July 6th, 2022 by Sarah Miles

How to clean up your caravan ready for the holiday season

Good caravan practice dictates that a spring spruce-up is in order before you embark on your summer adventures. Even if you diligently prepared your van for winter storage, giving everything a once-over will ensure that your van is not only fresh and clean but safe to use.

Here are the 5 key areas that require your attention:

1. Water System
   We all know that any system that uses water is vulnerable to the development of mould, bacteria, mildew, and even legionella so it’s always best to err on the side of caution, even if you emptied it before storing. Plus, it’s really easy to do so why wouldn’t you? First, empty any remaining water from the tank and fill it up with fresh water. Add a water tank cleaner to the water (see instructions for the correct dose) and leave overnight to work. In the morning, empty the water out again and rinse through. The tank is now clean and ready to be used.
    
2. Toilet System
   The macerator in your caravan is one of the hardest working pieces of equipment, and the one that is most noticeable when it’s not working as it should. A macerator cleaner will both clean and descale the system, and therefore keep it in good working order and increase its lifespan. With the macerator turned off, add the product to the toilet bowl, flush and then leave overnight. The next day, turn the macerator on, allow it to pump out and then flush the toilet again. Maintain this cleanliness throughout the season by applying toilet rinse (dirty flush water is the most common cause of foul odours in caravans). Just add some to the flush tank periodically over the summer.
   

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3. Soft furnishings
   Arguably, it’s better to remove and wash soft furnishing items such as loose covers and curtains in the spring rather than when packing the van away in autumn as they will protect surfaces from dust and dirt over the winter and then they’ll be freshly laundered just as you start using it.
    
4. Interior Surfaces
   Dust can settle even in a space that hasn’t been used for months so go over all the surfaces with a general cleaning product, especially the kitchen, bathroom, and fridge areas. While doing this, double-check for any signs of leaks (this might present as mould or mildew or just patches of discolouration). If you do find any areas of deterioration, reseal with silicone or similar. Check that windows and doors close properly.
    
5. Exterior Surfaces
   A shiny, sparkly caravan is a wonderful thing for embarking on your travels but regular cleaners risk damaging or dulling the surfaces. Use a specific caravan cleaner to get great results that will set you right up for your summer of getaways!