We always wash and wax our RV when we are at home, but on the road, it’s a little harder. Using a spot detailer between washes keeps us looking good. We wash or use a spot detailer frequently, but a full RV wash and wax is done at least twice a year.
I try to use a professional company once a year for a good scrub and coat of wax. Finding a company that does the job right is the first task. I typically will see washers in the parks and see how well they wash before I use someone. I like to make sure what products they use to wash and dry with, as well as waxing. Once you find someone you like, I try to make it back to that same park for my annual waxing. Throughout the year, I maintain myself with wax at about the six-month mark. I wax my front more frequently to make those pesky bugs easier to get off.
RV Front Cleaning:
After each travel day, I try to get the bugs off the front. I have found a great product for this, Bugs ‘n All. Using a mesh cleaning sponge and Bugs ‘n All, I never have an issue cleaning the front of the RV. Spray on Bugs ‘n All and wait anywhere from 30 seconds to 2 minutes, then use the sponge and they will scrub right off. Bugs ‘n All also works great for those stubborn black streaks and oxidation.
RV Wash:
I only use lambswool pads on the paint when washing, never any of those RV brushes. The RV brushes are good for the roof, tires, and underneath frame though. I use my own mixture for soap, 1 oz Baby Shampoo, and ½ cup of Vinegar for 5 gallons of water. After buying the wash accessories below, washing the rig was much easier.
Always start on the roof and work your way down. If you don’t get the dirt off the roof, it will just work its way off the roof and on to your rig in the rain. Wash the rig in sections, starting out by thoroughly rinsing the section first to get the loose dirt off before washing with the soap mixture.
Always dry with a microfiber drying towel. I have large ones for the main drying but keep small ones for little touch-up jobs and wax removal.
RV Wax:
I use Meguiar’s Ultimate Liquid Wax which can be applied by hand or orbital buffer. I use the Black & Decker Random Orbital Buffer and use microfiber cloths to remove the wax by hand. One trick to removing wax is to be sure to adjust the microfiber cloth often and change to clean ones or you won’t be removing all the wax and it can build up.