Spring Cleaning Tips & Tricks

Now that spring has effectively sprung, it’s time for some deep cleaning. The beauty of winter here in Florida is that we don’t have to deal with the winter doldrums like folks in other parts of the country, and in most cases, we don’t have to winterize RVs for storage either. But just like RV enthusiasts everywhere else, springtime presents the opportunity to freshen up your rig – whether a motorcoach, travel trailer, or truck camper – and get it ready for a busy travel season.

So, now is the time to prep your RV for a spring or summertime trip, and there are a few things you should do to get the interior in tip-top shape:

• Dust all nooks and crannies around your RV, including vents, electronics, and blinds or stationary window treatments
• Wash any curtains or drapes, as well as removable cushion covers and bedding
• Wipe down hard surfaces, including windows, walls, cupboards, countertop surfaces, the dashboard, and instrument panels
• Vacuum carpeting, mattresses, and upholstery
• Mop wood, tile, or linoleum floors
• Remove soap scum, mold, and mildew from the shower or bath area with mild cleansers
• Wash or replace your RV’s vent fan screen and air conditioner filter
• Purge expired pantry food items from cupboards
• Wash the interior of the refrigerator with warm, soapy water to remove any musty or stale odors
• Test and replace batteries in fire and carbon monoxide detectors, and ensure that your fire extinguisher is in good working condition

In addition to cleaning the interior of your rig, don’t forget to spend some time caring for the exterior as well. Be sure to hose your RV down, using special cleaners to separately treat the walls, awnings, alloys, and windows to remove dust and black streaks. Check for and repair damage to the roof and around window seals, and flush and sanitize your water systems with bleach. Additionally, make sure that all systems essential to operating your RV and any accessories work as intended. And, finally – once you’ve cleaned everything inside and out, implement organization techniques to help keep your storage spaces neat and tidy all season long. For example, try:

• Adding lazy Susans in your fridge to corral condiment bottles, containers, and other loose items
• Using vacuum-sealed bags to store bulky items such as a mattress pad, comforters, or clothing
• Installing tension rods under the sink to hang and organize bottles of cleaning solution
• Incorporating plastic storage containers to separate items in storage bays

What are some of your favorite spring cleaning and organization rituals? Comment below!