An easy 3 step guide to caravan and motorhome washing in Northland, New Zealand

Dirt, mould, and grime are shaking in their boots because you’re here—ready to learn the best way to eliminate them!

For us and many others, owning a motorhome is about the freedom to explore, create memories, and enjoy multiple locations. Our motorhome is our happy place—a sanctuary where we escape whenever possible, often towing our boat behind for extra adventure.

Setting out on an adventure makes us a WHOLE LOTTA HAPPY. And even more so when the inside and outside are nice and clean.

It doesn’t take long for dirt to accumulate, especially with two teenagers, a tween, and their friends coming along for the ride. Keeping it clean inside and out is a constant battle!

We’ve washed our own motorhome many times over the years, and we’ve learned exactly what works and what doesn’t. This guide shares our step-by-step method and answers to frequently asked questions to help you wash your motorhome like a pro.

We will also cover the tools that we use in case you want to DIY wash your motorhome.

If you do not want to do it yourself, we can help. Contact us today for a quote to come and make it clean and radiant.

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 Table of contents

        I.   How to wash a motorhome or caravan in 3 easy steps

Step 1: Gather the right cleaning tools

Step 2: Wash in sections using the right techniques

Step 3: Protect with a ceramic coating

FAQ:    Answering your top motorhome cleaning questions

    III.   How often should you wash your motorhome?

    IV.   Can I pressure wash my camper or motorhome?

     V.   The best products for motorhome cleaning

    VI.   Here’s to a clean, adventure-ready motorhome

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How to wash a motorhome or caravan in 3 easy steps

Step 1: Gather the right cleaning tools and supplies

We’ve experimented with different tools and products and trust us—having the right gear makes all the difference. Here’s what we use fora thorough clean:

• A platform ladder – We’ve found this to be a game-changer for safely and comfortably reaching the roof. Unlike standard ladders, platform ladders provide better stability and room to move, making cleaning the roof and solar panels much easier.
• A foamer applicator – This tool attaches to the hose and allows us to evenly distribute our cleaning solution in a thick foam that clings to surfaces, lifting dirt and grime while reducing the amount of product needed.
• A soft brush on a long handle – Ideal for gentle cleaning, this tool allows us to scrub the sides, back, and cabover area without overextending on a ladder.
• A window brush and squeegee – The brush helps loosen dirt while the squeegee removes excess water, leaving streak-free, crystal-clear windows.
• An environmentally friendly cleaning solution – We use a biodegradable, phosphate-free cleaner that effectively cuts through dirt, grease, and grime while being safe for the environment.
• A ceramic coating – After washing, we apply a hydro ceramic wax, which is easier and faster to use than traditional wax, providing long-lasting protection with minimal effort.
• An applicator for the ceramic coating – we use one that attaches to our water blaster guns. You could do the same or just use one that attaches to your hose.

You will find more information on the above tools below in the FAQ section under the heading "The best products for motorhome cleaning"

Pro tip: If you’re on the road and can’t do a full wash, a good waterless wash spray is great for quick touch-ups!

Step 2: wash in sections using the right techniques

Washing in sections is the best way to prevent the cleaning solution from drying on the surface and causing streaks. Here’s our tried-and-true method:

1. Roof first – Using a platform ladder and soft brush, we clean the roof thoroughly, ensuring no grime is left behind.
2. Sides next – We apply our foaming cleaner with a foamer, allowing the foam to break down dirt before gently scrubbing with a soft brush.
3. Windows and mirrors – A window brush loosens dirt, and a squeegee ensures streak-free results.
4. Wheels and tyres last – A good tyre cleaner and brush removes built-up grime, followed by a protective dressing to prevent cracking.

We apply a bug remover for stubborn bug splatter, let it sit for a few minutes, and then gently wipe it away.

After washing, check for streaks or soap residue and do a final rinse if needed. Depending on the colour and materials, you may need to dry the surface with microfiber towels to prevent water spots.

Don’t forget the awning and exterior features

Over time, your awning collects dust, mould, and grime. We give ours a clean every six months and a treatment once a year. Sometimes, we apply a treatment more regularly. It just depends on the weather and humidity. The damper and warmer it is, the worse the mould.

Our awning cleaning tips:

• Use water and a soft brush for regular cleaning.
• For stubborn stains, use an awning-safe cleaner—never household detergents.
• Let it dry completely before rolling it up to prevent mildew.

We also clean our vents, lights, and exterior storage compartments—those areas often get neglected but can collect a surprising amount of dirt!

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Step 3: Protect with a ceramic coating

Apply the ceramic coating—Once everything is clean, we attach the ceramic coating applicator to a water blaster gun and apply it evenly to the roof, sides, front, and back for a long-lasting protective layer.

If you do not have a water blaster to attach the applicator to, you can just use the foamer applicator.

This provides a durable, long-lasting protective layer. Unlike traditional wax, it’s easier to apply and requires no elbow grease, making it an effortless way to maintain a shiny, well-protected exterior.

For the finishing touch:

• Apply a tyre dressing to prevent weathering.
• Clean the door seals to stop dirt buildup.
• Check for any areas that need extra attention, such as decals or trim.

FAQ - How often should you wash your motorhome?

If you use your motorhome as much as we do, you’ll know it gets dirty quickly! We recommend washing it at least once a month or after every big trip—especially if you’ve been on dusty roads or near the ocean, where salt buildup can cause damage.

Key areas to focus on:

• Roof and solar panels –We wash the roof and solar panels when we do our monthly wash and treat it after a wash once or twice a year. This stops black mould from growing, which can build up and be hard to remove.
• Bug splatter—Dried-on bugs can be difficult to remove. The easiest way is to first wet the area to soften the splatter and avoid doing so in the sun. A microfiber cloth tends to get the job done. You can also buy bug products designed especially for removing the splatter.
• Roof & awnings – Our awning always picks up dirt and mould, so we clean it every six months and treat it afterwards to kill the mould spores.
• Tyres  – A good scrub and tyre dressing keep them looking fresh and prevent cracking.

Tips:

1. Spray on wax or sealant applied after removing the bug splatter helps to protect the surface from the bug splatter next time you take a trip. It also makes it easier to clean off.

2. Some people find that used dryer sheets can be effective at removing bug splatter, especially on windshields. 

Want a hassle-free clean? We offer professional motorhome and caravan washing services throughout Whangārei, One Tree Point, Kaipara, Kerikeri, and beyond the Bay Of Islands. Just ask us for a quote.

FAQ - Can I pressure wash my camper or motorhome?

We cannot confidently say yes. You need to know what you are doing, which nozzles produce what pressure, and what techniques should be used.

That’s why we use soft washing, a low-pressure method that safely removes dirt, mould, and oxidation without harming the surface. We also use a soft brush on a long handle and microfiber cloths. Here is a detailed breakdown of the tools and methods we use.

FAQ - The best products for motorhome cleaning

Having the right tools makes a big difference in terms of the job's time and the end result's shine. Cleaning the roof and solar panels, in particular, without the right gear, can be tricky.  

Here are our top recommendations based on what we use ourselves:

Platform ladder

A platform ladder makes it much easier to safely reach and clean the roof of a motorhome. Unlike traditional ladders, a platform ladder provides extra stability, comfort, and space to move around.

The wide platform allows you to stand securely while using a soft brush on a long handle to scrub hard-to-reach areas. This setup is the safest and most effective way to wash the roof and solar panels.

Foamer

A foamer, or foam cannon, is a game-changer for applying cleaning solutions. It turns the cleaning agent into a thick foam that clings to surfaces, giving it more time to break down dirt, grime, and mould.

From our experience, foam cleaning makes the washing process easier and ensures better coverage, reducing the amount of product needed.

Soft brush on a long handle

This is one of our most-used tools. A soft-bristle brush on an extended handle allows for gentle yet effective scrubbing of large areas without needing constant repositioning or ladders.

We use ours to clean the sides, back, and front, including the cabover (the section above the driver’s cab). Combined with a foamer, this setup makes washing the motorhome much easier and safer.

Window brush and squeegee

The brush helps loosen dirt and debris, while the squeegee moves water and cleaning solution smoothly, leaving windows streak-free. Using a squeegee also speeds up the process significantly compared to wiping with a cloth, which can leave streaks and lint behind.

A safe, strong alkaline exterior cleaning solution that is environmentally friendly

 Using the right cleaning solution is crucial—not only for effectiveness but also for protecting your motorhome’s surfaces and the environment. Our product is a concentrated cleaner that effectively removes dirt, grease, and grime while being biodegradable and phosphate-free.

Since it produces a foam that clings to surfaces, it provides deep cleaning without the need for excessive scrubbing. A little goes a long way, making it both cost-effective and eco-friendly.

Contact us if you would like to know the name of the product we use.

Ceramic coating

After washing a motorhome, we finish with a ceramic coating for extra long-term protection and shine. Unlike traditional wax, which requires frequent reapplication, a ceramic coating provides a more durable layer that resists heat, UV rays, environmental contaminants, and harsh detergents.

We prefer hydro ceramic wax because it’s incredibly easy to apply—no elbow grease required—and delivers long-lasting results. Once applied, the motorhome looks shiny and new for much longer than standard wax.

This advanced ceramic-infused wax makes your motorhome look amazing and helps it stay cleaner for longer by reducing dirt and grime buildup. Plus, it's hydrophobic properties mean water beads off effortlessly.

✔ Shields against UV damage, oxidation, and acidic rain
✔ Enhances paintwork with a deep gloss and shine
✔ Makes it harder for dirt and mud to stick

Need help? If you’re looking for expert cleaning or just need advice on maintaining your vehicle, get in touch—we’re always happy to help!

Here’s to a clean, adventure-ready motorhome

For us, our motorhome is more than just a vehicle—it’s our escape, our adventure hub, and sometimes a rolling base camp for a fishing or boating trip.

Keeping it clean makes it look great, but it’s more than that. It protects the materials from premature aging and protects your assets, and it just feels so much better having a nice, clean motorhome.

Want a clean and sparkly motorhome or caravan without the hassle of doing it yourself? Get a quote, and if you accept the quote, we will book it in.  

We’ll handle tackle dirt, mould and grime so you can focus on the adventure!