RV Zone is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

The Best RV Washes and Waxes for Your RV, Camper & Boat

Writen by Tom Hank

Fact checked by Joseph Varney

It is already tricky enough to wash a vehicle as large as an RV, so you can forgive yourself if you cut corners using a wash and wax product. Although it is better to use a separate product for washing and waxing your RV, using the best RV wash and wax still seems like a good compromise if you are like most people who cannot spend an entire day cleaning their RV.

best rv wash and wax

However, not all wash and wax vehicle cleaning products work the same. If you use your RV quite often, you will need something a lot tougher on dirt than the one you use to clean your car. To reduce or even rid of all trouble in finding the best RV cleaner, helpful information is gathered in this article to teach you all the things you need to know.

Table of Contents

Best RV Wash and Wax Reviews

1. Gel-Gloss 128-oz. RV Wash and Wax

The reason I went ahead and bought the Gel-Gloss RV Wash and Wax is that I wanted to spend more time enjoying my RV rather than cleaning it. With this product, I noticed that I was able to cut the time I usually spend cleaning my 30-foot RV in half.

I was a bit on the fence about using a wash and wax product since I know that it is not as good as laying on a separate wax coat. Yet, it also sounded promising when I was reading the gel-gloss RV wash and wax reviews. Luckily, this one did a respectable job in all fairness, and I think it is all thanks to the carnauba wax additive.

Although the finish is not as shiny, the fact that I did not have to go over the entire surface of the RV with a separate product makes it a good choice.

You might like to know about this RV wash soap because it does not strip away any existing wax on the surface of your RV. I like how this cleaner keeps most of the wax from when I last visited the RV washing near me.

Furthermore, I would not want to use products that are harmful to the environment. So purchasing this cleaner for RV exterior makes excellent sense as it is completely biodegradable and non-toxic. Plus, you do not have to worry about the runoff you make when you finish rinsing.

Still, this product does not excel at removing heavy oxidation from the surface of my RV. I needed to use a different spot cleaning detergent to get rid of stubborn dirt and stains.
What We Like
  • Cuts cleaning time in half
  • Contains carnauba wax
  • Does not strip away any residual wax from the previous washing
  • Completely biodegradable and non-toxic
  • Does not leave streaks or watermarks on the paint
What We Don’t Like
  • Not provide the shiniest finish
  • Not ideal for removing heavy oxidation
This wash and wax cleaner may not work the same way as other separate cleaners and waxes, but it still delivers good results.

2. Meguiar’s M5032 32-oz. RV Cleaner Wax

Meguiar’s has always been a household name for car cleaning products, and the One-step Cleaner Wax was true to the reputation of the brand. It thoroughly cleaned and polished my RV in less time than it would take me to apply each product separately.

As mentioned, this cleaning product also comes with a polishing compound. I am pleasantly surprised to discover that it eliminates the annoying micro-scratches and haze left on the gel coat. The polish is so gentle that it only affects the top of the clear coat, yet it brings back fiberglass surfaces’ shiny color.

This product also leaves behind a wax coating. This layer provides durable and long-lasting protection against saltwater air, rust and corrosion, and the UV sun rays. The wax coating left behind by this wash and wax is comparable to separate wax products. However, it still does not last as long.

I like the most about this professional-grade cleaning product because it is safe to use by hand. Of course, it is best to use gloves, but without such protection, your hands will just get a bit dry.

I am impressed and satisfied with this functional product, but its funny chemical smell bothers me sometimes.
What We Like
  • Reduce the time to clean and wax a full-size RV
  • Polish away minor blemishes, micro-scratches and haze
  • Gentle formulation, yet tough on dirt and stains
  • Leaves a wax layer that shines
  • Can use it by hand or through a foam gun
What We Don’t Like
  • Has a funny smell to it
You cannot go wrong with RV wash and wax products that have the Meguiar’s branding. If you know what you are doing, you can get excellent results.

3. Aero Cosmetics 128-oz. Car Wash Wax

If you are looking for a quick and easy way to give your RV a good shine, the Aero Cosmetics waterless car wash is the thing for you. If your RV is just slightly dusty or dirty, nothing too serious, then you just need to spray on this product. Let it sit for a while, then thoroughly wipe it off the surface.

I am thrilled that I also use it as a wax-as-you-dry product. It means it is possible to use it as a regular polish and wax.

The neat thing about it is that I do not need to wait for the RV to dry before applying it. I can just spray it on the surface, regardless if it is dry or wet, then rub it into the surface. Just like me, you will be surprised at how shiny it is.

Unlike other waterless car wash and wax products, this one can pick up quite a lot of the dirt on the paint or fiberglass’s surface. This product has a high lubricant formulation that can lift dirt on contact. With a bit of elbow grease, you can get the same results if you just used a regular wax product.

It is an eco-friendly product, so you can use it even if you are near a body of water. Moreover, since it requires no water, you are saving quite a lot of money on your water bills.

Like most waterless motorhome wash and wax products, it will leave a slightly greasy layer once I finish using it. This product’s wax layer is better than most wash and wax products, but it will still only last around two weeks maximum.
What We Like
  • Efficiently lifts and removes dirt without using water
  • Ideal for use as a separate polish and wax
  • Allow uses on wet surfaces
  • Boasts of a long-lasting coating
  • Completely biodegradable and saves gallons of water
What We Don’t Like
  • Leaves a slightly greasy layer of wax on the surface
This cleaning product is the same as the ones used by the US military, navy, and even on the Air Force One and the Marine One, so there is no reason why you would not want it for your RV.

4. Star Brite 71500 RV Wash & Wax

By far, this Star Brite RV wash & wax is the most economical car wash product that I know of. I only need to dilute a couple of capfuls of the solution in a large bucket of water, yet that is enough to clean and protect a 20-foot RV. I doubt that I would be able to use up the gallon container’s entire content for an entire year.

Even though you will need to dilute this cleaning product, it is still strong enough to deal with stubborn dirt and stains. I have great success using it on dried tree sap, bird droppings, and other tough stains. For even tougher, deep-seated dirt, I suggest that you dab a bit of the concentrated cleaner on the trouble spot and give it a little scrub.

What is even more surprising about this travel trailer wash and wax is that even though it is incredibly tough on dirt, it will not remove any existing wax coating or harm any vinyl decals that you might have on your RV. I have quite a collection of bumper stickers at the back of my RV, and they remain beautiful after I use this cleaning product multiple times.

This product is also a real time-saver. Aside from being the most affordable RV cleaner for fiberglass, you can also safely use it on all exterior parts of an RV. It does not matter if the surface is paint, fiberglass, or even EPDM rubber roofs. The Star Brite wash and wax can clean it without causing any damage.

The only thing that I wish was better was the wax additive. The wax that came with this product was not as shiny as I hope it would be, and it only lasted for around two weeks or so.
What We Like
  • Economical – a couple of capfuls to clean an entire RV
  • Tough on dirt and grime
  • You can use it undiluted for tough stains
  • Safe to use on all interior and exterior surfaces of the RV
  • Not damage vinyl decals and stickers
What We Don’t Like
  • The wax additive is not as shiny as expected
Even though you will not be getting a showroom shine, the Starbrite RV wash and wax is still a good choice for the regular cleaning and maintenance of your RV.

5. Camco 40493 Pro-Strength Wash and Wax

I tried the Camco 40493 Pro-Strength Wash and Wax for one of my RVs cleaning, and this product performed beyond my expectations. Instead of an entire day, I finished washing my RV in just a couple of hours. It left my RV incredibly clean and shiny.

The secret of this fantastic cleaning product is the carnauba wax additive. In truth, its cleaning agents gently lift off the dirt and dust away from surfaces without causing damage to the clear coat or gel-coat of the RV.

Another time-saving feature is that you do not even need to buff the just-cleaned surface to make it shine. After rinsing away the soap, the cleaning product leaves a thin layer of carnauba wax on the surface. It is the reason why any surface treated by this product looks glossy.

Aside from that, the carnauba wax also happens to be a hydrophobic surface, which means it is waterproof. Any water that hits the RV will not form beads. Instead, it will form sheets that will fall off the edges. Such a feature prevents watermarks from appearing on the surface, especially after it rains.

Still, there is a minor issue with the wax component. Although the wax layer is glossy enough for regular use, it did not last longer than I hope it would have.
What We Like
  • Significantly reduces the cleaning time and no buffing required
  • Shines the surface of the RV effectively
  • Features a wax layer that protects the surface from corrosion
  • Provides a surface for rainwater to run off the side of your RV
What We Don’t Like
  • The shiny wax layer is not that long-lasting
Although the wax layer that this product leaves behind does not last quite as long as the ones offered by other brands, for me, the convenience it provides is still worth the compromise.

6. Thetford 32517 1-gallon RV Wash and Wax

One thing I genuinely find impressive about the Thetford wash and wax is its proven versatility. Unlike other cleaning products where you have to be careful where you use them, this wash and wax agent is safe for fiberglass, painted surfaces, chrome, and even EPDM rubber roofs.

Speaking of saving time, I also like that this two-in-one product produces impressive results. I use my fair share of different wash and wax products, and it seems like most of them do not even contain the wax they claim to have. This Thetford product is different, though, as the wax layer it leaves behind has a deep shine.

The wax coating is not just for boating a sleek look. It acts as a protective layer that prevents the paint or fiberglass underneath from extensive damage.

The wax layer is also extremely hydrophobic, meaning it repels water. For instance, when it rains, the water will not bead on top of the paint. It will form into sheets and flow off the wax surface. Such a function means no unsightly watermarks and less frequent washing.

This product is also quite economical. A gallon of this stuff is more than enough to last an entire year of cleaning. In my case, I often just dilute around half a cup of this concentrated wash and wax to two gallons of clean water.

More importantly, this cleaner is also so sudsy that it can gently lift off the dirt and dust from the surface upon contact. Thus, I find no micro-scratches left on the surface of the paint of my RV.

The only gripe that I have with this cleaning product is that I need a bit of elbow grease to get the surface’s stubborn dirt off. I suggest that you spot treat the trouble areas with undiluted cleaner before doing the rest of the RV.
What We Like
  • A versatile product for multiple surface materials
  • Boasts of a one-step formulation to fasten the cleaning process
  • Leaves a shiny wax coating comparable to separate products
  • Leaves behind a hydrophobic wax coating to resist water
  • A little goes a long way
What We Don’t Like
  • Requires a bit of elbow grease for tough dirt
The Thetford brand has always been synonymous with quality, and this cleaning product certainly lives up to its pedigree, so make sure to at least give it a try.

7. Gel-Gloss 32-oz. RV Cleaner and Wax

I always hate dealing with the black streaks left on the surface of my RV after a couple of days of rain. However, the first time I used this product, it effortlessly cut through the black streaks and the other particularly tough surface dirt and stains. I am so glad I trusted the many positive Gel-gloss RV cleaner and wax reviews.

However, even though this product is quite tough on dirt and stains, it is also gentle enough not to strip away the wax that you previously applied on the surface. With that in mind, you have an assurance that aside from cleaning your RV, it can also bolster the protection left behind when you last washed it.

Speaking of the wax, this product contains carnauba wax, one of the best commercially available vehicle waxes that one can buy today. The great thing about carnauba wax is that it is safe to use on any surface, from boats to RVs. With that, you can wash it anywhere you like without causing severe damages whatsoever.

When using this product, I love that I am doing my part in protecting the environment because it is entirely biodegradable. Unlike some concentrated soaps and detergents that can harm nature, this one does not contain harsh chemicals that will cause pollution.

The only thing that I am not fond of is the amount of sheen that the wax coating provides. Although this product does contain carnauba wax, it is not enough to give a deep shine that you usually get from separate waxes.
What We Like
  • Gets rid of black streaks easily
  • Does not strip away the existing wax coating
  • Contains carnauba wax
  • Completely biodegradable and safe for the environment
  • Can be used on both RV, boats, and any surface
What We Don’t Like
  • Does not provide a deep enough shine
Although you will not get the same kind of showroom shine that you often receive from separate waxes, it is still an economical wash and wax that is great for regular cleaning and maintenance.

8. Camco 40922 32-oz. Wash & Wax Cleaner

Although this Camco RV wash and wax is primarily for boats, you can still expect it to work well on RVs because they both contain the same materials anyway.

Another reason why I like the Camco Armada wash and wax cleaner is that it is a great time-saving tool. This product cuts the time spent by more than half because I can wash and wax the RV exterior simultaneously.

This wash and wax cleaner solution works hard to remove dirt and grime on the surface of the RV, but the great thing is that it does not strip away the existing wax coating from the last time you had your RV washed. It even does the opposite. It replenishes the existing wax with a coating of fresh carnauba wax, thus keeping the surface at least as shiny as before.

I am very particular when it comes to products that I use to wash my vehicles. It is mainly because there is a creek running just beside my property. I also have a couple of pets at home, so it is crucial for me to make sure that everything I use on my RV is non-toxic. With that, I will have peace of mind knowing that my pets will be unharmed, in case they accidentally drink the runoff from washing the RV.

I have with it that the wax layer is not as hydrophobic compared to the ones you get from other brands. You might need to dry off the surface as soon as you can, or else you will leave water spots on the surface.
What We Like
  • Works well to remove dirt and stains on the surface of the RV
  • Effective for use on all material surfaces
  • Cuts the washing time of RVs by more than half
  • Protects and replenishes the existing wax layer
  • Completely non-toxic and save to use around pets
What We Don’t Like
  • Requires thorough drying of the surface to prevent the formation of water spots
Although this product has a few minor kinks, it is still one of the best wash and wax cleaners that you can buy today, so it is undoubtedly worth trying.

9. Bio-Kleen M01109 Super Suds RV Wash

This specific RV wash lives up to its name, which is the Bio-Kleen Super Suds. It seems to produce an incredible amount of suds, making it an effective cleaning product. For added efficiency, it creates a lot of thick foam that lifts dirt and grime away from the surface of the RV, so you do not have to scrub quite as much.

Because it cleans so gently yet thoroughly, this car washing does not leave any swirl marks or haziness on your RV surface. Since my vehicle has a shiny polish layer, the cleaning product must excel at cleaning yet protecting the beautiful coating.

In truth, instead of removing existing wax, the Bio-Kleen Super Suds contains polymers that get left behind after rinsing the soap. This vehicle wash adds even more wax to what is already on the surface to provide even more protection for the paint surface.

The most important feature of this product for me is that it is environmentally friendly. I find the non-toxic quality important because I have a small body of water in my property, and I do not want anything damaging to seep into it.

However, although it provides an additional polymer layer on top of the existing wax coating, I find it not quite as shiny as I would have liked.
What We Like
  • Produces a lot of suds that effectively lift dirt and stains
  • Cleans gently and does not strip away the existing polish
  • Adds synthetic polymers to enhance the existing wax coating
  • Does not leave any swirl marks or micro-scratches on the paint
  • Safe to use for your surrounding environments
What We Don’t Like
  • Does not provide an impressive shiny surface
Even though this product will not give your RV a deep shine, it is still an exceptional choice as it will not damage the paint surface.

10. Walbernize One-Step Wash and Wax

Due to my experiences, I trust that any cleaning product that Airstream endorses will surely be good. This best RV wash and wax for aluminum siding is an easy way to keep your RV always looking like new.

For most RV-owners, the cleaning agent that leaves behind a shiny wax layer is what they look for. If that is the case for you, purchasing this one makes excellent sense. It is not just your usual maintenance cleaning product, but a true professional detailing cleaner.

The wax coating left behind by this one-step wash and wax is quite good that it can pass for a professional-grade wax. As mentioned earlier, this cleaning product comes with a wax additive that remains after rinsing away the soap. Unlike other wash and wax cleaners, Walbernize leaves a deep shine that will make your RV look just like new.

Another thing that I like about the Walbernize wash and wax cleaner is that it is highly economical. Note that it is a highly concentrated cleaning product. You will need to mix 6 ounces to a gallon of water, and it will be enough to clean an entire 20-foot RV easily. I believe that this half-gallon will last for at least an entire year of average use.

The best thing about this product is that the wax coating is not only for show but is also a hydrophobic shield. It means that water will not bead on top of the finish, but will form sheets and run off the RV edge instead. If water cannot remain on top of this wax finish, neither will dirt or grime, so you will need to wash your RV less frequently as before.

There is only one minor inconvenience that it is not ideal for use in hot climates. If you let this stuff dry up on the surface, it will leave a chalky residue that can be tricky to get rid of. Hence, I often either use it during an overcast afternoon or park my RV in the shade before washing it with this product.
What We Like
  • Endorsed and sold by the highly reputable Airstream
  • Leaves a wax coating that gets shinier during use
  • A hydrophobic wax to prevent watermarks and light oxidation damage
  • Highly economical – Just a few capfuls diluted in a gallon of water for each use
  • Does not leave any swirl mark or haze on the clear coat
What We Don’t Like
  • Not intended for hot climates as it dries up quickly
This product is as close to professional-grade RV detailing cleaners as you can get. Although you do need to be careful when using it, that extra bit of effort will be well worth it.

11. McKee’s 37 RV MKRV-151 Wash & Wax

The selling point of McKee’s wash and wax is that it contains genuine carnauba wax. In my opinion, it is one of the few wash and wax cleaners that provides a high-gloss finish almost equivalent to what professional wax products can provide. If you want to make your RV look as if it just rolled out of the dealership, then this product is what you need.

The shiny wax finish is not the only thing that is great about it. The cleaner can produce a thick lather for easy lifting away most loose dirt and stains on the paint’s surface due to its high concentration.

Other than requiring less scrubbing, the highly-concentrated formula can afford fewer to no swirl marks or micro-scratches left on the surface of the clear coat. This product works so efficiently that you do not need to scrub even if used with a foam gun.

Just leave the suds on the surface for a couple of minutes, then rinse off using a slightly high-pressure water hose. The carnauba wax finish is hydrophobic, so your RV exterior does not absorb moisture then grow mold and mildew.

Unlike other cleaning products, McKee’s wash and wax do not contain harsh butyl alcohols and detergents. It is gentle enough that it does not strip away any wax coating on the RV surface, but instead deposits even more to replenish and revitalize the existing finish. Surprisingly, the more I use this product, the shinier my RV surface gets.

The only thing that you need to remember is that you need to wash your RV in sections to prevent this soap from drying up and leaving unsightly deposits on the surface. It is best to park your RV somewhere shady so that the soap will not dry quite as quickly.
What We Like
  • Leaves a high-gloss shine
  • Creates a thick lather that requires little to no scrubbing
  • Leaves a hydrophobic coating, thus mildew and mold growth
  • Gentle as it contains no harsh butyl alcohols and detergents
  • The high-gloss finish comes naturally
What We Don’t Like
  • Should not be used under direct sunlight
The almost effortless glossy finish left behind by McKee’s wash and wax is a reason enough for you to at least give it a try. It is as near perfect as you can get.

12. Duragloss 542 RV Cleaner

If you have an older RV with stubborn mildew stains, you should try using Duragloss RV cleaner and mildew buster. After a few tries, I find out that the Duragloss542 model can clean RV surfaces and disinfect and remove stains left behind by mold and mildew.

Mold and mildew stains are quite common in RVs because there are so many parts that can retain water and serve as a breeding ground for fungi. Using this product removes the stains left behind by mildew and kills any remaining spores so that you will never have to deal with it again.

Aside from mildew stains, this cleaning product can also eliminate oxidation stains, bug splatters, bird droppings, leaf stains, and other difficult dirt and blemishes. It contains efficient surfactants that penetrate deep inside the clear coat and lift stubborn stains and dirt away from the surface. Hence, it often takes me less time to finish cleaning my RV.

Besides effectively cleaning RV exterior, this one does an excellent job with my RV awnings too. In truth, the mildew fighting agents did a great job at removing all fungi’ traces in the fabric, but without damaging the waterproof surface.

The only issue that I have with this product is the way it smells. I do not know for sure if this product contains bleach, but it smells like it does. I highly advise using it in a well-ventilated area or wearing a mask to keep the fumes away.
What We Like
  • Works incredibly well against mold and mildew stains
  • Effective against oxidation stains, bug splatters, bird droppings, leaf stains, and other difficult blemishes.
  • Contains efficient surfactants for shorter cleaning time
  • A versatile product for use on RV awnings and more
What We Don’t Like
  • Has a bleach-like smell
If you can get past the chemical smell, you can get yourself a very potent cleaning product that is rough on dirt and stains and gentle on the gloss finish of your RV.

Best RV Washes and Waxes Buyer Guide

best-rv-cleaner

Because there are many different brands and types to choose from, finding that one RV wash and wax that will fit your needs can be somewhat tricky. However, if you break down the characteristics that make for a good product, then consider those factors, your search will be much easier.

To help you while shopping, here are some of the details that you need to keep an eye out for:

Price – You will be getting the kind of product that you paid for, so you should not set your budget for an RV wash too low. Using the cheapest vehicle wash shampoo may lead to severe paint damage in the long run.

On the other hand, you do not need to purchase the most expensive ones at all. Note that you can find many low-priced RV exterior cleaning products in the middle of the road while still doing a respectable job at cleaning.

The point here is that you should not set a budget that is too low, nor should you get a cleaning product just because it is expensive. Start your search in the median-priced brands. You may find something that works well without investing too much.

The protection provided – A vehicle wash is supposed to clean the surface of the RV and protect against the elements. A good wash and wax, as the name suggests, should also contain wax additives that will remain on the surface after you rinse away the soap. The wax will give the surface of the paint a nice and deep shine.

It also needs to protect against dirt and stains, meaning they would not stick onto the surface. Moreover, the wax should provide ample protection against the UV rays of the sun. Keep in mind that prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause severe discoloration.

Polishing capability – Aside from detergent and wax, a good RV wash should also have non-abrasive polishing compounds that can help you get rid of shallow and small scratches. Although they are not as effective as true paint polishers, your choice should at least do a respectable job at making the surface smoother than it was before.

Ease of use – You are shopping for a good RV wash and wax because you want to save time and energy when cleaning your recreational vehicle. It defeats your purpose when you buy a car wash and wax that needs lots of preparation and specialized tools to use.

The vehicle shampoo should also be easy to apply and rinse off or needs a little bit of water to take the soap suds away from the surface of your RV. You can even find some RV cleaning products that do not need any water at all.

Ideally, the car wash and wax you buy will need no more than a wash mop to use properly. It should also buff easily. It would even be more helpful to go for one that comes out shiny when you dry off the surface.

Size – How often do you wash your RV? Once a week? Once a month? However, you frequently clean your RV and buy an RV wash and wax that comes in a large enough bottle. Get enough of the cleaning product that you do not have to go shopping for a new bottle of car shampoo every week or so.

Also, most of the time, you can save more by buying RV wash and wax in bulk rather than buying them in small batches. Even if there are still many cleaning products left over, you can store it for years without it losing any of its effectiveness.

How Many Types of Wash and Wax for RV Are There

Do you want to find out what your choices of RV wash and wax products are? Then here are the different types that seem to work well for RVs:

Concentrated – Concentrated car shampoos are the most common cleaning product that you will find in any auto supply store. It is commonly used for maintenance washing. It means it is usually just for getting rid of any dirt and dust that settled on your RV.

However, you can access some concentrated vehicle shampoos that are more heavy-duty in the sense that they can remove tough dirt and stains. However, if you will be using this type, you need to follow up with a good wax to provide a protective layer that the heavy-duty soap is stripped off.

Wash and Wax – This type is a step up from the basic car shampoo. Instead of just washing the paint’s surface, it also leaves a wax additive behind after rinsing off the soap.

Although it is not as good as applying a separate layer of wax after washing the RV, it is a faster and more convenient way to keep your RV paint in top condition. Keep in mind that the polish that came with these kinds of products will only last for a week or two, so you must use it quite frequently.

Waterless – A waterless wash uses high lubricity chemicals that encapsulate the dirt and grime on the paint’s surface so that you can easily wipe them off with a clean rag.

However, if your RV is even just moderately dirty, a waterless car wash will not work that well. Such a camper wash and wax is ideal for light dust, like when you have left your RV in your parking garage for a month or so.

How Do RV Washes and Waxes Work

These products work the same way as regular car shampoos. The soap part of the product loosens up and lifts the dirt away from the paint job’s surface. However, it does not stop there.

A good car wash and wax also leaves a thin film of wax on the surface after you rinse the soap off the vehicle. This thin layer will help by providing a shield that protects against the sun’s harmful UV rays. It can also prevent dust and dirt from sticking onto the surface.

However, the wax finish left behind by many brands of RV wash and wax cleaners is not quite as durable. Even at times, it does not look quite as good as the finish left by a separate wax. RV wash and wax cleaning products are usually only good for touch up cleaning, not for full-on RV detailing.

You will notice that the shine left behind by the wash and wax will start to fade after a week or so. If you use a proper wax and polish, your RV will gleam for months, requiring only occasional dusting and buffing.

However, it does not necessarily mean that wash and wax products are no good. It even works great if you do not have enough free time even during the weekends to get your RV ready for your next camping trip. It is a good way to give your RV a nice and shiny look in less than half of the time it would take you to detail your vehicle completely.

Who Makes the Best Wash and Wax for RV

Although there are many RV wash and wax cleaning products available at present, I consider only a handful of them as among the best. Among the trusted brands in this area are Gel-Gloss, Meguiar, Aero Cosmetics, Star Brite, Camco, Thetford, Bio-Kleen, Walbernize, McKee’s, and Duragloss.

If you spot any of the mentioned brands on the shelves when you are out shopping for an RV, I highly recommend that you give them a try.

What Can I Use to Clean My Fiberglass RV

The great thing about fiberglass is that it is more forgiving than just plain gloss-painted surface, so you can use more aggressive and somewhat abrasive detergents. If you will be giving your RV a thorough cleaning from top to bottom, you can use liquid laundry detergent.

However, you should use an RV fiberglass cleaner specifically formulated for fiberglass surfaces. Just remember that you will need to restore the gel-coat of the fiberglass using restoration products. If you do not do this crucial step, your RV finish will look dull and not that appealing.

How to Use Gel-Gloss RV Wash and Wax

You can use gel-gloss wash and wax the same way you would any regular car shampoo. First, rinse the entire camper to remove most of the dust and dirt on the RV surface.

Next, depending on the brand of cleaner you are using, you may need to dilute the soap and wax product in a bucket of water, or spray it on the surface you will be cleaning. Use a wash mop to scrub the surface to loosen up the caked-on dirt and grime on the surface. Make sure to start on the roof so that you will not need to trouble yourself with streaking down the sides of your RV.

After you finish cleaning the RV roof, you will need to rinse it thoroughly with clean water. Dry it off using a dry wash mop. After you finish doing the roof, you can continue with the sides. Do the same steps that you used on the roof.

After drying the sides of the RV, you can use a buffer to polish lightly and make the wax layer shine a bit. However, do not expect the deep kind of shine that you get from a real wax job.

How to Clean the Outside of a Camper Trailer

The first thing you need to do when washing the exterior of an RV or a camper is to rinse off any loose dirt and dust on the surface using a regular garden hose. Do not scrub yet as the fine particles will act as an abrasive and leave tiny scratch marks all over the paint and gel-coat of the RV.

After rinsing, use your choice of vehicle shampoo or wash and wax. It is best to wash your RV in sections to avoid dealing with soap getting baked into the paint surface. Once you have completed washing and drying all the RV panels, you can use a buffing machine to make the wax shine.

If you used a car shampoo only, use a dedicated paint wax product, or a gel-coat restoration product for fiberglass to provide a protective layer that will protect the paint underneath from fading, and give a gleaming finish.

How to Wash an RV With a Pressure Washer

A typical gas-powered power washer can force out water through its nozzle with a pressure of 3,000 psi. On the other hand, an electric washer can produce up to 2,600 psi. Both pressures are not suitable for use on an RV.

If you were to try and use these kinds of pressure washers on your RV, it is greatly possible that along with the dirt, you will also strip away the gel coating, any vinyl stickers you pass along the way, and the silicone caulking in the windows and vents.

Using a pressure washer on an RV with a rubber roof will also wreck the surface. If you are keen on getting a pressure washer for your RV, get one rated for 1,200 psi, or 1,300 psi at the maximum. However, even though it is considerably weaker, you should still not use it on the rubber roof, around the windows and vents, on stickers, and other things that might peel off.

To put it simply, you should not even think of using a high-pressure washer on your RV, or on any of your vehicles for that matter. You will only create more expensive problems than solving them. Just stick to the wash mop and soapy water. It might be slower, but you will not damage your RV in the process.

Care and Maintenance

The great thing about RV wash and wax cleaning products is that you can store them for many years, and they will still work fine. However, to be on the safe side, check the manufacturer’s recommendation, which you can usually find printed on the product label.

On average, though, you can store leftover RV wash and wax for at least a year or two. Just make sure to screw on the cap securely, and have the container stored away from direct sunlight.

If you notice that the product has split, just give the container a good shake, and the ingredients should emulsify once more. If the contents remain separated even after you shook the container, the product is already past its usable lifespan.

Other RV Wash and Wax Products We Reviewed

Chemical Guys CWS207 Body Wash & Wax

This wash-and-wax product comes with a high lubricity formula to lift off most dirt and stains. It can also brighten the color quite a bit.

Key Features:

  • Boasts of a pH-balanced formulation that will not strip nor fade paint
  • Has a slick formulation that will not cause any scratches
  • Suitable for use with a foam gun for additional soap suds

Meguiar’s M5401 1-gal Marine/RV Gel Wash

This gel coat wash is specifically made to deal with tough stains and dirt without harming the paint and the gel coat.

Key Features:

  • Can deal with extremely tough dirt and stains
  • Boasts of a biodegradable formulation, making it safe for the environment
  • Comes in a cost-effective one-gallon package, which is the perfect size for large vehicles like boats and RVs

STAR BRITE Concentrated and Biodegradable Premium RV Wash

This product is just an RV wash but formulated so that it will not strip existing wax coating and the gel coat.

Key Features:

  • Needs only a few capfuls of the concentrated soap to clean an entire RV
  • Can get rid of tough dirt and stains, like road grime, tree sap, bird droppings, and more
  • Safe for all RV surfaces and will not strip away the existing wax coating

All American Car Care Products Wash & Wax Concentrate

This product is ideal for cleaning vehicles and leaving a protective coating afterward. If you want to keep your RV sparkling clean, it is the product you want to use.

Key Features:

  • Leaves a high-gloss wax shine comparable to branded dedicated waxes
  • Produces a lot of foam that gently lifts dirt and grime
  • Cleans and conditions the paint without stripping off the existing wax

Aero Cosmetics 144-oz. Wet or Waterless Car Wash Wax Kit

If the military, navy, and big corporations use a cleaning product to keep their vehicles clean and sparkling, you can be sure that you have something high-quality in your hands.

Key Features:

  • Can work as a waterless car wash, or wax for your just washed vehicle
  • Completely water-based without any acids, alcohol, and ammonium
  • Helps clean your RV anywhere you are

Gel-Gloss GG-64 RV Polish and Protector

This product is perfect for you if your RV is mostly fiberglass. It can help make your vehicle look several years younger.

Key Features:

  • Gently yet thoroughly polishes the surface of fiberglass to get rid of the toughest stains
  • Revitalizes the fiberglass underneath the gel-coating; makes colors brighter
  • Contains carnauba wax for a deep shine that lasts a long time

B.E.S.T. 1220.1339 60128 Wash and Wax Concentrate

If you are always in a hurry, but you want your RV to remain clean and shiny, then you will need this product in your life.

Key Features:

  • One-step RV wash, shine and protect as it does not require additional and separate steps for each
  • Highly concentrated and produces a lot of foam for more efficient cleaning
  • Saves a lot of time as it cleans and shines up your RV in half the time it usually takes

MEGUIAR’S G17701 Ultimate Wash & Wax

Meguiar’s is one of the most recognizable names when it comes to vehicle cleaning and detailing products, and this ultimate wash and wax certainly lives up to its pedigree.

Key Features:

  • Contains synthetic polymers that will not damage the clear coat
  • Has carnauba wax additives that provide a deep and long-lasting shine
  • pH neutral, so it will not strip any wax coating that is on the surface

Conclusion

If you are looking for a quick and easy way to keep your camper trailer clean and shiny, you need to shop around for the best RV wash and wax. However, this kind of product will not produce a finish that is quite as shiny as when you use actual wax products after washing the RV in return for convenience and time savings.

Also, the wax coating will only last a week or so (after which, you will need to rewash your RV). If you are okay with not having a showroom shine, which is not something that many RV owners are interested in any way, then using a good quality wash and wax is more than enough.

5/5 - (3 votes)