After completing an exciting adventure, the last thing you want to do is clean out your camper. However, you must take some time to tidy up your recreational vehicle before putting it away. Doing so will keep anything unsightly, like mold, mildew, and bugs, from taking up residence in your RV.

With so many components that need washing up, where do you even begin? Here are some steps you should include in your essential post-trip RV cleaning routine to ensure your camper is fresh and sparkling for your next journey!

Clean high traffic areas

Some parts of your RV can survive on seasonal cleaning and maintenance, like your stove or mattress. However, you should always plan to deep clean areas that experience high traffic during your travels. Bathrooms, kitchens, and living rooms see a lot of action on trips, so these areas will need a good scrub.

Air out the interior

You don’t want to store your RV before you’ve aired out the interior. Campers are notorious for trapping questionable smells because of things like waste tanks and closed quarters. While you work through your post-trip RV cleaning routine, open all windows, doors, and vents to give these odors a chance to escape.

Empty the fridge

Rotten food leaves nasty scents that nobody wants to deal with when they enter their RV. One of the most important things you can do after traveling is empty your refrigerator and give it a good clean. Perishable items, like canned foods, can remain in cabinets and pantries, but anything that can spoil needs to go.

Dump holding tanks

While it can be unpleasant, it’s necessary to dump your holding tanks after every trip. At best, leaving your tanks uncleaned will produce funky odors. At worst, it can create health hazards and mess with the integrity of your sensors. Clean your fresh water tank and waste tank to maintain a hygienic environment and keep all your water clean and usable.

Wash the exterior

Now that you’ve cleaned your RV’s interior and tanks, the last thing to do is wash the outside. Dirt and grime build up on the body of your vehicle while you travel, leaving stains that are harder to remove the longer they sit. Make sure you thoroughly clean your camper’s exterior before putting it back into storage.

Whether you’re a once-a-year vacationer or get regular use out of your RV, the best way to maintain your camper is by cleaning it after you travel. Your future self with thank you when you pull out a fresh recreational vehicle ready to hit the road.