Getting ready for the new caravan season, our top tips for spring cleaning your van
After what might have felt like an eternity, spring is here and that means you can open up the doors to your caravan, let the fresh air in and clean up the dust that might have gathered over the winter. Even if you cleaned your campervan or caravan before locking up for the end of the season it’s incredible how dirt and grime can build up during the winter months.
First, gather those cleaning supplies, from microfibre cloths to white wine vinegar, being prepared will save you time and help speed through the cleaning so you are ready to enjoy your clean caravan sooner.
The best place to start is to open those windows and doors and begin with a thorough vacuum and dusting, not only can dust look unsightly, it can harbour odours and allergens. This is also important for all those dog owners who want to start the new camping year with a hair and dander free space. Take your time, using the vacuum tools, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies of the caravan (of which there can be many for a small space!).
Next, onto a deep clean of any upholstery, this includes your caravan’s seats, mattresses, carpets and curtains. If we are talking about a campervan, don’t neglect those car seats either. You can use a steam cleaner or professional cleaning service. Steam cleaning is a great option to kill germs and allergens without any harsh chemicals. If you choose to do it yourself, remember that different fabrics, such as leather or vinyl, may require a specific cleaner or different treatment so always check the manufacturer’s recommendations.
While cleaning the fabric, you may spot some stubborn stains that require more focussed cleaning. Stains on upholstery can be challenging to remove, particularly if they’ve been sitting there for a while. The key is to act fast and use the right tools for the job. There are several home stain-removal remedies that are both effective and easy on the fabric. For example, baking soda and water can gently remove stains from fabrics or you may opt for a store bought stain remover. With all of these treatments, it’s a good idea to first test for any discolouration in an inconspicuous area.
Now you have spent the time and effort sprucing up the seating areas of your camper van or caravan, the best way to preserve that clean, fresh sofa is to use furniture covers. Sofa covers that are machine washable, quick to install and easy to remove are an ideal solution. The Pet Rebellion Comfy Faux Fur Covers are perfect for this job. They can be used to protect your caravan’s sofas or beds from dirt, pet hair and scratches, keeping them clean and odour free for longer. For the smaller areas of your sofa the Comfy Faux Fur Arm Covers can be used to protect couch arms from muck and even pet drool.
Comfy Cover Faux Fur
If you’re lucky enough to be driving off into the sunset in a camper van then don’t forget to protect and cover your car seats once you have cleaned the upholstery. Covers that allow access to seat belt points, are non-slip and can be washed in a normal home washing machine fit the bill here, Pet Rebellion stock several types of car seat protection covers that help keep campervan seats clean and free from dirt and pet hair. There are individual car seat covers or full backseat covers available.
Don’t neglect the floor when you are spring cleaning, after a thorough vacuum, hard floors can be mopped and left to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions. After that, laying a non-slip rug can provide a stable base, trapping dirt and mud from your shoes as you enter the caravan. The best rugs are machine washable, helping to maintain your clean space.
Stop Muddy Paws – Non-slip Rugs
When you are sitting on your nice clean sofa, you want to be able to take in the view, so the next job is to tackle the windows of your caravan. You can use a good glass cleaner and finish with a squeegee or perhaps you prefer good old fashioned white wine vinegar and newspaper for a streak-free shine.
The final touches of any deep clean, is a declutter and polish. Perhaps think about investing in some space saving storage to keep your caravan organised and free from unnecessary items on display. Many caravans have wood or chrome finishes that benefit from a polish to keep them mark free and also add to the fresh smell that comes from a clean environment.
Take a step back, inspect your spaces, admire your hard work and enjoy your fresh smelling, clean caravan for another holiday season.
