Keep your home away from home safe, clean, and ready for your next adventure with Australia’s Detailing Group! For so many caravan enthusiasts across Australia, winter means putting the adventures on hold until the warmer weather comes rolling in.
However, what many caravan owners forget is that parking up your caravan for the season whilst it is still dirty leaves it at risk of excess wear and tear despite it not being used. When you start to schedule proper caravan detailing in winter, you can easily avoid expensive damage and enjoy a road-ready caravan when summer returns!
We’ve got all the expert caravan cleaning tips you need, including some smart caravan protection strategies you can either do yourself or call our mobile caravan services to complete for you!
Why Winter Detailing for Caravans Is Important
Yes, caravans are built to withstand the elements, but that doesn’t mean they deserve to sit out and face the worst of the winter weather! When left unused and exposed to rain, frost, mould, and even UV damage, you subject your caravan to much more wear and tear than a properly protected caravan would face.
You might be lucky and have access to seasonal caravan storage, but that doesn’t mean you should skip a thorough detailing session before you pack away for winter. Avoid mystery stains, lingering odours, and general deterioration and give us a call instead!
Start with an Exterior Deep Clean
It’s always best practice to kick things off with a full exterior wash to get rid of nasty road grime, dust, bird droppings, tree sap, and coastal salts. All of these things your caravan might encounter on your adventures can damage paint and even degrade sealants over time, which can get expensive!
We always recommend using pH-neutral cleaning products specifically designed to be used on caravan surfaces for the best results. It’s also important that you pay attention to areas like the roof, wheel arches, and awning areas that can be real grime magnets if not cleaned thoroughly.
If you’re short on time or simply don’t fancy tackling it yourself, our mobile caravan services can make your life a lot easier. Our professionals can visit a location of your choice, equipped with all the tools and expertise to prepare your caravan for winter and get it ready for summer adventures.
Applying Protective Coatings
Step one is vital, but this step is entirely up to you. We always recommend protecting your investment with specialist coatings. including wax or even ceramic paint protection, but they are not a must.
If you are serious about winter caravan protection, though, ceramic or wax coatings are a must! You get an extra layer of protection across your caravan’s exterior from moisture, UV damage, and a general buildup of grime that makes future detailing even simpler.
The hydrophobic barrier created by ceramic coatings means that your caravan is much more resistant to dirt and oxidation, prolonging your caravan’s shine even further!
Clean and Prepare the Interior
First of all, remove any perishables! This step is so incredibly important, and we cannot stress how utterly awful the smell of rotting food can be after being left for a whole season. Not only that, but it can attract pests or turn into a serious mould issue!
Now is a great time to vacuum your carpets, wipe down hard surfaces, and clean any upholstery with either fabric or leather cleaners, depending on the surface.
Proper interior caravan care is so important in keeping your next adventure comfortable. Stripping down the bedding and cleaning out the kitchen area before your next trip gives you one less thing to think about when you next start packing. We recommend using moisture absorbers or even dehumidifiers over winter to reduce the risk of excess condensation.
Pest Protection
It is amazing how quickly wildlife can take over. Don’t make your stationary caravan a wildlife hotspot this winter; seal off any entry points, thoroughly clean your caravan, and place natural repellents inside storage areas or around the undercarriage of your caravan.
Using breathable covers if you’re storing your caravan under a carport can help, and it’s good practice to make sure all windows, vents, and doors are closed properly!
Tyres, Battery, and Mechanical Checks
To avoid your tyres developing flat spots, it’s good to inflate them to the recommended PSI before storing. You can also consider rotating the caravan’s position occasionally or even use tyre savers to help reduce the stress on your tyres.
During seasonal caravan storage, it’s good to disconnect and store the battery in a cool, dry place or use a trickle charger to maintain its life. You should also take the chance to check seals, fluid levels, and the condition of your gas and electrical systems so you’re not in for a nasty surprise when summer returns.
Using a Cover
Finding a breathable, waterproof cover can really help protect your caravan if you’re not able to store it under a covered area. Try to avoid non ventilated plastic sheeting as these can trap in excess moisture, which can lead to mould growth.
Get Ready for Winter the Right Way
With the right caravan detailing winter plan in place, you’ll be able to extend your caravan’s lifespan, reduce any future repair costs, and come back to your caravan in summer ready to roll.
Find your nearest team of mobile detailing professionals or contact us today with any questions. Book today and prepare for your next adventure with our experts.