Your Go-To RV Detailing & Cleaning Guide

Regular RV detailing and cleaning is the best way to keep your RV looking great. To help get you started, we’ve put together this overview of the RV detailing process and the supplies you’ll need to get the job done right.

Once your rig is looking shiny and new, you’ll be ready to hit the road and visit our top-rated OR RV Park: Silver Spur RV Park & Resort!

What does RV Detailing Include?

RV detailing is the process of thoroughly cleaning (and repairing where necessary) the interior and exterior of your RV to improve and maintain its appearance. RV detailing is called detailing for a reason: it’s all about perfecting the little details of your vehicle. Therefore, there are many steps involved in a full interior/exterior RV detail.

RV detailing includes the following steps and tasks:

Roof Cleaning: Detailing usually goes from top to bottom. The best cleaning products and methods for your RV roof depend on whether you have a fiberglass roof, a rubber membrane-style roof, or another type of roof, so be sure to take this into account. Fiberglass roofs are prone to oxidation — if they appear chalky or ashy then you may need a strong cleaner like Davis Fiberglass Stain Remover.

Overall Exterior Washing: There are multiple methods of RV washing, some dry and some wet. If you are wet washing, be sure to clean and dry full sections at a time to avoid streaks. You can usually use a standard RV washing soap, but again, check that you’re using the right product for your type of RV siding.

Bug Removal: The longer you wait to remove bug splatter from the front of your RV, the more difficult it becomes. To remove bugs you can either use an automotive washing mitt, a chemical bug remover, or make a cleaning solution with dryer sheets and water. Keeping your RV front washed and waxed will help prevent further hard-to-remove bug splatters.

Awnings: To clean your RV awnings, you may want to use a cleaning product specifically designed for automotive tops that clean deeply but are gentle on the paint and fabric.

Tire Cleaning: As you work from top to bottom, this should be the last step in the exterior cleaning process.

Exterior Waxing: Once a thorough cleaning of the exterior is complete, you can wax your RV. You can either go for a wipe-on and buff-off type of wax (more thorough and time-consuming) or an easier spray-on and wipe-off type of wax.

The Extra Mile: There are certainly additional, more professional steps to make your RV exterior shine. These include but are not limited to clay-bar paint decontamination, paint sealing, wheel polishing, glass cleaning, and water repellent for the windshield.

Interior Detailing: Interior RV detailing typically involves at least the following tasks: carpet cleaning, seat cleaning, cup holder cleaning, dash and crevice cleaning, vent cleaning, and odor removal, among others.

RV Cleaning: Pro Tips

Detailing your RV doesn’t have to be a grind. With a few tricks and the right rhythm, it can be a satisfying part of the travel prep ritual, like packing your favorite snacks or mapping out the next leg of your journey.

Here are some practical tips to keep your RV looking its best, without turning cleaning day into a full-on chore.

Start in the shade (or early in the day). Direct sunlight can cause water and soap to dry too quickly, leaving behind streaks and spots. Try to work in sections and rinse as you go to stay ahead of the sun.
Use the two-bucket method. One bucket for soapy water, one for rinsing your sponge or mitt. This keeps dirt and grit from scratching your finish—especially important on darker or glossy paint.
Soak, don’t scrub (at first). Bugs, tree sap, and road grime come off a lot easier if you let them soak with a cleaner before going in with elbow grease. A little patience here can save a lot of surface wear.
Don’t forget your slide-outs. When you’re detailing, it’s easy to overlook areas like slide-out roofs or seals. Make sure to clean and inspect them for debris, mildew, or damage while you’re at it.
Dry with microfiber towels, not just air. Air drying can lead to water spots, especially in areas with hard water. A few minutes with a soft towel gives you a better finish—and helps you catch anything you missed.
Save your tires for last. They’ll pick up the most grime during the wash. Knock them out at the end so you don’t track dirt back onto your clean rig.

RV Detailing Supplies & Tools

Before you get started, stock up on the right supplies to make the job smoother and your results shine. You don’t need to go overboard with specialty tools, but having a well-stocked detailing kit makes a big difference.

RV Exterior Detailing Essentials

RV wash soap – Choose a gentle, RV-safe formula (not dish soap!) to protect your finish.
Soft bristle brush or extendable wash mop – For roofs and high sides without straining your back.
Bug remover – Or a DIY mix with dryer sheets for stubborn splatter.
Microfiber wash mitts – Great for gentle cleaning without leaving swirl marks.
Drying towels – A stack of microfiber towels will help avoid water spots.
Spray wax or polish – To finish strong with a shiny, protective coat.

RV Interior Detailing Must-Haves

All-purpose cleaner – For hard surfaces, counters, and cabinetry.
Upholstery cleaner – Or a fabric-safe spray for cushions and seats.
Shop vac or handheld vacuum – A must for carpet edges and floor debris.
Crevice tool – Don’t underestimate its power for vents and cup holders.
Deodorizer or air purifier spray – Especially helpful after pets or long hauls.

Nice-to-Have Extras

Foam cannon attachment – For sudsing up large rigs with less elbow grease.
Orbital buffer – If you’re committed to regular waxing.
Detailing caddy – Keeps everything organized so you’re not hunting for the glass cleaner mid-job.

Most of these supplies are compact enough to stash in a storage bay or tote—perfect for mobile RV detailing and upkeep while you’re exploring Oregon’s scenic routes.

Our Favorite RV Wax and RV Wash

You might be feeling overwhelmed by the daunting task of detailing your RV. The good news is that there are some RV detailing products available that conveniently combine the washing and waxing steps to save you time. Though there are plenty of other great products out there, these are two with top-notch customer reviews:

Gel-Gloss RV Wash and Wax is one of the most popular and highly-rated products for RV detailing. It’s biodegradable, safe, easy to use, and leaves no streaking or water spots.

Another option is Aero Cosmetics Wet or Waterless Car Wash Wax, which is especially known for removing tough black streaks and also provides UV protection. What’s more, this product is very versatile and can be used to clean plastic, gel coats, rubber, glass, chrome, leather, aluminum, and paint.

How Often to Detail RV

Just like your home or your car, your RV needs regular care to stay in good shape. And the more you use it, the more often it needs a little love. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you plan your detailing routine without overthinking it:

Exterior Wash: Every 2–4 weeks when your RV is in use, especially after long trips or bad weather. This keeps dirt, pollen, bugs, and road grime from building up and damaging your finish.
Wax or Sealant Application: Every 3–6 months. This adds a protective layer to help prevent UV damage, fading, and oxidation, especially important if your RV is stored outdoors.
Interior Deep Cleaning: Every 1–2 months, or after each major trip. Wipe down hard surfaces, vacuum floors and upholstery, clean out fridge and storage compartments, and freshen up the air.
Roof Inspection & Cleaning: Every 6 months. Clean off debris, check for leaks or cracks, and inspect seals to help prevent costly water damage.

The Importance of Regular RV Maintenance

Detailing is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to keeping your RV road-ready. Regular maintenance helps prevent breakdowns, protect your investment, and make every trip a little smoother. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or full-time traveler, these basics should be on your radar:

Tire Care: Check tire pressure and tread before every trip—and don’t forget the spare. RV tires can wear unevenly or degrade over time even if you’re not logging big miles.
Fluid Checks: Oil, brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid all need regular attention. If your RV has a generator, make sure to check and change that oil too.
Seal Inspections: Water damage is a common RV issue. Inspect seals around windows, doors, roof vents, and slide-outs every few months and reseal as needed to keep the elements out.
Battery Maintenance: Test and clean your batteries regularly. For motorhomes, that includes both your engine and house batteries. For trailers, don’t forget the breakaway switch and tongue jack connections.
System Tests: Check your plumbing, propane, electrical, and HVAC systems before each season. Catching small issues early (like a leaky valve or faulty fuse) helps you avoid trip delays later.
Winterization: If your RV will be stored during the colder months, winterizing is a must. Drain the water lines, add antifreeze, seal vents, and clean everything thoroughly to prevent freezing, cracking, or unwanted guests. Check out our RV Winterizing Guide for a full breakdown.

Keeping a regular maintenance rhythm makes each task easier and helps you avoid bigger issues down the road, so your RV stays adventure-ready.

RV Detailing Prices and Options

You can leave your RV detailing to the professionals or go the DIY route. Either way, there are certain costs to keep in mind.

If you’re taking on the process yourself, it’s important to note that you may need to purchase a bunch of tools and cleaning supplies, including basic supplies like buckets, sponges, brushes and rags, cleaning supplies for windows, siding, roof, awnings and more, a hose mounted foam gun, a power buffer tool for waxing, a shop vac or rug shampooer for interior cleaning, touch up paint and more. Therefore, the first time you detail your RV yourself will be the most expensive. Of course, the “do-it-yourself” option will also eat up more of your precious time, adding to the overall cost.

On the other hand, professional RV detailing may cost anywhere from $15 to $40 per foot of your RV, depending on the level of service, your location, whether it’s just interior, exterior, or both, and other factors. So if your RV is large, the cost of professional RV detailing will likely be significant. If you are detail-oriented, physically able, and have the time and patience, doing the RV detailing work yourself can save you money and end with professional results.

Recap of RV Detailing and Key Takeaways

As the name implies, detailing an RV is a detailed process with many intricate steps and specialized supplies involved. Depending on your preferences, you can either detail your RV on your own or hire a professional. Whatever you choose, the important thing is to take care of your RV and do it regularly so that you can enjoy it for years and years to come!

In our opinion, the best place to enjoy your sparkling clean RV is here at Silver Spur RV Park & Resort, one of the top-rated RV parks in Oregon. Silver Spur is nestled in the heart of the beautiful Willamette Valley, close to the quaint town of Silverton and the world-renowned Silver Falls State Park, making it the perfect base for exploring what Oregon is known for: incredible natural scenery, impeccable produce, kind and welcoming people, and endless outdoor adventures. On top of all that, with our park’s resort-like facilities – including a pool and spa, game room, stocked fishing ponds, group gathering spaces, and more – you may never want to leave.

Note: Unlike many parks, we permit RV cleaning during your stay, just in case you need a touch-up between adventures!

Reserve your stay with us online now. We can’t wait to host you!