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Car Washing & Drying intermediate 4 min read

The Post-Trip Caravan Scrub Down

Most car owners make this harder than it needs to be. Here's the straightforward approach that actually works—no fluff, no upselling.

Don't let that red dust and salt spray eat your investment. Here is the exact checklist I use to get vans back to showroom nick after a big trip.

B"W
Barry "Bazza" Williams Product Reviewer
| Updated: 3 March 2026
The Post-Trip Caravan Scrub Down

Aussie Conditions

Australian conditions are tougher than most—intense UV, red dust, coastal salt, and 40°C summers. European car care advice often doesn't cut it here.
Quick Summary

Look, I've spent 15 years cleaning everything from tiny campers to massive off-road caravans, and if there's one thing I know, it's that red dust never sleeps. Whether you've just come back from the Gibb or spent a week at the beach, you need a systematic approach so you don't miss the roof or leave nasty streaks. This is for the blokes and ladies who want it done right the first time so you can crack a cold one sooner.

01

Before You Grab the Hose

I learned this the hard way when I washed a customer's Jayco in the midday sun, the soap dried instantly and left spots that took me three hours to polish out. Always aim for an early morning or late arvo start. And honestly, don't bother with cheap 'wash and wax' combos from the servo; they don't have the guts to move Aussie grime.
02

The Gear You'll Need

What You'll Need

0/8
Good quality extendable wash brush — Make sure it's soft bristle. Use a stiff one and you'll scratch the acrylic windows to bits.
Two 15L buckets with grit guards — Essential for not rubbing dirt back onto the panels.
High-foaming soap (like Bowden's Own Nanolicious) — My go-to because it's pH neutral and won't strip any existing protection.
A sturdy ladder — Don't climb on the roof unless you're 100% sure it's a walk-on type.
Microfibre wash mitt — For the lower sections and windows where the brush can't get the detail.
CT18 Superwash or similar heavy duty degreaser — Only for the chassis and drawbar to kill that red dust.
Large microfibre drying towel — Chamois are old school and usually just move dirt around.
Aerospace 303 Protectant — The best stuff for your seals and plastic trim against Aussie UV.
03

The 'Don't Mess It Up' Pre-Start Check

What You'll Need

0/4
Windows and roof hatches locked tight — I once flooded a mate's kitchen because a latch was cracked open.
Fridge vents covered/protected — Don't spray high-pressure water directly into these.
Awning checked for debris — Clear out any sticks or gum leaves before they get wet and slimy.
240V inlets closed — Check the caps are clicked in properly.
04

The Step-By-Step Scrub

Tap each step to mark complete
01

The Big Rinse

Blast the whole thing with water. Start from the top down to move the heavy grit. Give the undercarriage a proper soak if you've been near salt.

02

The Roof First

It's the worst job, but do it first. Use the brush and soapy water. If you leave it for last, dirty water will ruin your clean side panels.

03

Awning Deep Clean

Spray the underside with soap, roll it up for 5 mins to 'soak', then unroll and rinse. Works like a charm for bird muck.

04

Sectional Side Wash

Wash one side at a time using the two-bucket method. Don't let the soap dry. I reckon a wash mitt is better than a brush for the eye-level bits.

05

Chassis and Wheels

Use the heavy-duty cleaner here. Scrub the tyres and get right into the wheel arches where the red dust hides. I use an old brush just for this.

06

The Final Rinse and Dry

Rinse thoroughly. Use your drying towel to get the water off the windows and flat panels to prevent those nasty white water spots.

05

Final Inspection Checklist

What You'll Need

0/4
Acrylic windows check — Look for scratches. Don't use Windex, the ammonia cracks them over time.
Rubber seals treated — Wipe some 303 on the door and window seals so they don't perish in the sun.
Solar panels clean — Even a thin layer of dust drops your charging efficiency heaps.
Grease the hitch — Since you've likely washed the grease away, chuck a bit more on now.

Watch Out

Keep the pressure washer away from silicone joins and decals! Those high-PSI blasters will lift the edges of your stickers and can actually force water past the window seals. Also, never use a kitchen scourer on bug guts, you'll ruin the gelcoat and be calling a pro like me to fix it.
06

That's a Wrap

Anyway, that's pretty much it. It's a bit of a slog, especially with a 22-foot dual-axle beast, but you'll thank yourself when you go to sell it and the paint isn't chalky. If the red dust is really baked on, you might need a dedicated fallout remover, but usually, a good soapy scrub does the trick. See you out there!

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