it before moving on.
• Don’t use a pressure washer. It peels decals and can damage seals, creating leaks.
• Don’t use abrasive brushes or harsh chemicals. They scratch paint and dull clear coats.
• Don’t share wheel brushes with the body. Tire grit embedded in a brush will scratch fiberglass or paint instantly.

For awnings, seams, and other hard-to-reach spots, use soft brushes and give the grime extra attention—these areas collect buildup that a quick rinse won’t touch. A little patience here prevents long-term staining.

FAQs

How often should you wash an RV?

Most RV owners wash their rig every few months, or more often if it sits under trees or in dusty areas. Road trips in wet or bug-heavy conditions call for a quicker wash afterward. The goal is to keep dirt and bird droppings from bonding to the surface, which makes later cleaning harder.

Can I wash my RV with regular dish soap?

Regular dish soap is too harsh for RV paint, fiberglass, and decals—it strips wax and can dull the finish over time. An RV-safe cleaner like Simple Green Wash & Wax is formulated to lift dirt without damaging the surface. It’s worth the few extra dollars.

Is it safe to pressure wash an RV?

No. A power washer can peel decals and force water past rubber seals, which can lead to leaks inside the RV. A garden hose with a low-pressure nozzle does the job safely.