The Ultimate RV Spring Cleaning Guide (+FREE Checklist!)

Has your RV been gathering dust all winter? Or maybe months on the road have left it feeling a little grimy?

Spring is the perfect time for a deep clean so your rig feels fresh, organized, and adventure-ready for the upcoming season!

But let’s be real… RV cleaning can feel overwhelming. Dust hides in every crevice, mystery smells seem to come out of nowhere, and no matter what, dirt from the great outdoors always sneaks in.

We’ve been there! After years of living in a full-time RV, we’ve nailed down the most efficient way to tackle spring cleaning with minimal stress.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through a quick and effective RV cleaning routine, share RV-safe cleaning products, and give you simple storage hacks to keep your space neat long after you’re done.

Ready to get your RV looking (and smelling) brand new? Let’s jump right in!

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General RV Cleaning Tips for Getting Started

Alright, before we jump right into the deep cleaning, let’s go over a few general RV spring cleaning tips:

1. Declutter First

Go through every room and remove any unnecessary items. This is a great time to donate, sell, or toss anything you no longer need.

Remember that less clutter makes cleaning easier and frees up space. Win-win!

2. Gather Your Cleaning Supplies

I like to get all of my cleaning supplies out and ready to go so that I have everything within easy reach.

Here’s a basic list of the cleaning materials you might need:

• All-purpose cleaner
• Glass cleaner
• Spray bottle with water
• Baking soda and vinegar
• Disinfecting wipes
• Microfiber cloths
• RV-safe pressure washer
• Paper towels
• Swiffer duster
• Scrub brushes and sponges
• Mop and bucket
• Vacuum or handheld vacuum
• RV-safe toilet bowl cleaner
• Trash bags

3. Make it a Team Effort

Deep cleaning your RV can be a lot more fun if you enlist the help of the whole family!

We like to divvy up the list between the two of us, and it helps speed up the process.

If you have kids, make sure to involve them too. There are plenty of smaller tasks that they can help with.

Bonus tip: turn on your favorite music or an audiobook to keep everyone entertained!

4. Break the Cleaning Up Over Several Days

If you are cleaning by yourself, or if the idea of deep cleaning your entire RV in one day feels overwhelming, tackle one room per day and spread it over a week.

This helps it not feel quite as overwhelming, but you’ll still get the satisfaction of checking something off the list every day!

5. Pick a Good Weather Day

If possible, choose a sunny day so you can open the windows and air everything out while you clean.

Not only will it help things smell better, but who doesn’t love the sound of birds chirping while they clean?!

In my opinion, this is what makes spring the perfect time of year for a thorough cleaning of your RV.

6. Use a Checklist

I like to use a checklist to make sure I don’t miss anything important when I’m spring cleaning our RV.

You can either make your own or grab mine for free here!

Cleaning the Exterior of Your RV

The exterior of your RV takes a beating from the elements, so start with a good wash using a gentle soap.

Pay extra attention to areas that accumulate dirt and grime, such as the roof and wheel wells.

Here are the key areas to focus on:

Exterior Surfaces

To clean the main surfaces on your RV exterior, you can use an RV-safe power washer (we use the Lippert Flow Max) to quickly clean and rinse your RV.

You can also use a soft scrub brush to gently remove any tough spots. Be extra careful around any decals to prevent peeling!

Lippert Flow Max Portable Power Cleaner for RVs

• Lightweight & compact
• Designed with RVers in mind
• Battery-powered

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Bugs and tar can be tough to remove from the front cap and lower side panels, but you can use a bug/tar remover or a soft sponge with warm, soapy water to scrub them away.

If your RV has black streaks from rainwater runoff, use a black streak remover to get rid of them without damaging the finish.

If you want to take it a step further, you can wax your RV after it’s clean as well.

Undercarriage

Even though it’s not a visible part of the RV, dirt and mud accumulate underneath. Use a hose or gentle pressure washer to rinse it off.

RV Windows and Screens

When you’re cleaning your RV windows, use a streak-free cleaner for maximum visibility.

Personally, I like to use microfiber cloths with just water, but if the windows are extra dirty, you might need something else.

Don’t forget to wipe both inside and out to remove dust and smudges, and remove your screens to make it easier to clean them with a soapy washcloth.

Roof

Your roof accumulates far more grime than you might think!

Scrub off dirt, tree sap, and bird droppings with a soapy sponge or your RV-safe pressure washer.

The top of your RV often goes unnoticed but needs regular cleaning to prevent buildup.

If you find any minor tears, you should also follow this guide to repairing your RV roof.

If you have solar panels for boondocking on your RV roof, make sure to clean them thoroughly as well so that they will be able to produce maximum power.

Storage Bays

If your RV storage bays are anything like ours, then they likely need some extra attention!

Wipe them down inside and check for any signs of water damage.

If you keep any cleaning products or tools in storage, now is the time to organize them for easy access as well!

Awnings

Mold and mildew can develop on your awnings if they have been rolled up for months.

Scrub them top and bottom with warm, soapy water and let them dry completely before retracting them again.

If your awnings are particularly high, using a soft sponge on an extension pole can help you reach them.

Entry Steps

Your steps likely collect dirt, mud, and who-knows-what-else from frequent use!

Sweep off loose dirt first, then scrub with soapy water or a degreaser if they’re especially grimy.

If your steps are textured or have grip tape, use a brush to get into crevices and remove stuck-on dirt.

Hot Water Heater

Spring is also a great time to give your RV water tank a good flush and cleaning.

I have a detailed blog post about how to clean your RV hot water heater, which you can read here.

Cleaning the Interior of Your RV

Ok, now that we’ve covered the main areas to focus on cleaning the exterior of your RV, let’s move on to the inside of your RV, which is where you will likely spend most of your time.

Cleaning the Kitchen

I don’t know about you, but I personally spend a lot of time in my RV kitchen, which means that it needs extra attention when it’s time for a deep cleaning.

Here are some of the main areas to focus on:

• Refrigerator – Start by removing all food and wiping down the shelves, drawers, and door seals with soapy, warm water or a vinegar solution. Check expiration dates and toss anything questionable. For lingering odors, place an open box of baking soda inside or wipe down surfaces with a bit of lemon juice.
• Oven & Stovetop – Grease and food splatters build up fast! Use a non-toxic cleaner or a baking soda paste to scrub off baked-on messes. If you have removable grates or burner covers, soak them in warm soapy water before scrubbing. Don’t forget the area around the burners where grease likes to hide.
• Microwave – Stuck-on splatters? Heat a bowl of water with lemon juice for a few minutes until it steams up inside. This helps loosen grime so you can easily wipe it clean with a sponge or microfiber cloth.
• Sink – Scrub the basin with a disinfectant or baking soda paste to remove stains and water spots. Don’t forget the faucet and handles! Check the drain for any buildup and use a mix of baking soda and vinegar if it needs freshening up.
• Cabinets & Pantry – Wipe down the inside and outside of all the kitchen cabinets, paying extra attention to handles where fingerprints and grease collect. Go through your pantry and get rid of anything expired or stale. While you’re at it, reorganize your pantry supplies so everything is easy to access.
• Countertops – Disinfect surfaces and tackle any stubborn stains. If you have a textured countertop, use a soft-bristle brush to get into crevices where crumbs might be hiding.
• Light Fixtures & Vent Fans – Dust and grease love to settle on light fixtures and the vent fan above your stove. Wipe everything down with a degreaser or warm soapy water to keep them clean and bright. Don’t forget light switches!
• Floors & Baseboards – Sweep up crumbs and dirt, then mop with a gentle floor cleaner. Pay extra attention to corners and under appliances where dust and grime tend to collect.

Cleaning the Bathroom

Your RV bathroom might be tiny, but chances are it could use a good deep-cleaning.

Here are your main focus points for the bathroom:

• Toilet – Scrub the bowl with an RV-safe toilet cleaner to avoid damaging seals. (We like to use Unique brand RV toilet bowl cleaner.) Wipe down the entire toilet, including the base and behind the seat. If you notice any water around the base, check for leaks or worn-out seals.
• Shower Walls & Door – Soap scum builds up fast, especially if you’re dealing with hard water. A vinegar and baking soda solution works wonders to break it down! If your shower has a glass door, use a squeegee or streak-free cleaner to keep it clear. Don’t forget to wipe down the showerhead and faucet!
• Sink & Faucet – Scrub the sink with a disinfectant or baking soda paste to remove any stains. Polish the faucet and handles to keep them shiny and free of water spots. If you notice slow drainage, a quick mix of baking soda and vinegar followed by hot water can help clear minor clogs.
• Mirrors – Wipe down mirrors with a streak-free glass cleaner (or use a microfiber cloth with water like I do) to get rid of water spots and toothpaste splatters.
• Cabinets & Storage – Give the inside and outside of cabinets a good wipe-down. Go through toiletries and toss anything expired or empty. Use small bins or organizers to keep everything tidy so you’re not rummaging for essentials!
• Floors – Sweep up dust and hair (there’s always more than you think!). For laminate or vinyl flooring, mop with a gentle cleaner that won’t leave residue.
• Ventilation & RV AC Filter – Bathroom moisture can lead to mold if you’re not careful. Wipe down the vent fan and remove dust buildup so it works efficiently. If your RV has an AC filter in the bathroom, clean or replace it regularly to keep the air quality fresh.

Cleaning the Bedroom

Next up, let’s tackle deep cleaning your RV bedroom!

Here’s a quick list of what you should cover:

• Mattress – Give your RV mattress a good vacuum to remove dust, pet hair, and anything else that’s settled in. If possible, flip or rotate it to even out wear. For an extra refresh, sprinkle baking soda on top, let it sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum it up to absorb odors.
• Bedding – Wash everything…sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and even your comforter if possible. If you have decorative pillows or throws, give them a wash or a good shake-out to remove dust.
• Closet & Drawers – RV storage is limited, so this is a great time to declutter! Go through your clothes and donate anything you haven’t worn in months. Wipe out drawers and shelves before putting everything back in an organized way.
• Windows, Blinds, Curtains & Valances – Wipe down window sills and clean the glass so you can enjoy the view. If you have blinds, dust each slat or wipe them down with a damp cloth. Curtains and fabric valances can hold onto dust and odors, so wash or vacuum them as needed.
• Nightstands & Surfaces – Dust all surfaces, including your nightstands, dressers, and any shelves. Don’t forget to wipe down lamp bases, alarm clocks, or anything else that collects dust.
• Under the Bed – This is prime real estate for dust bunnies and forgotten items! Pull out any storage bins, vacuum thoroughly, and make sure nothing important has gone missing under there.
• Washer & Dryer – If your RV has a washer and dryer, give them a deep clean! Run a cleaning cycle with vinegar or a washing machine cleaner, wipe out the detergent drawer, and clean the lint trap in the dryer. For vented dryers, check that the exhaust vent isn’t clogged with lint.

Cleaning the Living Room

The living area in your RV is where you relax, unwind, and probably track in the most dirt! A deep clean keeps it cozy and inviting.

Here’s what to tackle in this area:

• Couches & Chairs – Vacuum every inch, including under cushions where crumbs and pet hair love to hide. Spot-clean any stains with an upholstery-safe cleaner, and if your couch has removable covers, throw them in the wash for a full refresh.
• Throw Pillows & Blankets – These can trap dust and odors, so give them a good wash if possible. If they’re not machine-washable, shake them out and refresh them with a fabric spray.
• TV & Entertainment Center – Dust settles quickly on screens and electronics, so wipe them down with a microfiber cloth. Organize tangled cables, dust off remotes, and check behind the TV for any hidden dust bunnies.
• Cabinets & Storage – Whether you store books, DVDs, games, or travel essentials here, take a few minutes to declutter and organize. Wipe down shelves and make sure everything has a place.
• Floors & Baseboards – Sweep up dirt, mop hard RV floors, and vacuum any carpet or rugs. Pay extra attention to corners and under furniture where dust likes to collect.
• Windows, Blinds & Ledges – Clean the glass inside and out for a clear view of your next adventure. Wipe down blinds (or vacuum them with a brush attachment), and dust off window sills and ledges where grime builds up over time.

Cleaning Tips for RVers with Pets

If you’re RVing with dogs, keeping your RV clean can be a tad more challenging.

Here are some extra steps to keep your space fresh:

• Vacuum Daily – Pet hair has a way of taking over, so a quick daily vacuum helps keep it under control. A handheld or cordless vacuum is perfect for getting fur off furniture, rugs, and those hard-to-reach corners. If your pet sheds a lot, a rubber broom can also work wonders on carpets and floors.
• Wash Pet Bedding – Their bed, blankets, and any other fabric they sleep on can trap dirt and odors. Wash them regularly to keep things fresh (and prevent that “dog smell” from taking over your RV). If their bedding isn’t machine-washable, give it a good shake outside and spray it with a pet-safe fabric refresher.
• Keep a Towel at the Door – Muddy paws are a nightmare in a small space! Keep an old towel or pet wipes by the door to clean their paws before they track dirt through the RV. Bonus tip: A small mat or rug at the entrance can catch a lot of the mess before it spreads.

Odor Control Tips

A fresh-smelling RV is a must for me! Here are a few things you can do to fight unpleasant odors:

• Place charcoal bags or baking soda containers in different areas to absorb odors.
• Use essential oils or diffusers for a pleasant scent.
• Keep windows open on warm days to allow fresh air to circulate through your RV interior.
• Empty trash frequently to avoid odors.
• Some RV plants can help to purify the air.

Preventative Cleaning & Maintenance

Keep your RV cleaner longer with these simple habits:

• Wipe down kitchen counters and bathroom sinks daily.
• Sweep or vacuum floors every few days to prevent dust buildup.
• Shake out rugs and wash bedding regularly.
• Do a quick declutter at the end of each travel day.

In Closing: The Ultimate RV Spring Cleaning Guide (FREE Checklist!)

I hope you’ve found this RV spring cleaning guide and checklist helpful.

Looking for more RV tips and tricks?

Happy cleaning!