In this video, we’re going to show you how to clean the outside of your static caravan and check everything over so it’s ready for the season ahead.
Some parks might offer a cleaning service but if you want to tackle this job yourself, here’s our handy step-by-step guide for a nice and clean static caravan.
Static caravan cleaning equipment
When cleaning your static caravan, you only need a few pieces of equipment to make the job easier and to give maximum results. Here’s what you’ll need :
- A long-handled brush
- A water source, ideally from a hosepipe
- An appropriate ladder for reaching the guttering
- A bucket
- A sponge, or cleaning mitt
- Microfibre cloths
- Mild caravan shampoo
- Window cleaner
- A window squeegee
Step 1
To begin with, clear the guttering of any debris, leaves or build up that has occurred since it was last cleaned. It’s also a good time to inspect the guttering to make sure none of the clips have come loose, and that it’s still in good shape.
Set up your ladders safely, and remove any debris from the guttering. Once clear, run a hosepipe across the roof and into the guttering to make sure the downpipes are also clear of any obstruction.
Step 2
Once the roof and guttering are clear, it’s time to start work on the caravan sides. Before wetting the caravan down, inspect the seals, joins and corners to make sure nothing is loose, broken or damaged.
Step 3
With the hosepipe switched on and the nozzle set to a mist setting, its time to start wetting down the sides. Make sure not to point any water at extraction or air vents. Also, don’t be tempted to use a pressure washer as the caravan sides are very delicate and can easily be damaged by high-pressure water.
Run the hose pipe over the sides to encourage any loose debris to be washed away.
Step 4
Once the caravan has been thoroughly hosed down, add some caravan shampoo to a clean bucket and dilute as per the instructions.
Take a long-handled brush and generously agitate the solution. Start at the top of the caravan and brush liberally over the sides, working from top to bottom, to allow any debris or muck to easily dribble down.
Vents and windows
Gently work around vents and brush around the tops and sides of window frames before gently brushing over the glass.
Use a sponge to gently clean vents covers or surrounds. Using a sponge is also a great way of getting into areas that the brush cannot fit, such as above vents or behind the guttering.
Keep dipping the brush, to apply plenty of cleaning solution as you go and encourage suds to run down the caravan sides.
Step 5
If you find stubborn marks on the sides of your static caravan, use a cream cleaner, such as Silky.
Silky is designed for touring caravans and boats is very gentle at removing stains or marks from the caravan.
Step 6
Once clean, hose the side down again to remove any cleaning products and give it a good rinse.
Step 7
To make the static caravan really shine, wipe down the sides with a microfibre cloth and clean the glass windows with a glass cleaner.
Step 8
Once all the sides are clean, you can now start work on the decking if you have it.
Start by brushing off any loose debris, then hose down the decking and wet down the handrail and posts.
Vigorously brush along the walkway, paying attention to any build up of moss or muck in the corners.
Once the decking is brushed down, use a sponge or bubble mitt to wipe down any dirt from the handrails. You can also use this to clean any plastic outdoor furniture.
Once everything is clean, hose down the deck one last time and wash away any grime that you have loosened. You might also have to rinse down the caravan sides if any dirt has splashed onto the sides.
Finally, use a micro fibre cloth to wipe down and dry off the handrails and deck.
Over to you…
Do you have any tips on cleaning your static caravan that you want to share with other owners? As always, please comment in the box below.
Al very helpful and logical. If some of the side panel seams lift can one use a silicone sealer?
Is there any protection for the sides like a carwax for instance
I have used Bobby Dazzler on mine after I’ve washed it.It stops the outside going green over the winter too.Last summer I used waterless wash and wax spray and the outside was lovely and shiny,it still looks clean now in February.
Thanks for sharing Timothy.
Was bobby dazzler a final rinse or did you use to clean? Can I ask what waterless wash and wax spray you used too? Thank you
We would check with your caravan manufacturer or park before applying any sealant. There are a range of touring caravan shampoos and waxes on the market, but would check that they’re suitable for your particular model of caravan first.
You could have used our van to demonstrate on, you were so close 🙂
Any recommendations for cream plastic wood effect cladding. Noticing signs of sun and salt water discolouration
Hi Linda, who is the manufacturer of your caravan?
Wax the hand rail on the decking it helps to stop Seagull muck from sticking ,making it easy to remove .
Thanks for sharing Ray
I often clean mine using a spray bottle of diluted cleaner and 2 microfibre cloths. waterless products are also good. It saves a considerable amount of water.
I have shiny patches on my static. Specifically near the windows does anyone have any suggestions how to remive these.
Thank you