Keeping Your Caravan Mint: Dealing with Red Dust, Salt, and That Brutal Aussie Sun

Never, ever wash a caravan in direct 2pm summer sun. The water will dry before you can rinse it, leaving nasty water spots. If you don't have a big enough shed, do it early morning or late arvo.

Double-check every hatch, window, and door. Check the fridge vents too. I once had a customer leave their bathroom hatch cracked open, it wasn't a pretty sight inside after the pressure washer had its way.

Give the whole thing a good hose down with plain water. You want to knock off the loose red dust and grit before you touch it with a brush. If it's really caked on, let the water soak in for 5 minutes.

Always start at the top. If you do it last, all that dirt will run down over your clean sides. Be careful up there, caravan roofs can be slippery and some aren't 'walk-on' rated. Use your long-reach brush and work in sections.

Dust and bird muck on your panels can kill your charging efficiency by 30% or more. Use plenty of water and a very soft cloth. Don't use chemicals here, just a bit of your car soap and a good rinse.

If you've got a foam cannon, coat the sides now. Let it dwell for 4-5 minutes but don't let it dry. This helps break down the static bond of that fine Aussie dust.

Wash one side at a time, working from top to bottom. Dip your brush in the soapy bucket, scrub a section lightly, then rinse the brush in the clean water bucket. This keeps the dirt out of your soapy mix.

That aluminium checker plate on the front is a magnet for bugs. I usually use a dedicated bug remover spray like 'Bugger Off' and let it sit for two minutes before agitating with a soft brush.

Roll it out! Most people forget this. Use a mild soap solution and a soft brush. If there's mildew (common after a humid Queensland trip), you might need a specialized awning cleaner. Let it dry completely before rolling it back up, or it'll smell like a swamp next time you use it.

Give the chassis and suspension a good spray, especially if you've been near the coast. Salt loves to hide in the nooks of your leaf springs and brakes.

Give the whole van a final, thorough rinse. Pay attention to the window seals and door frames where soap likes to hide.

Don't let it air dry in the sun or you'll get spots. Use your big microfiber towels. It’s a workout, but the finish is worth it. (Your partner will thank you when it's not covered in streaks).

Dry these specifically with a clean, high-quality microfiber. These scratch if you even look at them funny, so be gentle. Use a plastic-specific sealant if you want them to stay clear.