How to Clean and Sanitize Your RV Interior After a Long Trip
After a long adventure, your RV’s interior collects more than just souvenirs — dirt, germs, food crumbs, and musty smells can build up fast. A proper deep clean not only restores that fresh feel but also keeps your cabin healthy and ready for the next trip. In this complete guide, you’ll learn how to clean and sanitize your RV interior safely and efficiently using professional detailing methods.
Estimated Reading Time: ~12 minutes
Why Post-Trip RV Cleaning Is Essential
From campfire smoke and sandy shoes to cooking grease and pet hair, your RV’s interior takes a beating on every trip. Without a proper deep clean, bacteria and odors can linger and even cause mold or surface deterioration. Regular sanitizing keeps your space safe, comfortable, and ready for your next journey — whether that’s next week or next season.
The best way to achieve a spotless, fresh-smelling interior is by using multi-surface products like Complete Cabin Cleaner paired with Scrub Buddy Pads for effortless, safe scrubbing on every type of RV surface.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean and Sanitize Your RV Interior
Step 1: Remove Clutter and Vacuum Everything
Start by clearing out trash, gear, and personal items. Pull out drawers and cushions where possible to vacuum hidden debris. Use a crevice tool or brush attachment to reach tight areas and vents.
- → Shake out or wash removable mats and rugs separately.
- → Don’t forget under beds, slide-outs, and storage compartments.
Step 2: Wipe Down Hard Surfaces
Spray Complete Cabin Cleaner directly onto tables, countertops, handles, and cabinets. Wipe using a clean Everyday Microfiber Towel. The formula lifts grime, disinfects, and leaves a streak-free finish on wood, vinyl, and plastic.
Best RV Interior Cleaner: Complete Cabin Cleaner
Clean, disinfect, and refresh every RV surface — from dashboards and countertops to vinyl and leather — with one powerful, streak-free formula.
Buy on Jimbo’s Detailing Buy on AmazonStep 3: Sanitize High-Touch Areas
Disinfect handles, switches, knobs, and control panels. Spray cleaner onto a towel — not directly on electronics — and wipe thoroughly. This prevents moisture from getting into sensitive areas while killing bacteria effectively.
Step 4: Deep Clean Seats and Upholstery
For fabric, cloth, or vinyl seats, lightly spray Complete Cabin Cleaner on a Scrub Buddy Pad and gently agitate in circular motions. Follow with a microfiber towel to lift away loosened dirt and moisture.
For leather, spray onto a towel and wipe — this keeps the surface clean without drying it out.
Step 5: Clean Dashboard, Plastics, and Trim
Use Complete Cabin Cleaner to remove dust and grime from your dashboard and trim. Once clean, apply All Dressed Up to restore a factory-matte, UV-protected finish.
Step 6: Sanitize the Kitchen and Bathroom
Disinfect all countertops, sinks, faucets, and appliances. Let cleaner dwell for 1–2 minutes before wiping for maximum germ removal. Rinse surfaces that come into contact with food and dry thoroughly to prevent mildew.
Step 7: Refresh and Deodorize the Cabin
Finally, open your RV windows for ventilation. Once dry, use Air Freshies to neutralize odors and leave a clean, pleasant scent inside your cabin.
RV Interior Cleaning Comparison Chart
| Surface | Tool | Recommended Product | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl / Leather | Microfiber towel | Complete Cabin Cleaner | Safe and non-greasy |
| Fabric Upholstery | Scrub Buddy Pad | Complete Cabin Cleaner | Gently scrub and wipe dry |
| Plastic / Trim | Microfiber towel | Complete Cabin Cleaner + All Dressed Up | Restores matte OEM look |
Pro Tips for RV Interior Sanitizing
- → Always start cleaning from top to bottom — ceiling vents first, then floors.
- → Keep Scrub Buddy Pads damp, not soaked, to prevent oversaturation.
- → Clean your bathroom last to avoid cross-contamination.
- → Disinfect high-touch areas weekly during active travel seasons.
- → Use Air Freshies after cleaning to maintain a fresh-smelling cabin.
Complete Your RV Interior Cleaning Kit
Get professional-level results every time with Complete Cabin Cleaner and Scrub Buddy Pads — safe on every surface inside your RV.
Shop Complete Cabin Cleaner Shop Scrub Buddy PadsRelated Reading
- Best RV Interior Cleaners for Vinyl, Leather, and Fabric
- How to Remove Odors and Musty Smells from an RV Cabin
- How to Clean and Protect RV Dashboards, Plastics, and Trim
- How to Prevent Mold and Mildew in RV Interiors
- The Ultimate Guide to RV Detailing
FAQs
Can I use household cleaners inside my RV?
No — household products often contain ammonia or bleach that can damage surfaces. Use Complete Cabin Cleaner instead for safe, residue-free cleaning.
How often should I sanitize my RV interior?
After every long trip or once per month during travel season. Wipe high-touch zones weekly.
Is Complete Cabin Cleaner safe for leather?
Yes — it’s pH-balanced and safe for coated leather, vinyl, and soft-touch dashboards.
What should I use to clean fabric seats?
Apply Complete Cabin Cleaner with a Scrub Buddy Pad to gently agitate and lift dirt, then dry with a microfiber towel.
How do I keep my RV smelling fresh between trips?
Ventilate after each trip and use Air Freshies to neutralize odors while your RV is stored.
