The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and the open road is calling! Spring marks the start of an ideal season for RV travel. However, if you’ve left your motorhome in storage all winter, there will be a few metaphorical–and perhaps literal–cobwebs to clear out. Even if you live in your RV full time and clean regularly, your space could probably use a refresh.
Take advantage of the fresh start feeling of spring to get your RV in optimal condition. From crucial maintenance tasks to storage and decor, we’re sharing ten aspects of an RV spring cleaning that you shouldn’t overlook. These tips and tricks will keep your home on wheels squeaky clean and running like new for years to come. Read on for the details.
Shake Off the Winter Months
Winterizing your RV keeps it safe in colder months. When you bring it out of storage, you’ll need to reverse this process to get it ready for travel. Steps include filling your freshwater tank, flushing antifreeze out of the system, and filling the hot water tank. For a full guide, check out “How to Dewinterize Your RV.” Even if you didn’t winterize your rig, give the plumbing system some TLC by sanitizing your water tank. This should be done at least every six months.
Don’t Shy Away From DIY Maintenance
While dewinterizing, look for any equipment in need of an upgrade. This could include broken valves or a corroded anode rod. Throughout the RV, check for areas in need of new sealant. Catching these issues early can save you tons of time and money down the line. Speaking of saving money, there are many motorhome maintenance tasks and minor repairs that you can do yourself. For more information, consult our “DIY RV Maintenance Checklist.”
La Mesa is Here to Help
When it comes to repairs that are more trouble than they are worth to DIY, consider getting your motorhome serviced by our expert team at La Mesa RV. Our nine service centers are conveniently located in RVing hotspot states like California, Arizona, and Florida. With RVIA Master Certified and Certified Service Technicians, your trusty rig is in good hands. Aside from repairs and maintenance, we can even give your motorhome a makeover in our brand-new auto body shop, complete with a 55-foot-long paint booth.
Throw Those Windows Open
When you first enter your RV after a few months in storage, it's normal to encounter some stale air and dust. With this in mind, opening the windows should be one of the first things you do in an RV spring cleaning. Open windows allow cross ventilation to air out the space along with venting any fumes from cleaning products as you dust and disinfect. Pay special attention to the kitchen and bathroom, as these are the places where mold might have grown if you didn’t disinfect properly before storing your RV for the season.
Don’t Forget the Fabrics
While wiping down hard surfaces like counters and floors comes naturally, it is easy to overlook fabrics like upholstery and curtains. A spring cleaning is the perfect time to refresh all couches, rugs, and curtains. Vacuum them, spot clean any stains, and spritz with an odor-eliminating spray. Just be sure to only use products compatible with the material–consult the manufacturer’s label for guidance. Wash decorative pillowcases, removable seat covers, and any other fabric surfaces that aren’t normally included in your laundry loads.
Out with the Old, in with the New
Spring is all about a fresh start. Expand this philosophy beyond simply cleaning your rig by downsizing. There are many techniques touted online for streamlining your belongings–we recommend listening to the ten-minute Minimalist Mondays segments of the Optimal Living Daily podcast to get inspired. While this tip is more about reducing clutter than shopping for new things, feel free to replace any products that are too worn out at this time.
Get Organized with Clever Hacks
Besides downsizing your possessions, you can reduce the feeling of clutter with effective organization. Try out a new organization system for your kitchen cabinets, fridge, or closet based on the items you want to access most easily. Oh, and when you remove everything from shelves and drawers, take the opportunity to wipe down those interior surfaces. Don’t know where to start with organization? Explore the clever ideas in “RV Storage and Space Saving Tips.”
Keep Your Belongings Secure
If you haven’t already, now is a great time to optimize your RV storage for driving. When you’re on the road, the noise of items shifting around can be a nuisance, not to mention the potential for your valuables to break. It is also a pain to wrap and pack up all of your belongings individually each time you’re on the move. Luckily, there are several simple strategies to keep your possessions secure. Most importantly, you’ll want to pack items tightly in cabinets so they don’t have room to move around. In a shelf of tightly packed glassware and mugs, consider just sliding small dish towels between breakables to prevent them from hitting each other on bumpy roads. In your fridge and pantry, tension bars can work wonders.
Give Your Rig a Spa Day
So you’ve cleaned your RV interior from top to bottom–now it’s time to tackle the exterior. Set aside an afternoon to give your motorhome a spa day, from washing and waxing the exterior roof and walls to conditioning the tires. Don’t forget to clean your canopies and awnings. Depending on the size of your rig and your energy level, you might do all of these tasks yourself in a parking lot or get a little expert help at an RV-friendly car wash service. These treatments will not only have your motorhome sparkling but also protect it from future environmental damage.
Nest and Rest
Last but not least, consider adding some finishing touches to make your home on wheels truly shine. Some ideas include lighting a scented candle, creating some new wall art to display, or adding a cute houseplant to your collection. For more inspiration, read “10 RVers Share Advice on How to Make Your RV Feel More Like Home.” Then put up your feet and reap the rewards of your hard work.
With these tips, you’ll have your RV refreshed and ready to go in no time. Looking for more seasonal activities? Check out “RVers Guide to Welcoming Spring.” Still searching for your dream home on wheels? Visit La Mesa RV to browse our huge selection of new and used motorhomes.
