These days, it’s essential to know how to disinfect your RV properly. As you itch to get out of the house and hit the open road, it’s important to stay safe. When you venture out with caution in mind, you protect yourself, your family, and others.
With the rise in cases across the state, it’s crucial to keep these precautions in mind before you head back to business as usual. So, what’s the best way to keep your recreational vehicle safe? Let’s go over some of the main recommendations for properly disinfecting your motorhome. If you want to hit the RV campsites, we have some tips for that as well.
Cleaning vs Disinfecting
First, it’s important to understand the difference between disinfecting and cleaning. When you clean your RV, you remove grease, dirt, and other impurities. However, it does not kill germs. Still, it’s a good idea to remove these impurities before you disinfect your RV.
Disinfecting involves the use of chemicals to kill germs on different surfaces. For instance, when you spray a disinfectant on a greasy surface, it’s ineffective. First, clean the grease off the surface. Then, disinfect with the spray.
How to Disinfect Your RV
Below, we cover a few tips for different surfaces in your motorhome. As you work to sanitize your motorhome, remember these tips to be thorough.
Hard Surfaces
Many RV owners use nitrile gloves when they dump their tanks. These are great to use as you disinfect your RV because the chemicals can be hard on the skin after a while. Remember, there are a lot of surfaces in the average RV.
First, clean the surface with a mixture of soap and water. Next, disinfect the surface with a household disinfectant. Oftentimes, a spray or wipe does the job just fine. Look for EPA-registered products.
Alternatively, some RV owners use bleach solutions. Add about 5 tablespoons of bleach per gallon of water or 4 teaspoons per quart for smaller areas. Before you do this, check that bleach doesn’t damage the material of the surface.
In some cases, bleach causes discoloration or peeling.
Soft Surfaces
Inside an RV, there are a handful of soft surface areas. These include both carpet and upholstery as well as bed linens and window treatments. Some older RVs even have woven wood window blinds.
When possible, launder them with the hottest water possible. If this isn’t an option, use a disinfectant spray as listed above.
Screens & Electronics
Oftentimes, people overlook these when they think about cleaning and disinfecting. However, people often touch them, which means it’s a good idea to clean them with a disinfectant.
If you don’t have people outside your home visiting your RV, you don’t need to sanitize everything immediately. However, it’s a good idea to prepare and stay cautious when you plan to be around others.
Staying Clean At RV Campsites
As you head to campsites, it’s a good idea to stay ready. While you disinfect your RV, it’s hard to know what others do or who uses certain spaces and equipment. Here are a few tips to stay clear and clean out in the world.
Fueling Areas & Dump Stations
Have your mask and gloves ready. Wipe down any surfaces, handles, and touchpads with a wipe. When possible prepay outside.
Take Disinfectant Wipes with You
Have an abundant supply of wipes with you when you travel. This helps you stay clean on the road. Disinfect your RV on a regular basis, and you have a better chance to protect yourself and others.
Stay Safe & Adventure-Ready
Now that you know how to disinfect your RV properly, you can safely head out on the open road. If you have any questions about proper cleaning or disinfecting in your motorhome, feel free to contact our team. From detailing to upholstery, we understand how to work with a broad spectrum of materials.
Whether you need some friendly advice or a new paint job, TX RV Repair Shop is here to help!