Touchless RV Washing: Is It Safe and Effective?
Washing a large RV by hand can take hours — so it’s no surprise that many owners are turning to touchless wash methods. But does it really work? And more importantly, is it safe for your RV’s paint, decals, and coatings? In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about touchless RV washing and when to use it.
Estimated Reading Time: ~11 minutes
What Is a Touchless RV Wash?
A touchless RV wash is a cleaning method that relies on powerful soaps and water pressure instead of physical contact. There are two main types:
- DIY Touchless Wash: You use a foam cannon or sprayer to coat your RV with cleaning soap like The Super Soaper, let it dwell, and rinse without scrubbing.
- Automated Touchless Wash: A drive-through system (rare for RVs) that sprays high-pressure soap and rinse water from fixed arms.
The goal is simple — clean safely and quickly without touching the paint.
Is Touchless Washing Safe for RVs?
Yes — when done correctly with the right products, touchless washing is completely safe. It eliminates the risk of swirl marks and micro-scratches caused by sponges or dirty mitts. However, it works best as part of a maintenance routine rather than for heavy dirt or oxidation.
Touchless washing is perfect for rinsing off light dust, pollen, or salt between full washes.
How to Perform a Touchless RV Wash
Here’s the proper process for an effective touchless wash that won’t harm your RV:
- Pre-Rinse: Use a pressure washer with a 40° tip to remove loose dirt.
- Apply Foam: Cover the entire RV with The Super Soaper using a foam cannon or pump sprayer.
- Let It Dwell: Allow the foam to sit for 3–5 minutes — this breaks down road grime and film.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Use steady water flow to remove all foam and dirt residue.
- Dry Immediately: Use the Massive Drying Towel to prevent water spots.
Best Soap for Touchless RV Washing: The Super Soaper
Powerful enough to clean without scrubbing, yet gentle on coatings — The Super Soaper is the perfect choice for touchless washing.
Buy on Jimbo’s Detailing Buy on AmazonTouchless vs. Traditional RV Washing
Here’s how touchless washing compares to traditional hand washing:
| Feature | Touchless Wash | Traditional Wash |
|---|---|---|
| Contact with Paint | None — no risk of scratches | Requires physical contact |
| Cleaning Strength | Moderate — best for light dirt | Strong — good for heavy grime |
| Time Required | Fast — under 30 minutes | Slower — 60–90 minutes |
| Safety on Coatings | Very safe | Safe if done gently |
Upgrade Your RV Protection: Tough As Shell Ceramic Spray
Tough As Shell enhances every wash — adding hydrophobic protection that helps dirt rinse off effortlessly.
Buy on Jimbo’s Detailing Buy on AmazonWhen Touchless Washing Isn’t Enough
Touchless washing is perfect for maintenance, but when your RV has road film, oxidation, or stuck-on bugs, you’ll still need some light contact. That’s when a contact wash with a soft microfiber towel like the Orange Wash Microfiber is ideal — it’s safe and effective for deeper cleaning.
- → Use The Super Soaper for lubrication and safety
- → Follow up with Tough As Shell to maintain protection
- → Dry with the Massive Drying Towel for a streak-free finish
Touchless Wash Maintenance Tips
- → Always rinse top to bottom — gravity helps remove more grime.
- → Never let soap dry on the surface.
- → Apply Tough As Shell every few washes to maintain beading.
- → Avoid washing in direct sunlight if possible.
- → Rinse thoroughly around vents and seals to avoid residue buildup.
Related Reading
- How to Safely Pressure Wash Your RV Without Damage
- How to Wash an RV Without Leaving Water Spots
- Should You Ceramic Coat Your RV? (Pros, Cons, and Cost)
- How to Apply Tough As Shell Ceramic Spray to an RV Exterior
- How to Wash a Boat Without Leaving Water Spots
FAQs
Does touchless washing actually clean an RV?
Yes — it removes most dirt and film, especially when using a strong pre-soak like The Super Soaper. For heavy buildup, light agitation may still be needed.
Is touchless washing safe for decals?
Yes. Touchless methods are gentler than hand washing since there’s no physical scrubbing on the decals or paint.
Can I use a foam cannon for touchless washing?
Absolutely. A foam cannon paired with The Super Soaper provides the best coverage and dwell time for safe cleaning.
Will touchless washing strip my ceramic coating?
No. In fact, it helps maintain your coating when using ceramic-safe soaps like The Super Soaper.
How often can I do a touchless wash?
As often as you like — it’s safe for weekly or even bi-weekly maintenance since there’s no abrasion involved.
