How to Clean Pop Up Campers

Most of the inside parts of a pop-up camper are cleaned using the same methods used to clean a house, with the exception of the vinyl windows and canvas walls. You must take special care when cleaning the vinyl and canvas in order to avoid damage and extend the life of the camper. Regular cleaning of a pop-up camper will keep it looking new and working well.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Nonabrasive sponges Mild detergent Degreaser Silicone free, vinyl safe household cleaner Garden hose Cleaning cloths Paper towels Moderately stiff-bristled cleaning brush Rubbing alcohol Hydrogen peroxide or lemon juice Spray-on waterproof coating
Nonabrasive sponges
Mild detergent
Degreaser
Silicone free, vinyl safe household cleaner
Garden hose
Cleaning cloths
Paper towels
Moderately stiff-bristled cleaning brush
Rubbing alcohol
Hydrogen peroxide or lemon juice
Spray-on waterproof coating

Step 1

Wash the hard shell of the outside area of the camper using a nonabrasive sponge and soapy water. Use dish detergent, car wash soap or any other mild detergent to make the soapy water. Wash the hard shell by hand to avoid getting soapy water on the canvas.

Step 2

Remove stubborn black marks that do not come off using a mild detergent with a degreaser. Apply the degreaser to a clean nonabrasive sponge, and scrub the black marks until they are gone.

Step 3

Rinse the soap and degreaser off the hard shell using a clean nonabrasive sponge saturated with clean water or with a garden hose. If you use a garden hose, direct the water spray in a downward motion to avoid the canvas.

Step 4

Brush the canvas with a moderately stiff-bristled cleaning brush to remove lose dirt. If any dirt spots remain after brushing, clean the spots using a cloth and rubbing alcohol or soapy water made with a mild detergent. Apply the rubbing alcohol or soapy water directly to the cloth, and scrub the spot until the dirt or stain is removed.

Step 5

Kill mold and mildew on canvas by spraying hydrogen peroxide or lemon juice directly on the mold and mildew. Allow the hydrogen peroxide or lemon juice to sit for 15 minutes before brushing the spot with a moderately stiff-bristled brush. This process may need to be repeated several times before the mildew or mold stain is removed. Note: Hydrogen peroxide and lemon juice can bleach canvas, so use it as a last resort.

Step 6

Rinse any areas of canvas that have rubbing alcohol, soapy water, hydrogen peroxide or lemon juice on them by using a clean nonabrasive sponge or cloth saturated with clean water. Use as little water as possible to effectively remove cleaner residues to extend the life of the waterproof coating on the canvas.

Step 7

Apply a spray-on waterproof coating to the canvas once per year to maintain the canvas' waterproof ability. You can purchase this at camping supply stores. Make sure to use a waterproof coating spray that is specifically designed for tent or trailer canvas.

Step 8

Dry the camper completely before closing it. If possible, allow the trailer to air dry for 2 days in a dry location to ensure that all of the nooks and crannies are dry. Closing a wet trailer is the biggest cause of mold and mildew growth.

Article Written By Rose Kivi

Rose Kivi has been a writer for more than 10 years. She has a background in the nursing field, wildlife rehabilitation and habitat conservation. Kivi has authored educational textbooks, patient health care pamphlets, animal husbandry guides, outdoor survival manuals and was a contributing writer for two books in the Uncle John’s Bathroom Reader Series.

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