In order to maintain the longevity and beauty of your recreational vehicle (RV), it is essential to clean it properly. 

If you own an RV, you may be considering your cleaning options and wondering if using dish detergent is a secure and efficient choice.

Yes, you can use dish detergent to clean your RV, Dish detergent is designed to cut through grease and remove food residue, so it can be effective for cleaning certain surfaces in your RV,

Dish detergent has benefits and drawbacks when used on your beloved RV, despite the fact that it could seem like a practical solution. 

In this write-up, we shall be looking at some of the potential benefits and the threats that using a dish detergent for cleaning RVs can pose to the user.

4 Major Benefits of Using Dish Detergent for RV Cleaning

Can You Use Dish Detergent To Clean RV

There are quite a few benefits that dish detergent offers as an RV cleaning substance. Four of those key benefits are highlighted below; 

1. It is affordable 

Dish detergent is an affordable alternative to some expensive specialty RV cleaning solutions. It is very much cheaper compared with other specially designed RV cleansing products that are available in the market.

2. Versatility

As previously said, dish detergent offers some friendly options in terms of its usability. Apart from the fact that it can be used for a variety of cleaning jobs especially when it comes to thorough cleaning of both the inside and the outside of an RV.

It also saves money by eliminating the necessity to purchase additional cleaning supplies to complement its usage.

3. Grease Removal

The detergent’s grease-cutting qualities can be very helpful in removing grease stains from kitchen surfaces and most importantly, eliminating road grime from the exterior. It deals with grease stains in such a way that no traces of it are left on your RV after effective cleaning. 

4. Convenience

Another salient attribute of dish detergent is its ease of access. When on the move, one can quickly restock his cleaning supplies. This is because it is a product that is readily available in most homes. 

4 Potential Drawbacks of Using Dish Detergents on RVs

Despite a reasonable number of benefits that dish detergent can offer, some potential drawbacks are inevitable too, especially if the basic guidelines for usage are not being adhered to.

1. Harsh ingredients

While dish detergent can clean well, its content may also include unfriendly chemicals that could harm some RV surfaces, especially if used too often. 

That is why it is always cool to prevent unnecessary repetition of its application as much as one can afford to do so.

2. Paint and Wax Damage

Consistent use of dish detergent may remove wax and other protective coatings from the exterior of the RV, leaving it exposed to the elements.

3. The Possibility of Streaks

Dish detergent may leave streaks on windows and other surfaces after usage, impairing vision and leaving an unfriendly appearance on the surface.

4. Pollution

When certain components from dish detergent get rinsed into water sources, they might have a negative impact on water by leaving them polluted. This has the tendency to threaten the existence of aquatic organisms or render the water useless for human use.

3 Alternatives to Using Dish Detergents on RVs

1. Specialised RV Cleaners

Consider investing in cleaners specifically formulated for RVs, as they are designed to be gentle on various surfaces without removing the need for thorough cleaning.

2. Homemade Cleaning Solutions

You can create eco-friendly cleaning solutions using natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice, which are less harmful to your RV and the environment.

3. Using a Microfiber Clothing Material

Use soft microfiber cloths instead of abrasive materials to prevent scratches and damage to delicate surfaces.

FAQs

Can you use car wash and wax on an RV?

Yes, car wash and wax products can be used on an RV.

What can be used to clean RV exteriors?

You can simply use microfiber cloths or soft brushes to scrub away dirt from the outer part of an RV or simply get pH-balanced and biodegradable compounds designed specifically for that purpose.

What is the best RV wash and wax you can recommend?

There are quite a few of them. Among the prominent ones I can recommend include Meguiar’s, Thetford’s, Camco’s, and Griot’s garages. However, you have to note that important factors like preference, types, or RV or its finish will influence this decision.

What can we wash fiberglass RV with?

Wash fiberglass with an RV wash specifically made for it but make sure you rinse thoroughly with clean water to avoid leaving behind any impression of bad residue.

Conclusion

To sum up, although dish detergent can be used to clean RVs, there are a number of benefits and drawbacks to consider. It’s an easy choice for sporadic cleaning duties, thanks to its affordability and flexibility. 

The use of this product should be done with caution due to its abrasive components and propensity to damage some surfaces.

So, It is advisable to look into safer options, such as specialized RV cleaners or homemade remedies, to protect the longevity of your RV and maintain its worth.