
We take great pride in RV care and RV maintenance here at RVbyLIFE® as manufacturers of only the highest quality, American made RV repair and RV restoration products. As RV enthusiasts ourselves, we want to bring you the most current and up-to-date information in our blogs, which is why it is important to discuss why cleaning your RV’s interior is essential for winterization.
In order to properly winterize your RV, you must start with a clean and dry interior before moving on to other systems and exterior components.
Read on to find out how.
Check for any Leaks and Cracks
Air or water seeping into a winterized RV can be devastating, bringing mold, mildew, and other unsavory factors with it. This is why it is imperative that you check all fixtures, doors, windows, and pipes for any signs of corrosion, leaks, and cracks. If you do spot any, the first thing you must do is apply an RV-grade caulking sealant. In order to find the right sealant, however, it is important to match the surfaces to the sealant. Our handy Sealant Chart is a great reference to find which sealant is right for any job. If mildew is spotted, treat the area immediately with our Mildew Remover. This chlorine-free and acid-free formula will eradicate the mildew and any unsavory odor. Keep in mind that it is also safe to use on fabrics.
As a reminder, you can apply RV caulk in the winter, however, be mindful of the exterior temperature and the temperature of the product before beginning. It is advisable to caulk under shelter to avoid the winter elements like freezing rain and snow. The RV caulk should also be stored at the manufacturer’s suggested temperature range and should never be allowed to freeze. Never apply RV caulk to surfaces that have frost on them.
Clean All Fixtures
Once you’ve inspected any areas that might allow unwanted moisture and air to seep into your winterized RV, your next task is to clean and shine the aluminum and chrome fittings. Our Stainless Steel Cleaner is the perfect product for the job, as it cleans and protects in one application. Simply spray on and wipe off with a dry, soft cloth and it will remove grease, stains, and fingerprints with ease.
Wipe Down Vinyl and Upholstery
You’ll want to wipe down any vinyl and upholstery in your RV’s interior to ensure that no crumbs or stains are left behind as that could attract pests and other unwanted guests. A good once-over with a cleaning cloth and a vacuuming between and underneath any cushions will do. Once you’ve removed any lingering food and debris, use our VinyLIFE® Vinyl Cleaner & Protectant to finish the job. This high-performance cleaner is solvent- and abrasive-free, so it will clean your vinyl and upholstery without leaving behind harsh chemicals. It also has UV protectant built in, which will prolong the life of your vinyl and upholstery by protecting it from harmful UV rays.
With a little elbow grease and the right products, you can easily clean your RV’s interior so that it’s ready for winterization. Stay tuned for more RV maintenance tips and RV restoration tricks!
About Life Industries Corporation
Founded by Mr. Edwin Kehrt on Long Island, New York in 1959, Life Industries Corporation formulates, compounds, labels, packages, and ships various chemical compounds. Parent company to BoatLIFE, RVbyLIFE, and AeroLIFE Industries, the organization relocated to its present home in North Charleston, South Carolina in 1995. Grace L. Schmidt, Mr. Kehrt’s daughter, has been president since 1987. Last year marked the company’s 65th anniversary.