Did somebody say ROAD TRIP!
Tis The Season For Caravanning it seems with so many enquires this week on how to clean and prepare your caravans for the upcoming holiday season.
This article will cover both cleaning, protecting and maintenance for your caravan for before you travel and while you are on the road.
ASSESS YOUR CARAVAN
We have given advice this week on both new and old caravans so asses your caravan and to what steps you need below to bring it back.
THE THINGS YOU WILL NEED
- Pressure Washer & Hose
- Polar Blast
- Wash Mitt
- Liquid Clay
- Super Resin Polish (for older oxidised caravans)
- Perfect Polish Applicator for applying the polish
- Extra Gloss Protection
- Microfibres
STEP 1 – THE WASH
Being such a large surface area if you can use sprays and pressure washers then you will save yourself time and effort.
Polar Blast will loosen and suspend the storage dust and dirt. After 10 minutes of dwell time, blast this off and asses.
If you have any stubborn grime left then spray Polar Blast again, grab the wash mitt and agitate. This will loosen and remove any stubborn dirt. Rinse off and dry.
STEP 2 – FALLOUT DECONTAMINATION
If the caravan has been stored for some time then it may be suffering from oxidation or fallout. We have experienced many caravans covered in iron fallout from storage in farm sheds or near industrial complexes.
We recommend Liquid Clay due to the large surface area. Grab yourself a cheap pump spray bottle with a wand from Bunnings to make short work of application. After a few minutes, hose down with a pressure washer.
Liquid Clay is also great for removing red dust, quite often found on caravans going interstate. See why: https://www.blog.autoglym.com.au/red-dust-and-autoglym-liquid-clay/
STEP 3 – BACK TO WHITE
Depending on the age caravan and if the fiberglass has oxidised then grab yourself a bottle of Super Resin Polish. It is hands on, but is still the safest and quickest product for getting the clear, white finish back to the older caravans.
STEP 4 – PROTECTION
Applying a hard wax like UHD Wax to a caravan will be a tiring process on such a big area. The best protection for caravans is to use Extra Gloss Protection. Simply squirt some Extra Gloss Protection onto a cloth and wipe over the surface. There is no special technique required. The liquid hard wax will slowly dry, haze and be ready to buff off.
Extra Gloss Protection will last around 4 months on the vehicle before requiring a top-up and will protect the caravan from UV, water and make it much easier to clean.
EXTRA’S
Checker plate
Many caravans now have checker plate guards. This can be treated with our Metal Polish to bring them back to looking like new. You can try Super Resin Polish on them however often they need a stronger cut in the cream.
Wheels
Consider using Wheel Protector to keep the wheels from getting dirty before they should. Many large caravans have their own brakes which cause brake dust like your vehicle.
Interior
Interior Shampoo is your best friend here. Take a bottle with you and use on the fabric seats, rubber mats, curtains and floor if you make a spill or stain anywhere. It will make short work of any dirt. Just don’t be tempted to spray it on the kitchen bench!
Windows
Most caravan windows are Perspex so using a strong window cleaner such as Car Glass Polish is not advised. Grab your self some Fast Glass and kitchen towel to use both inside and out and store away for your road trip.
It’s actually pretty easy to look after and clean your caravan. Once your holiday is over, apply a top-up coat of Extra Gloss Protection to the caravan to keep it protected during the winter months and be ready fresher for the following summer.
