Regularly cleaning the exterior of your motorhome is crucial for maintaining its value, function and appearance. But how do you clean properly - without causing damage? We recommend hand washing or specialised motorhome washing facilities. The high-pressure cleaner should only be used in exceptional cases.
Why outdoor maintenance is important
Protection against environmental influences: Salt, resin, bird droppings and UV radiation attack paintwork and seals. A well-maintained motorhome retains its attractiveness for longer and is easier to sell. Clean windows, cameras and rear lights also ensure better visibility and increased safety.
Our No. 1 recommendation: Hand wash
Hand washing offers maximum control and is particularly suitable for sensitive surfaces such as acrylic glass, decorative films and seals. It enables detailed care in hard-to-reach areas and is particularly suitable after short journeys or for light dirt. To avoid damage, you should use mild, pH-neutral cleaning agents and soft brushes or sponges. Always wash from top to bottom to avoid soiling surfaces that have already been cleaned and avoid direct sunlight.
Alternative: Motorhome washing facilities
There are car washes that specialise in larger vehicles such as motorhomes, campers or caravans. They offer gentle cleaning with soft brushes and customised cleaning agents; roof and wheel rim cleaning is often also done manually. The protection of sensitive components such as solar panels, satellite antennas, acrylic windows and decorative films is particularly advantageous. These systems are environmentally friendly and have oil separators and water treatment. Unlike truck washes, they are specially designed for the size and construction of motorhomes.
High-pressure cleaners - why you should avoid them for your motorhome
A high-pressure cleaner may seem practical, but it harbours considerable risks for your motorhome. Every component - whether paint, seals, films or tyres - reacts differently to pressure, distance and spray angle. Excessive pressure can roughen the paint and encourage rust, cause seals to leak, peel off films and damage sensitive technical components such as solar panels or satellite antennas. Even if you are careful, the risk remains, as there is no universal setting for all materials in your motorhome.
Car wash at home - observe the environment and regulations
Washing your motorhome at home can seem practical, but it also presents challenges. In some European countries, there are environmental requirements and regulations that restrict or regulate the washing of vehicles on private property. It is often required that suitable drainage systems are in place to prevent contaminated water containing dirt and chemical cleaning agents from entering the environment.
Before you wash your motorhome at home, find out about local regulations and make sure that you fulfil all environmental requirements to avoid fines or criminal prosecution. It may make sense to consider a professional system that has already integrated appropriate environmental protection measures.
💡 Our tip
Whatever type of vehicle wash you choose, check the condition of your vehicle regularly - preferably during or after cleaning. This allows you to recognise potential damage at an early stage and take immediate action to rectify it if necessary. This helps to avoid costly repairs and keep your motorhome in optimum condition.
This website uses automatic translations. Please excuse any errors. In case of doubt, the original German version applies.