How do I clean the outside of my static caravan?
In this blog post, we will answer the following question: How do I clean the outside of my static caravan? We will give you several tips on how to maintain, clean and make minor fixes on the outside of your static caravan.
How do I clean the outside of my static caravan?
It is easy to clean the outside of your static caravan, however, you must pay special attention to certain elements. We offer you more details and explain how to clean the outside elements of your static caravan in the table below.
| Outside elements to clean | Advice on cleaning |
| Clean the vinyl siding of your static caravan | Using a water jet is the easiest way to clean vinyl planks, which should be done at least once a year. Ban the use of very aggressive products such as certain household detergents, or other strongly basic or acidic substances. It is also important to avoid coarse abrasive pads such as steel wool or emery paper. If a blade is damaged, replacement is easy. To do this, contact the after-sales service. |
| Clean the wooden cladding of your static caravan | As the pine used by many static caravan manufacturers is thoroughly treated against external aggressions, there is no need to maintain it. Only raw wood can possibly be subjected to an annual treatment in the degreaser. |
| Clean the roof and gutters of your static caravan | Tile type sheets offer excellent resistance to UV, abrasion and corrosion. Only rinsing with clean water is necessary to remove traces of salt when the campsite is located by the sea. This rinsing should be done once a year. As with the house, the maintenance of the gutters of a static caravan must be rigorous and regular. At least twice a year, remove leaves and debris that may block the gutters in order to avoid any risk of overflow and therefore water infiltration. |
Basic maintenance of the outside of your static caravan
Each part of your static caravan should be given special attention.
Maintaining vinyl siding is easy. Vinyl can be cleaned with clear water. If a tile is broken, it can be easily replaced. Just wash with a water jet or a sponge. Avoid using Karcher which can damage the surface. In case of repair, the blades are generally removable.
The wood is subjected to variations in temperature and humidity. You can choose to let it age naturally, then it will take on a silvery grey colour. To keep its original wood colour, apply either a colourless stain or a stain that tints the wood. Apply two to three coats and then a colourless coat two to three years later.
Wood gradually undergoes the wear and tear of time. Fortunately, DIY stores offer the right paints and treatments to apply once a year to give it a facelift.
Gutters should be checked regularly and cleared of leaves, pine needles or other debris. This periodic precaution prevents any accumulation of water and any risk of infiltration into the static caravan.
Note: You must winterize your static caravan in the event of prolonged absence. Purge your gas and water system to avoid the inconvenience of ruptured pipes or the water heater body. Don’t forget to empty the toilet bowl. You should also have the entire gas system checked once a year by a licensed and certified craftsman who will issue you with an official certificate.
In the event of a prolonged absence, in winter, for example, it is important to ensure that your water, gas and electricity circuits are in good condition:
- remember to cut off the water, gas and electricity supply before you leave,
- purge the water and gas systems to prevent the pipes from freezing,
- the water heater must be checked by an approved professional upon installation and then once a year,
- the gas pipes must be checked annually by an approved professional.
The maintenance of the vinyl siding of the static caravan
The majority of current static caravans have exterior walls covered with vinyl siding. Very resistant, it can be easily cleaned with a water jet and for easy repair, the blades are generally removable.
Maintenance of the wooden cladding of the static caravan
Wood is a natural material that reacts to variations in temperature and humidity. If you have chosen wood cladding for the exterior cladding of your static caravan, its maintenance depends on the appearance you want to give it over time.
- First of all, you can let it age naturally. Under the action of UV rays and bad weather, the wood will lose its natural colour to a silvery grey.
- If you want to give it a grey appearance from the start, just apply a saturator a week after installation to give it a natural and homogeneous grey look.
- Finally, if you want to keep the colour of the wood from the first days, use a stabilizer from the start to prevent warping and shield the sun (this prevents the wood from going grey for 6 to 8 months). Then apply either a colourless saturator or an impregnation stain that tints the wood (3 coats). Reapply a coat (ideally colourless) 2-3 years later.
- And to “renovate” a wood left unprotected and restore it to its natural colour, use a degreaser. Then apply a saturator or stain.
Maintenance of the static caravan gutters
Don’t forget the gutters! Ideally, gutters should be regularly unblocked and cleared of leaves and other debris. This is to avoid any accumulation of water and any risk of infiltration into the static caravan.
Don’t forget to clean the interior of your static caravan as well
New generation static caravans are designed to make your life easier in terms of cleaning and maintenance thanks to the materials used.
Walls, partitions and ceilings: You can wash them with a slightly damp sponge and a little soapy water. Then dry with a soft cloth.
The floor: Most manufacturers offer static caravans with a lino floor, a resistant and easy-to-maintain coating, which does not fear family life! The floor linoleum is usually an ultra-resistant surface treatment that constitutes a real barrier against external agents. Stains, scratches, dirt, mold and other bacteria do not stick to / in the coating.
They remain on the surface, which allows easier maintenance. This type of coating therefore only requires simple washing with soapy water or a mild detergent. Do not use any abrasive cleaner, detergent, or bleach.
The furniture: A sponge and then a soft cloth are sufficient to clean the furniture, generally made from scratch-resistant materials. The furniture should be regularly dusted and cleaned with a damp cloth. For more stubborn stains, such as greasy splashes for example, cleaning can be done with soap added to hot water.
Cushions and curtains can be washed cold or dry. Often removable, you can machine the fabric of the bench, taking care not to exceed the temperature indicated for washing. Even better, some manufacturers offer ultra-resistant polyvinyl coverings that can be cleaned with a swipe of a sponge.
Showers and sinks should be cleaned with a solution of lukewarm water and a mild detergent. Do not use a solvent such as acetone or White-Spirit or an abrasive product such as scouring powder.
Stainless steel elements, such as the taps and the kitchen sink, should be washed regularly with lukewarm water and vinegar or lemony followed by a rinse. You can also use a “special stainless steel” product to apply on a sponge.
Final thoughts
Cleaning the outside of your static caravan is easy, especially if you are doing it on a regular basis and don’t have much maintenance and repairs to do. As final advice, make sure you inspect the outside of your static caravan regularly, to avoid cracks, water infiltration and other unpleasant events!
If you have any questions or comments on the content, do let us know.
FAQ on How do I clean the outside of my static caravan?
Can you paint the outside of a static caravan?
Yes, it is entirely possible to paint the outside of a static caravan. It is common that after a certain period of time, the external paint of a caravan, which is usually white, tends to gain a yellow shade mostly due to exposure to sunlight.
Can you use vinegar to clean vinyl windows?
Yes, you can use vinegar to clean vinyl windows. Use one part white vinegar to two parts water in a spray bottle. With a gentle cloth clean thoroughly the vinyl windows.
How do you clean a deck on a static caravan?
To clean the deck on your static caravan you can quickly rinse it with a jet wash on spray setting. Avoid using abrasive cleaners and go for warm water and dish soap instead. Leave it to soak for a few minutes, rinse it well then leave it to dry.
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