Keeping RVs clean is crucial for hygiene, customer satisfaction, and extending their service life.
Keeping RVs clean is crucial for hygiene, customer satisfaction, and extending their service life.
We developed a 20-step RV Sanitation Checklist, which you can use to implement routine RV sanitization between rentals.
Also, we created a quick version of the checklist, which you can download here.
Let’s start making your RV cleaner!
1. Remove Trash & Leftovers.
The longer they stay, the more unwelcome guests they will bring.
Insects and bacteria love overdue trash.
Empty all the trash bins and make sure the fridge, cabinets, and storage areas are empty.
Do not leave anything behind. Renters do not like leftovers from previous renters.
2. Do a proper ventilation.
Dump air must go out to prevent foul odor and mold-causing condensation from settling in your RVs.
Open all windows, doors, and roof vents to eliminate the odor and bring fresh air into the interior.
It is good for your RVs and the health of your renters.
3. Clean Air Filters & Vents
You must ensure the passageways where fresh air comes are clean to feel the actual effect of ventilation.
We recommend changing air filters after prolonged usage. You should also check them regularly or clean them for dust and debris.
4. Inspect for Pests
If your RVs remain parked long between each rental, they may become a home for pests.
You want to detect the pests before your customers do.
Look for signs of insects or rodents and treat if necessary.
Applying repellents and special sprays as preventive measures.
5. Strip Linens & Bedding.
Remove all the pillowcases, blankets, towels, and sheets and wash them properly to eliminate odor and stains.
The bed is one of the first things customers pay attention to in an RV.
Keep them clean to create positive impressions in potential customers.
6. Wash All Fabrics.
You must also check the curtains and removable upholstery covers and wash them if needed. If your schedule allows, we recommend doing it after each use.
Wash them in hot water, as some tiny insects and microbes die in higher temperatures.
However, you must also pay attention to the washing instructions to avoid damage to the materials.
7. Clean the Refrigerator & Freezer.
A clean refrigerator and freezer are the best for customer satisfaction.
Need guidance on how to sanitize your fridge?
Here are the simple steps:
8. Clean the Kitchen.
A clean kitchen = happy customers.
We all know that the kitchen gets messy very quickly.
Scrub the stovetop, microwave, sink, and countertops. Always use food-safe cleaners to avoid food contamination.
We also recommend leaving kitchen cleaning supplies inside your RVs so renters will have the supplies to clean with.
9. Disinfect Bathroom Surfaces.
Like kitchens, bathrooms get messy very quickly.
Start scrubbing a toilet, sink, shower, and faucets with a bleach-based or hydrogen peroxide cleaner.
Again, leave cleaning supplies in your RVs so renters can clean their messes themselves.
But it does not exempt you from cleaning bathroom surfaces between rentals.
10. Disinfect High-Touch Surfaces.
Germs primarily reside in high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, handles, light switches, etc.
Use safe disinfectants and wipe those surfaces regularly.
By making this routine, you will gain customer respect and much love from your RV for keeping it clean.
11. Vacuum Floors & Upholstery.
You must vacuum the floors and other surfaces to eliminate dust and debris.
We recommend using strong vacuum cleaners with various attachments to suck out the remnants from hard-to-reach places.
12. Mop Hard Floors.
Use disinfectant and specialized floor cleaner on kitchen and restroom floors or any vinyl, tile, or laminate flooring.
Ensure the cleaning solution is hypoallergenic or safe from harsh chemicals that cause unpleasant odors or allergies.
13. Dust All Surfaces.
RVs are primarily out in nature. So, it needs proper dusting after each use.
Wipe down tables, countertops, shelves, dashboards, and vents with a microfiber cloth.
We also recommend checking the sealants on windows, doors, vent openings, and other ventilation passageways to prevent dust from entering.
14. Shampoo Carpets (If Needed).
This may not be needed after each use, but this step will surely make you inspect your carpets thoroughly.
If you find stains, you can do partial cleaning.
However, thoroughly wash using a carpet or steam cleaner for deep stains or odors.
Please note: You must wash your carpets only if there is enough time between rentals, as they take time to dry. Letting your RVs go with damp air in them is not an option, either.
15. Clean Mirrors & Windows.
This should be common sense.
Never let your clients look at beautiful nature through dirty windows.
Use glass cleaner for a streak-free finish on mirrors and windows.
16. Exterior Wash.
Your rental RVs should look clean to attract customers. Plus, cleaning the exterior prevents corrosion and discoloration.
Rinse off dirt, grime, and bugs from the exterior with a pressure washer.
17. Test Appliances & Systems.
To keep your RVs clean, you need well-functioning appliances.
Ensure the fridge, stove, AC, heater, and water systems work correctly.
This sanitization step ensures cleanliness and helps you maintain whole appliances.
18. Final Odor Check.
Once you clean, sniff the interior to detect unpleasant odors.
If the RV smells fresh, you did your job well.
If remnants of lousy odor exist, detect the source to address it adequately, and use air fresheners.
19. Put usage instructions.
It should provide guidelines for renters on how to use RVs properly. Specific instructions and rules should be provided, such as no smoking or deep frying.
You can hang this on the wall, somewhere visible.
20. Restock Supplies.
You must supply your RVs with essential items to ensure a good customer experience and avoid preventable RV damage.
For instance, refill toilet paper, soap, trash bags, cleaning supplies, and paper towels for the next renters.
21. Lock Up & Document.
After you complete all the sanitization steps, lock up all RV doors and document everything you have done.
Take post-cleaning photos to compare the RV's before-and-after condition.
This would be an excellent reference for determining new and old damages in case of disputes.
Use Reservety’s RV Rental Software. It has everything to start, manage, and grow your RV rental business.
In regards to sanitization, it allows you:
Sign up for a 14-day free trial. No credit card is needed!
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Reservety handles your website, bookings, inventory, and payments — so you can focus on growing your business.