Cleaning a Static Caravan

When it comes to keeping a caravan in tip-top condition, one of the most satisfying ways to make a difference is with a good old-fashioned clean. Cleaning a static caravan needn’t be an arduous task, such is the range of cleaning products available, and if the smaller tasks are kept up on, it will take no time at all to ensure the caravan always looks in mint condition.

One of the most important things to remember is that when things are kept clean, owners won’t be looking at their messy caravan like an insurmountable mountain. Having good quality storage boxes will help keep things tidy and there is a range of storage solutions for cupboards and drawers that work just as well in caravans as they do at home. Purchase these online or at home supply stores like B&Q.

A Static Caravan Cleaning Schedule

Every day

Wiping down tables, chairs and countertops should occur after each meal. While the cloth is out, why not wipe one extra surface such as the TV table, dresser, or windowsill. Alternating between these each time will ensure that every surface is sanitary. It’s such a surprise what a difference this makes to the weekly clean. Alternatively, set a day and do all of the surfaces in one day.

Washing the pans and cutlery is another thing to do as soon as you can after a meal. As caravans only have small kitchens, it can really look cluttered when you have a sink full of dirty pots, so you should certainly try and keep on top of this.

Twice weekly, or weekly

Depending on how much time is spent inside the caravan, the carpets may only need hoovered weekly. However, some people, particularly those with kids or pets prefer to do this more often. Dusting is best done at least weekly too, as a build-up of dust can irritate the nasal passages and exacerbate any allergies. Similarly, the bathroom needs a good weekly clean, just like in the house.

Monthly

Depending on how “van proud” an owner is, they may wish to do this fortnightly but again, this depends on how much use the caravan is getting. Working from the top down, washing the windows, then any decking and the outside of the caravan makes sure that it always looks well kept. Due to the fact that many caravans sit in rural areas there’s a good chance that leaving it any longer than this will leave the caravan looking less than pristine.

Cleaning Products to use

Pop into any supermarket and find an abundance of cleaning supplies. There are many to choose from – whether it is ecologically friendly products, budget conscious supplies or just the usual ‘favorite brand’. Choose the products that are most suitable but ensure to have at a minimum, several micro-fibre cloths and a quality all-purpose cleaner.

How to Clean a Static Caravan

Inside

• Dust and vacuum each room while paying attention to the edges near to skirting boards.
• Ensure that air vents aren’t blocked and free from cobwebs and dust. Be sure to open the windows and air the caravan thoroughly.
• Use an extendable duster to remove dust from the ceiling and light fittings.
• Check for any damp areas, especially inside wardrobes and cupboards where the air cannot move freely.
• Clean bathrooms and tiled areas with an all-purpose cleaner.
• Use glass cleaner or a microfiber glass cloth to clean the windows and mirrors.
• Remove all bedding and vacuum mattress on both sides and leave to air in a room with open windows.

Outside

• Clean out any leaves and debris from the gutters.
• Wash the outside walls of the static caravan with plenty of soapy water. Use a decent sponge and plenty of elbow grease to remove any tree sap, bird lime or insect stains that have built up on the exterior.
• Wipe down the UPVC door and window frames with a proprietary cleaner and polish the windows.
• Any decking and footpaths can be pressure-washed, along with any garden furniture.

A Few Spring-cleaning tips

The tradition of Spring cleaning lets us get a head start on the busy seasons of Spring and Summer, and to freshen up our static caravans.

If owners need some help with these cleaning activities, make a plan to get your family involved. Even the most reluctant helper may make a huge difference to your workload. Try suggesting a reward or a family day out, or put on some music and get everyone dancing as they clean and tidy. Make it as fun as possible!

Some of the Caravan Parks in North Wales offer a Spring-cleaning service for both inside and outside of the static caravan; call into our office and can offer advice on available services.

And finally

All in all, there are many different ways of cleaning a static caravan, and one is best off writing a list of how often each chore needs completed, then constructing a cleaning schedule around that.

Of course, cleaning should occur more often when an owner sublets a caravan, and many people can find this gets a bit too much so some owners hire a cleaning firm to come in and go over the caravan between guests.

There is a myriad of different firms available, some of which offer a deep clean of carpets, curtains and seating areas too, so it may well be worth you looking into this if you want to relax in your caravan and leave the cleaning to someone else!