Refining a Motorhome: A Step-by-Step Guide to Shining Up Your RV
Cleaning and maintaining your motorhome is essential to ensure its longevity and preserve its aesthetic appeal. Here's a step-by-step guide to effectively clean and polish your motorhome, complete with recommended products and techniques.
1. Thorough Cleaning
Begin by washing the entire motorhome exterior to remove dirt, debris, mold, and grime. Use a gentle cleaner suited for RV surfaces to avoid scratches. A soft washing technique or diluted bleach-water solution can help clean stubborn spots without damaging the finish. Tools like a leaf blower or broom can be used initially to blow off loose debris.
2. Oxidation Removal
If the motorhome’s fiberglass or gel coat has oxidation—appearing chalky or dull—use a rubbing compound or a dedicated oxidation remover. Apply it with a buffer or by hand in small sections. This cuts through the oxidized layer and helps restore the surface. This is important especially in sunny or harsh environments where UV damage accelerates oxidation.
3. Polishing
After cleaning and oxidation removal, apply a high-quality polish to restore smoothness and shine. Recommended brands include Autoglym, Silky, Care-avan, or specialized RV polishes. Apply polish with a sponge pad or clean cloth using circular motions, then let it dry for a few minutes before buffing off with a microfiber cloth. Polishing creates a hydrophobic micro-layer that repels water, bird droppings, and tree sap, making future cleaning easier.
4. Sealing and Protecting
Finish with a UV-resistant wax or ceramic coating to protect the paint or gel coat from further oxidation and environmental damage. Products like Poli Glow® RV Polish are water-based acrylic polymers that bind to the surface, providing a durable glossy finish without the need for buffing. Poli Glow® can last years with proper maintenance and is easy to apply, just wipe on and let dry after cleaning.
Recommended Products and Techniques:
| Step | Product Example | Technique Tips | |----------------------|---------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------| | Cleaning | Mild RV or marine soap; diluted bleach solution | Soft washing, use soft brushes or mitts, rinse thoroughly | | Oxidation Removal | Rubbing compound, dedicated oxidation removers | Buffer or hand application in small sections | | Polishing | Autoglym, Silky, Care-avan polish | Circular motions with sponge/cloth, buff with microfiber | | Seal & Protect | Poli Glow® RV Polish; UV-resistant wax or ceramic coating | Wipe on for Poli Glow®, traditional waxing requires buffing |
Additional Tips: - Avoid polishing on hot days; cooler surface temperatures in the evening yield better results. - Regular maintenance with polishing and waxing prevents oxidation buildup and extends the motorhome’s finish life.
By following these steps, you can optimize your motorhome’s appearance and protection for long-term durability. Happy cleaning!
- To maintain the longevity and aesthetic appeal of your campervan, follow these steps: first, clean the exterior thoroughly using a gentle cleaner designed for RV surfaces to remove dirt and grime.
- If your RV's fiberglass or gel coat appears chalky or dull due to oxidation, use a rubbing compound or a dedicated oxidation remover to restore the surface.
- After cleaning and oxidation removal, apply a high-quality polish to give the motorhome a smooth finish and shine. Recommended brands include Autoglym, Silky, Care-avan, or specialized RV polishes.
- To protect your motorhome from further oxidation and environmental damage, finish with a UV-resistant wax or ceramic coating. Products like Poli Glow® RV Polish are easy to apply and provide a durable glossy finish.
