One of the great things about owning is a fifth wheel is fewer responsibilities than owning an entire house. Of course, there will still be some level of maintenance and cleaning needed in order to keep your home on wheels looking nice. Cleaning the exterior is pretty straightforward but cleaning the interior might require a little bit of guidance in the beginning. Wisconsin RV World has got the knowledge you need to become an expert fifth wheel cleaner. We’ve created a brief guide to get you through it. If you have questions or want to take a look at our inventory, stop by our dealership in DeForest, Wisconsin near Milwaukee and Green Bay!
Useful Cleaning Supplies
The first thing you’ll need to approach a cleaning session in your fifth wheel is proper supplies. Since you’ll be in a much smaller space, you can get by with using a handheld vacuum that can be easily stored in a cabinet. You might have to get on your hands and knees for the carpets but it’ll be worth it so you don’t have a bulky household vacuum taking up space in your fifth wheel. Lemon juice, vinegar, and baking soda are your new best friends when it’s time to clean. These supplies are cheap, effective, and avoid the use of harsh chemicals in a tight space. Dish soap also has a variety of uses in your fifth wheel, too, so don’t forget to stock up on it. Magic Erasers and sponges always come in handy as do microfiber wipes so you don’t waste paper towels. A mop, broom, and dustpan should be sufficient for your floors.
Floors
Your floors are bound to see a lot of foot traffic and most camping activities like hiking, fishing, and swimming can be pretty messy. You’ll have lots of dirt, sand, grass, and leaves tracked into your fifth wheel. If you have carpets, you might be prone to stains and odors as well so make it a point to dry and wet vacuum regularly. You might consider using a window squeegee to lift hair and lint from the carpets without having to get out the vacuum. Tile and laminate floors can be easily swept and mopped while grout can be scrubbed with baking soda and a toothbrush. Keep a shoe rack or basket by the door and encourage everyone to take off their shoes before entering the fifth wheel so you can cut down on the amount of dirt that’s tracked in.
Kitchen
Wipe down all the surfaces in your fifth wheel daily, especially after cooking a meal to prevent grease buildup. If you do have buildup on your stove or in your oven, you can make a paste out of baking soda and water to apply to the entire surface that can sit overnight. In the morning, wipe and rinse off to remove the grime. You should also make it a habit to clean out your fridge regularly by removing old food and wiping down the shelves. Make sure that everything in your pantry is useful and not expired. Wash and put dishes away after you use them to avoid a pileup in your small space.
Bathroom
It’s a good idea to have dedicated storage space for toiletries in the bathroom so you can keep things organized and put away so they’re not taking up valuable space. You should avoid using bleach when you clean the toilets, sinks, and showers because it can wear down the seals in your black and gray water tanks over time. A better option is cleaning solutions like vinegar, dish soap, or eco-friendly cleaners. Squeegee or wipe down your shower after each use to avoid scum build up. Clean the toilet with lemon juice and vinegar rather than harsh chemicals but make sure you allow the solution to soak before scrubbing. Half of a lemon rubbed over chrome fixtures will shine them right up and remove any pesky water spots. Run the vent fan after showers to prevent mildew and mold from forming.
Bedroom
Over time, your mattress can become odorous and dirty so you’ll need to freshen it up. You can sprinkle some baking soda over the surface and let it sit for a bit before you vacuum it up. You can also add spritzes of lavender or other essential oils mixed with water for a pleasant scent. Wash pillows and sheets regularly. You should have extra linens on the fifth wheel, specifically for extra long trips so you don’t have to go several weeks without changing your sheets. Keep all clutter in the rig to a minimum and make sure to put laundry away once it’s done so it doesn’t consume too much space.
Living Room
You should dust all the surfaces weekly including the blinds and on top of the cabinets. Encourage all travelers in the fifth wheel to reduce clutter by putting away games, books, crafts, and tools after using them. It’s also efficient to label cabinets with the contents of each so you can find things easily. Wipe down or brush couches and chairs. If you have microfiber coverings, you can spray them with rubbing alcohol and scrub lightly with a cleaning brush to remove any stains.
Visit Wisconsin RV World today to check out our fifth wheels and get on the road today! We’re located in DeForest, Wisconsin near Milwaukee and Green Bay!
