The sun is starting to shine, temperatures are rising, and the camping bug is biting. It’s time to get the caravan out of storage! But after a winter of standing still (or an intensive season), it often doesn't look as radiant as you would like.
Black streaks, green algae, and road grime are part of the deal. The big question is: what is the best way to get rid of this? In this blog, we dive into the facts and myths surrounding caravan cleaning and answer the eternal dilemma: are strong household degreasers brilliant or dangerous?
The "Miracle" Cleaners: Friend or Foe?
Search any camping forum for caravan cleaning products, and you will often find recommendations for cheap, strong household degreasers (like industrial kitchen cleaners). Many campers swear by them. And to be fair: if you start caravan cleaning with these products, the dirt flies off. Black streaks disappear instantly. But... there is a big 'but'. These are often aggressive chemical degreasers.
Why we are cautious with harsh chemicals:
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Wax layer damage: The agent is often so powerful that it strips not just dirt, but also the protective wax layer. This makes the paint dull and causes new dirt to adhere faster.
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Seals and glue: Aggressive agents can dry out rubbers around windows and doors over time, making them porous.
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Acrylic windows: The plastic windows of a traditional caravan react poorly to harsh chemicals and can eventually show cracks (crazing).
Our advice: Use specific caravan cleaning products or gentle soaps. Save the heavy chemicals for the rims only.
The safe choice: Soft Soap or Shampoo
Do you want to be sure you don't cause damage? Then the old-fashioned method is often the best. Using soft soap (green soap) or a high-quality car shampoo is safe for almost all materials. It is an excellent cleaner for green deposits and atmospheric dirt, without affecting your seals or glue joints.
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Tip: Dissolve a scoop of soft soap in a bucket of warm water. Use a soft brush or sponge to scrub. Rinse well with clean water afterwards.
How about the Lume Traveler?
Do you own a Lume Traveler? Then you have an advantage. Our caravans are made of high-quality aluminum and stainless steel. These materials are naturally very robust and much less sensitive than the paint of a traditional white caravan.
Nevertheless, we also advise using mild cleaning agents to preserve the shine of the aluminum and keep the stainless steel looking its best. A good car shampoo with wax works wonders.
DIY or Services?
Don't feel like doing the work yourself? You can always look for professional caravan cleaning services in your area. Do you prefer to do it yourself? Follow these 4 steps:
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Rinse: Rinse off coarse sand and dirt with water first (avoid high-pressure cleaners on seals and stickers).
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The Roof: Always start at the top. Most dirt collects here. Use a long washing brush.
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The Sides: Work from top to bottom. Let the soap soak in for a moment, but don't let it dry in the full sun.
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Protect: Is the caravan clean and dry? Apply a wax layer. This ensures that dirt adheres less quickly during your next trip.
Conclusion
A clean caravan not only looks better, it is also important for the preservation of your material. Although the temptation is great to grab a cheap aggressive bottle, choosing the right caravan cleaning products is the smarter choice for the long term.
Is the caravan fresh and shiny again? Hitch up, start the car, and... Feel Free.
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