July 6th, 2022 by Sarah Miles

Summer is here and it’s time for new adventures in the caravan. However, before you can say bon voyage and head off into the horizon, there are a few jobs you need to do to make sure your caravan is clean and safe to use.

Here’s what you need to know.

Things to check

There are some safety checks you need to do before you take your van anywhere. Check that the following items are in working condition:

• Check the brakes and make sure they haven’t seized up
• Check and grease the hitch lock and corner steadies
• Check the tyres for correct pressure, cracks and splits, and tread depth
• Check lights and change bulbs if needed
• Make sure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
• Test the leisure battery. Test with a voltmeter to ensure that it charges up and then holds its charge
• Check for any signs of dampness or leaks. Be vigilant for mould and mildew, damp patches, and musty smells. If you do spot anything, find the source of the leak and re-seal where possible
• Get any gas heating systems serviced by an engineer

Things to clean/sanitise

However thorough you were in preparing your caravan for winter, any space that has been closed up for months will benefit from a clean and freshen-up – especially any water systems. Attend to the following:

Water System

There will always be water residue in any closed system, even if you flushed it out prior to storage, and this can cause mould, algae, and bacteria to form so it will need a little TLC now. Empty any remaining water out and then fill with fresh. Add a water tank cleaner such as Pro-Kleen Caravan Fresh Water Tank Cleaner and leave overnight before emptying and rinsing through.

5L Pro-Kleen Caravan Fresh Water Tank Cleaner

Price: £15.95

Buy Now

Toilet System

Your toilet’s macerator is a potential accumulator of germs and bacteria which is not only unhygienic but can become quite smelly. At the start of the season, clean with a product such as Pro-Kleen Powerful Toilet Macerator Descaler and Cleaner. This contains phosphoric acid that both deep cleans and descales the system, sanitising it and extending its life. Before you turn the macerator on, add the product to the pan and allow it to stand for 2-3 hours or, ideally, overnight (you can do this at the same time as cleaning the water system). Turn the macerator on the next day and once the unit has pumped out, you can flush the toilet.

To maintain cleanliness and break down waste in the toilet, use a chemical rinse such as Pro-Kleen Pink Toilet Fresh Flush Fluid for Caravans & Motorhomes periodically.

5L Pro-Kleen Toilet Macerator Descaler and Cleaner

Price: £18.95

Buy Now

Internal Surfaces

All the interior surfaces will benefit from a clean after being shut up for so long. You can do this with a standard surface cleaner. Pay particular attention to the fridge to make sure it hasn’t developed any mould while in storage.

If you removed any loose covers on soft furnishings, you can replace them now.

External Surfaces

Unless your caravan was stored under cover, it will probably be looking a little grubby now after a winter season in the elements. Products like Pro-Kleen Caravan and Motorhome Cleaner are specifically formulated for this task as they will work on the dirt, algae, and black streaks that caravans can be prone to without damaging the surfaces. It also makes the job easier as once you apply it, it starts to loosen the dirt for you. Just leave it on for a couple of minutes before you start washing. Your van will soon be restored to former glories and ready to hit the road

Pro-Kleen Caravan and Motorhome Cleaner 2L

Price: £11.99

Buy Now