10 essential Motorhome cleaning and maintenance tips to prepare for summer

Summer approaches… Long-awaited getaways come round on the calendar, and ideas of spending lots of quality time in your motorhome start to bloom. However, before you set off on that first coastal retreat, countryside ramble or urban exploration of the year, a thorough spring clean and check-up of your vehicle is essential. 

For more than 60 years, we’ve been helping UK tourers get road ready at Don Amott. Drawing on that experience, plus additional advice from trusted sources like the National Caravan Council (NCC) and the Camping and Caravanning Club, this edition of our blog presents 10 essential cleaning and maintenance tips so you can get your motorhome properly primed for the summer ahead. Consider it ‘summerisation’ – the perfect balance to the process of winterisation! 

Exterior clean

• Exterior clean: Begin by taking a full walk around the vehicle, paying attention to areas such as seals, roof and vents plus bodywork. Winter in the UK can be somewhat unforgiving, so ice, snow and moisture can compromise seals or crack trim, which will lead to water ingress. You should only use purpose-made motorhome cleaners and not general domestic household products, which can strip protective layers or even fade the paintwork.  

• Top tip: Don’t forget the roof, especially if you store the motorhome under trees. Moss build-up can lead to trapped moisture – and therefore damage over time. 

Interior deep clean

• Interior deep clean: Inside the motorhome, open windows and roof lights to air out the living space. Check curtains, cushions and upholstery for damp patches or mildew. According to the Camping & Caravanning Club, moisture left untreated can escalate into damp repairs, which can prove costly. Use your vacuum cleaner and then wipe down all surfaces, paying special attention to soft furnishings and hidden corners. Use motorhome cleaning products and treat upholstery with fabric protectors if needed. 

• Top tip: Don’t forget to clean the fridge cupboards, and drawers. Any leftover crumbs or residues can quickly lead to unpleasant odours – or worse, insects or rodents. Leave the fridge door ajar to air out after you’ve cleaned it. 

Water system refresh

• Water system refresh: Your motorhome’s freshwater system could be harbouring more than just stale water. Tanks left stagnant over winter can develop biofilm and bacteria within just a few weeks. You should flush your water system thoroughly using a cleaning product designed for leisure vehicles. Run water through each tap and inspect them for leaks or discoloured water. 

• Top tip: After flushing your system, fill with fresh water and run again to rinse out any cleaning residue. Always drain down again if you’re not intending to use the motorhome immediately. 

Tyres

• Tyres: Prolonged standing can lead to flat spots, sidewall cracking and deflation of your tyres. Even if they appear to be intact, tyres over six years old should be professionally inspected per DVSA safety guidelines. Check the pressure against your motorhome manufacturer’s specification (this is usually found on the driver-side door or handbook), and don’t forget the spare!  

• Top tip: Consider investing in tyre covers to protect against UV degradation during summer.

Engine, fluids and battery health

• Engine, fluids and battery health: Give your motorhome’s mechanical systems some attention. Check oil, brake fluid, screen wash and coolant levels. If you haven’t run the engine periodically during the winter, your battery may even have discharged (especially if it wasn’t removed or maintained with a trickle charger. Ensure any solar panels are clean and free from obstructions. Dirty panels can reduce output by up to 20%, impacting your leisure battery’s recharge, especially when parked off-grid. Only use recommended cleaner on solar panels. 

• Top tip: The team at Don Amott’s on-site NCC-approved Service Centre can perform a full pre-season mechanical health check. 

Ventilation Systems

• Ventilation Systems: A musty smell is a common complaint after a period of winter storage for a motorhome. Clean extractor fans, roof lights and air-con filters will all help to ensure good airflow and reduce the risk of mould.  

• Top tip: Use a mild antibacterial cleaner to sort out the air-con filters, and test that the unit runs effectively. This is especially important if you’re planning long summer trips or heading to southern Europe. 

Alarms, gas & fire equipment

• Alarms, gas & fire equipment: Safety equipment often goes unnoticed until it’s too late. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, replacing batteries where needed. The NCC advises checking the expiry date on your fire extinguisher every year (many only have a five-year lifespan, so it’s important that yours stays within this window).  

• Top tip: Gas systems should be professionally inspected for leaks or regulator faults. If you’re unsure, Don Amott’s technicians are fully qualified to carry out gas safety checks. 

Tech and connectivity

• Tech and connectivity: Modern motorhomes are often more connected than ever. Before you set off on your trip you should make sure your sat-nav maps are up to date and compatible with motorhome routing (ie. to avoid low bridges or unsuitable roads). For families, stable connectivity can make all the difference to a holiday or break – especially if there are teens aboard. 

• Top tip: If you rely on mobile data, test your WiFi booster or router, as signal can vary in rural or coastal spots.

Accessories

• Summer accessories can transform a trip – from shady awnings to thermal window blinds that block out the morning sun. Solar kits are increasingly popular for off-grid touring, and upgraded fans can keep air circulating in even the hottest weather. 

• Top tip: Our Don Amott accessory megastore stocks a full range of seasonal essentials, with expert fitting available on-site if required. 

Professional service

• Professional service: Even if your motorhome seems in good shape, a professional service offers reassurance before a long summer tour. The DVSA recommends regular servicing for both road safety and habitation health, especially for vehicles that are only used seasonally.  

• Top tip: At Don Amott, our expert team provides full mechanical and habitation services tailored for the summer season. From brake checks to sealant inspections and appliance servicing, we cover all the critical points you might overlook. 

Preparing a motorhome for summer is about more than just a quick ‘wipe and tidy’. With a bit more effort it’s a way to ensure comfort on the road and travel with confidence. It’s also a genuine chance to protect your investment. Aside from the things listed in this blog that you can do yourself, Don Amott’s team is here to help you with everything from seasonal servicing to essential accessories ahead of your summer break. Get in touch about our Service Centre or shop online today.