Cleaning a caravan?

[Nicos]

We've been loaned a caravan in exchange for giving it a good scrub down outside.
Never done this before so any tips would be very welcome!

It's lived outside under trees for a couple of years and covered in algae/moss/dirt.

what worries me is that the skin of it seems so fragile ( it's about 20+ yrs old) and I don't want to scratch it- and also I'm thinking a high pressure hose may damage some of the seals.

Any tips please peeps?

[lottie dolly]

start of by using a soft brush and a bucket of soapy water,this will start to loosen things,hose of with hosepipe no jets,that will let you see how bad or not it is,start of gently,get the feel and most important,a good pair of steps,just be aware also the window rubers,the old one's often the black from them runs a bit,not to worry is all normal,simply wipe it of,think of it as cleaning a very large car,but most of all,have fun,ref fagility,there tougher than you think,our past ones were ali,our present one is fibreglass,have a google to see what best modern day product to use are,or ring a show room

[roitelet]

***** Fluid if you have some, try it on a small area first in case it reacts with the cover or an algicide from the garden centre. They are OK on poly tunnels.

[alldigging]

I was told by someone once they get to a certain level of crud they are impossible to get clean without damaging them.

I'd start gently with a brush and bucket of hot soapy water. You could try soaking the top part - wet clothes on the curves maybe to re-soak the grot.

[scarey55]

A lot of people are talking about Fenwicks caravan cleaner. It is expensive and you would have to buy way more than you need but it has some pretty good reviews. Don't know if there is anything like it here in France but, if you have a caravan seller nearby, it might be worth asking them.
If you come past our way on your travels, we can offer a fairly flat bit of land and an electricity hook up and we would love to see you

[Bren In Pots]

When we had our caravan we always cleaned it after winter with Fenwicks. it was the only thing that got rid of the black marks.

[Patchninja]

I've found this! It seems to do everything and there's a video demo!
Nettoyant Mobil-Home et Caravane AutoGlym CMC001 14 Produits nettoyage Caravaning en vente sur shinee

[scarey55]

Well found Patch
AutoGlym stuff is very good - it saved me a fortune when I used the polish to "tidy up" a hired van before returning it

[Nicos]

Thanks peeps for the suggestions!

We gave it a scrub with the car shampoo and brush on the hosepipe- and it's done a pretty good job.
Will look into the other products cos we could use them before we return it early Sept to give a 'as new' finish!.

[Patchninja]

Well, where are you off to in your love nest? hahaha
We've just come back from Alsace. (Eguisheim) Just marvellous. Never had a holiday where there is SO much to do and see close by. 10 days passed in a flash. (also, we remembered the bung for the bed!!! and we have a bigger tent - LN II)

[scarey55]

We've just come back from Alsace. (Eguisheim) Just marvellous.

I agree, 'tis a beautiful part of the world ... and so much wine! We were near Colmar which very close to where you were. Did you go to see the birds of prey at Kintzheim, stunning!

also, we remembered the bung for the bed!!! and we have a bigger tent - LN II

Teehee, sounds as if you have been bitten by the camping bug.
x

[Patchninja]

Yes, we did see the birds. Just amazing! Loved the vulture walking on the children's legs. Albert? Artur? Very funny.

[Nicos]

Well, where are you off to in your love nest? hahaha

We have a small field just down the road where we saw and split firewood- so we've got the caravan on there!
As we have 7 peeps staying with us during the first week in September we've decided to let them use our house and we move out at bedtime.
My parents had a caravan when I was a kid and sold it when I was about 7- I've not slept in one since then- and am REALLY looking forwards to it!

Interestingly ( and VERY kindly)we've had 3 different couples offer for us to stay in a spare bed chez them and give us the keys to their houses but we actually are looking forwards to the caravan!

[Florence Fennel]

Ah, memories of rain pattering on the caravan roof, loved it. Also remember my FIL teasing me when Himself and I were first married about taking the drinking glasses out of the cupboard

[Glutton4...]

WARNING! Caravanning is seriously addictive - Enjoy!