Should you use a pressure washer to clean your caravan?

How often do you clean your caravan? For some, the answer might be ‘frequently', but for others it might be ‘not very often.’ Whatever the answer may be, cleaning your caravan on a regular basis is pretty essential to maintain its appearance and longevity, as well as protect it from dirt - especially from things like squished bugs and animal droppings - which can degrade the exterior over time. Also, keeping the windows and the mirrors clean is a good idea for general visibility, and therefore safety, when you’re out and about. So, what’s the best way to clean it? 

One way to clean it is to use a pressure washer - effectively a high-pressure water spray that can remove the dirt, grime and mould on the exterior. However, pressure washers get a bad rap when it comes to cleaning caravans. The confusing thing is that many dealerships seem to use them for cleaning, yet you only have to look on online caravan forums to see that it is frequently not recommended, with many people saying it has caused problems with their caravan.

It seems there are both pros and cons to be found regarding this issue, so in this article we’ll explore the topic, along with giving you some tips to ensure you use your pressure washer correctly, if you choose to use one.

Right, let’s start with the pros of using a pressure washer on your caravan.

1. They’re efficient

Pressure washers can clean large surfaces quickly, making the task less time-consuming compared to manual scrubbing. If you use the right attachments, there’s a good chance you’ll escape the need for a ladder, too.

2. They are very effective

The high pressure water can remove a good proportion of the stubborn dirt, mould and other yucky stuff that might be more difficult to clean with just a bucket, sponge and some elbow grease.

3. They are versatile 

Pressure washers usually come with various settings and nozzles, allowing you to adjust the pressure and spray pattern for different surfaces and levels of dirt. As well as the exterior of the caravan, you can potentially use it to clean some of the other items in the caravan too, such as the Wastemaster and bins. Some people even do their rugs and other similar items as well.

4. They can be eco-friendly

Since pressure washers rely on water pressure, you can often reduce the need for harsh chemicals, making it a more environmentally-friendly option overall.

Ok, sounds good so far. How about the cons?

1. There is the potential for some serious damage

The high pressure of the water spray can damage the delicate parts of your caravan, such as the seals, windows and the paintwork if not used correctly. Which leads us on to the next point…

2. Water ingress can be a disaster

If you’ve blasted it too hard, and in the places mentioned above, this can lead to water getting into unwanted areas - which might cause damp inside the caravan.

3. They need to be used properly 

Handling a pressure washer requires a certain level of care to avoid injury - if you inadvertently aim it towards your skin you’ll certainly know about it, as they can cause deep cuts, bruises and pretty serious eye injuries.

So, there is the potential for damage to be done to your caravan if you’re not careful. If you are going to use one, here’s some tips for doing so, to hopefully avoid any damage occurring.

Read the manual first!

I don’t know what the statistics are, but I’m willing to bet that more women than men do this! When it comes to the manual, this is one bit of information that is definitely worth having a glance at, however briefly. Before starting to pressure wash, read both the pressure washer’s manual and your caravan’s manual section on cleaning recommendations to ensure things don’t go horribly wrong.

Choose the right pressure

Generally, the rule is to use as low a pressure setting as possible, to avoid damaging the caravan’s surfaces.

Select the appropriate nozzle setting and attachments

Opt for a wider spray rather than a direct jet to distribute the pressure more evenly and reduce the risk of damage. We’re looking for more of a mist here, than a harsh jet of water. Use any suitable attachments, like a wash brush, where appropriate, especially if they quicken the job and distribute the flow more effectively.

Keep a decent distance away

See what the manual says, but generally it’s a good idea to keep at least a metre away from the caravan when using the pressure washer.

Use gentle, sweeping motions

Avoid focusing the spray on one spot for too long, so instead use smooth, sweeping motions to cover larger areas gradually. Start with the caravan roof first, then do one side and then the other.

Avoid the delicate areas

This is a really important one. Steer clear of vents, seals, windows and any areas that could be damaged or allow water ingress, and clean these items separately with a sponge or brush. Watch out for the decals too, and the awning.

So there we have it - using a pressure washer to clean your caravan can be highly effective, if done correctly. If you choose to use one, just make sure you do it in the right way. 

We hope you found these tips helpful - happy cleaning!