Tips for the perfect wash and wax!
To keep your RV looking shiny and new on the outside, all you need is a little elbow grease and the right tools for the job!
With regular maintenance your van will be a lot easier to clean, look better for longer and maintain potential re-sale value.
To achieve a superior external clean of your caravan, there are three main steps:
1. Wash – remove dirt and contaminants from the surface
2. Polish – rejuvenate the finish to help restore shine
3. Wax – protect the surface and make it easier to keep clean
Not all washes, waxes and polishes are created equally. Automotive products are designed for your car’s exterior paintwork. We recommend using RV specific products.
The Meguiar’s RV and Marine product range are formulated for gel coat, linear polyurethane (LP), perspex and other materials which have unique surface characteristics and are chemically different to automotive surfaces.
NOTE: All washing, polishing, and waxing should be done in the shade when the surface of your RV is cool to the touch.
WASH
First step is to wash off all the dirt, bugs and any grime that has accumulated on the exterior of your van. Meguiar’s Soft Wash is a great choice. Unlike some washes, it is pH balanced and safe to use frequently.
If possible, it is a good idea to give the roof a clean to stop rain or condensation running dirt down the sides of your nice clean van afterward.
Take care when you are hosing down the vents, windows and rubber seals. They can be damaged with jet washes or rough handling and you don’t want water in the van!
Don’t forget the wheels!!
TIP: A soft brush with an extended or broom handle is helpful to reach up high without a ladder. (Do not use a broom on Perspex windows.)
Ensure your van is dry before moving on to polishing. Let it air dry or use a chamois if you don’t have time to wait.
POLISH
Once everything is clean you can begin to remove any oxidisation (chalky look), light surface marks or scratches, and apply a polish.
Meguiar’s Marine/RV Oxidation Remover can help restore the original colour and texture of older fibreglass. However, be careful not to cut too deeply into the surface.
Follow that up with a polish product such as the Meguiar’s Polish for a high gloss finish. A polish restores valuable oils which feed and nourish the gel coat and fibreglass surface. These oils are what give the gel coat its brilliant high gloss look.
For a newer van, you will need a non-abrasive formula that will remove light oxidation and minor scratches. The Meguiar’s Cleaner/ Wax is a perfect product, which provides a polish and wax in one.
To clean and protect the plastics and windows on your van we recommend using the Meguiar’s PlastX. This is a rich gel formula for rigid and flexible plastics. It will remove surface contamination, light surface scratches and stains with ease. It will also provide protection to keep everything looking beautiful for longer.
WAX
NOTE: Only use a wax product after the surface has been cleaned and restored.
Once you have spent the time washing and polishing your RV it is a good idea to protect all that hard work with a wax coating. The wax coat will enrich the colour and shine, protect against harmful UV damage and make dirt wash off the shiny surfaces easier.
We recommend Meguiar’s Flagship Premium Wax.
TIP: The Meguiar’s Hand Applicator Pads make applying any polishes and waxes simple. They come in a pack of two and are washable and re-usable.
When the exterior surface is well maintained, keeping it clean takes a fraction of the time and uses less product.
You will be the envy of the caravan park in your shiny van!
STORAGE
To further enhance the longevity of your wash, polish and wax ensure you store your van away from trees. Bird droppings and tree sap cause the most damage.
If you don’t have a carport or garage, a cover is a great investment! We have a great range of covers available in our online shop.
Maintenance