Love it or hate it, spring cleaning is something every RVer has to do. And if you’re eager to get back on the road, you already know your RV probably needs a little TLC first.

To make the process easier, here’s the only RV Spring Cleaning Checklist you’ll need.

No more jumping between articles, videos, and scattered notes—just one convenient checklist you can reference anytime.

Want a printable version? Download the checklist.

RV Spring Cleaning Checklist

Use this RV spring cleaning checklist to inspect your camper, deep clean key systems, and prepare safely for camping season.

1. Visual Inspection

• Water intrusion check: Look for musty smells, bubbling wallpaper, exterior delamination, discoloration, or soft spots in walls and flooring.
• Rodent and pest check: Inspect for odors, droppings, chewed materials, or nests behind cabinets, under sinks, around appliances, and in the RV underbelly.
• Seals and sealants: Check windows, doors, vents, and penetration points for cracks, gaps, peeling, or voids.
• Roof inspection: Inspect vents, fans, pipes, antennas, solar panels, and seals for cracks or damage.

2. Wastewater and Freshwater Systems

• De-winterize the water system: Reverse winter storage steps so your camper is ready for the season.
• Flush the tankless water heater: Inspect the anode rod and flush the system so antifreeze is fully removed.
• Flush antifreeze from the water system: Backflush black and gray tanks to clear tanks and lines.
• Deep clean the RV black tank with Unique Clean-It.
• Deep clean the RV gray tank with Dawn Ultra.
• Clean and sanitize the RV freshwater tank: Use a diluted bleach solution.
• Check sensors: Confirm that holding tank sensors are reading accurately.
• Replenish cleaning and holding tank products: Restock RV Digest-It Ultra, Clean-It, and Scrub-It. You can also shop Camping Packs for a bundled option.

3. Interior Deep Clean

• Declutter: Put away loose items and remove anything unnecessary.
• Surfaces: Wipe down walls, cabinets, drawers, shelves, and countertops.
• Kitchen and bathroom: Clean and sanitize sinks, the toilet, shower, and bathtub.
• Floors: Vacuum and mop all floor surfaces.
• Windows and screens: Clean windows and screens.
• Upholstery: Vacuum or steam clean cushions and curtains.
• Linens: Wash sheets, pillowcases, comforters, blankets, and towels.

4. Electronics

• Lights: Check all cabin lights, switches, and LED strips.
• Initial inspection: Watch for burning smells, flickering lights, and warm outlets that may indicate overloaded circuits or faulty wiring.
• Batteries: Use a multimeter to check battery voltage. Fully charged lead batteries should read between 12.6 and 12.8V. Check terminals for corrosion and ensure connections are tight.
• Converter/inverter: While connected to shore power, check converter output at the battery cables. It should read between 13.6 and 14.4V DC.
• Shore power cord and pedestal: Check for fraying, discoloration, or melting. Use a polarity tester before plugging in.
• Fuses and breakers: Inspect the breaker panel for tripped breakers or blown 12V fuses.
• GFCI outlets: Test kitchen and bathroom GFCI outlets to ensure they trip and reset correctly.
• Tighten connections: Vibrations can loosen electrical connections, so inspect wiring at the converter and behind outlets.

Important: If you are uncomfortable or inexperienced working with high-voltage AC electricity, contact a certified RV technician, especially if you notice damaged wiring or signs of burning.

5. Appliances

• Refrigerator: Clean thoroughly and confirm it cools on both shore power and propane. Check vents for debris and seals for an airtight fit.
• Microwave or convection oven: Clean the interior, confirm it powers on, and check the breaker if needed.
• Stove and oven: Test each burner and watch for unusual smells that could suggest a gas leak.
• Water heater: Test both electric and propane settings and confirm hot water production.

6. Propane Levels and Generator Function

• Interior control panel: Check diagnostic codes and the hour meter.
• Fluid check: Inspect generator oil level using the dipstick.
• Maintenance inspection: Check the air filter and look for leaks or loose wires.
• Running test: Run the generator under load for 30 to 60 minutes, such as with the AC on.

7. Heating and Cooling Systems

• Visual inspection: Check for nests and debris in intake and exhaust areas.
• AC unit: Confirm operation and replace or clean filters as needed.
• Furnace: Confirm operation and replace or clean filters as needed.

8. Safety

• Smoke detectors: Test them, remove dust, check batteries, and replace expired units.
• Propane and carbon monoxide detectors: Check expiration dates and confirm proper operation.
• Fire extinguisher: Verify the gauge is in the green zone, the pin is secure, and the tamper seal is intact.

9. Storage

• Clean storage areas: Remove debris before loading supplies.
• Restock basics: Dish soap, RV-safe toilet paper, paper towels, sponges, fire starters, sunscreen, bug spray, flashlights, cleaning brushes, and a first aid kit.
• Inspect safety equipment: Surge protector, water pressure regulator, leveling blocks, sewer kit, drinking water hose, tire gauge, and monitoring system.
• Maintenance tools: Spare fuses, bulbs, sealant, basic tools, duct tape, zip ties, a battery charger, portable air compressor, and lubricant.

10. Awning and Slides

• Seals and gaskets: Inspect slide seals for cracks, tears, stiffness, and corner damage.
• Structural integrity: Check for rust, cracks, metal fatigue, and loose hardware.
• Cleanliness: Remove debris from slide tops before retracting.
• Functionality: Listen for grinding or screeching noises that may indicate strain or misalignment.
• Hydraulics: Check hydraulic fluid levels if your system uses them.
• Mechanical components: Lubricate tracks and gears only according to your manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines.

Sneak peek: Awning and slide maintenance can be tricky, so keep an eye out for next month’s newsletter with more expert care tips.

11. Tires, Brakes, and Exterior Lights

• Check tires: Look for damage, dry rot, and cracks.
• Refill air: Tires often lose pressure during winter storage.
• Don’t forget the spare: Confirm it is in good condition and properly inflated.
• Brakes and bearings: Have them professionally inspected and serviced as needed.
• Exterior lights: Check headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, marker lights, and reverse lights.

12. Tow Vehicle and Toad Connection

• Toad connection: Check the tow bar, base plate, safety cables, and braking system.
• Electrical wiring and cable: Ensure the 7-way plug works correctly so brake lights and turn signals function properly.

13. Motorized RVs

• Professional RV tech check: Schedule a full diagnostic and maintenance inspection, including oil, filters, brakes, and bearings.

14. Insurance Coverage

• Liability: Covers injuries or damage caused to others.
• Comprehensive and collision: Helps cover theft, vandalism, fire, weather, and collision damage.
• Additional coverage: Consider uninsured motorist, roadside assistance, vacation liability, and total loss replacement.

15. Renew Memberships

• Camping discount networks: Thousand Trails, Harvest Hosts, Open Roads, KOA, Passport America, and Good Sam Club.
• Support and club memberships: AAA Plus or Premier RV and Escapees RV Club.

About This Blog

My name is Annie, and I’ll be coming to you each month with expert tips and information that benefit all types of RVers. Each piece is written, not by Artificial Intelligence, but by an Actual Individual... me!

I research each subject, consult industry professionals, and verify information with certified RV techs before this newsletter ever reaches your inbox.

If there’s a topic you’d like me to cover—or if you think something should be added to this checklist—feel free to email me.

- Annie