There’s no better ally for summer adventures than a conversion van. You can fit everyone and all your gear, regardless of whether you’re driving across the country to Disneyland or heading off into the woods for a camping trip. After all the fun has been had, however, the van can come back looking a little worn down, inside and out. Cleaning a full-sized conversion van is no task for the faint hearted, but if you follow these quick tips for conversion van cleaning, you’ll be back on the road and on your way to more fun in no time.
The size and odd angles of a full-sized conversion van can make it difficult to get all the nooks and crannies, but it’s doable. These tips will have you cleaning your camper van smarter, not harder.
Think Twice About a Drive-Thru Car Wash
If you think a quick trip to the drive-thru car wash is the simplest solution, think again. With odd angles and sizes, it can be more trouble than it’s worth trying to fit through a standard car wash without bumping one of those protruding elements or wearing down the finish.
Basic Supplies and Where to Start
Conversion van cleaning calls for some pretty basic household cleaning objects so gather the paper towels, window glass cleaner, a bucket, microfiber cloths, soap, and newspaper (for window wiping). You may find it helpful to have an extra ladder, hookable buckets or trays, and long-handled squeegees.
Using the microfiber cloth and soap, you can clear any large debris or dirt that might be difficult with just water. From there, move on to the windows and any nooks and crannies.
Make Cleaning a Group Project
Tackling a full conversion van cleaning job is best done with at least two people, so make it a group project or family activity. This way you can divide tasks, such as washing and drying, and have someone to hand-off items or spot you when you’re on the ladder.
Work by Section
Avoiding spots while cleaning means timely hand drying so on a large vehicle like a conversion van, it’s best to work in sections. Instead of trying to clean the whole thing as once, start with the top and then move on to the front end, rear, end, side, and other side.
Use Hose Attachment
A hose attachment can save you the trouble of using heavy water-filled bucket to clean the top areas of the camper van. It also becomes easier to blast off difficult-to-remove debris when using a higher pressure hose attachment.
Try a Spray Wax
Waxing a conversion van is a necessary evil, but it doesn’t have to be as bad as you think. Most waxes suggest re-coating on a monthly basis, but you can reduce this to a few times a year by using a spray-based wax sealant during washing. It rejuvenates the current coating and reduces the need for a new one.
Don’t Forget the Tires
The tires of conversion vans are prominent features and they take a beating when driving. Clean them thoroughly first by removing any mud or debris and then blast them using the hose. You’ll then want to use a soft brush and a light, circular motion to remove any remaining dirt. Don’t scrub too hard or you may end up damaging the tire or scratching the hubcaps.
It may not be exciting work, but you’ll be the enemy of all the other camper vans on your next big trip after a proper conversion van cleaning!
