Even the best care doesn't change the fact that a motorhome needs to be washed thoroughly over time. You cannot do this task at home for various reasons.
But which washbasin is an alternative? Find out below!
Wash the motorhome at home? Better not!
If you have a large enough plot of land, you could come up with the idea of washing your own motorhome there without further ado. However, this decision can have very annoying consequences.
For example, washing cars and motorhomes on private property is prohibited in Germany. The same applies to public spaces such as roadsides and public car parks. This prohibition serves to protect the environment, and an offence will result in a fine.
The amount of the fine depends on the country or region.
It is therefore always worth checking with the relevant authorities and countries to find out whether washing your own vehicle on your own property or on public roads is permitted.
Lorry washes are not always suitable
As motorhomes are too large for conventional car washes, car washes for vans or lorries seem to be a suitable alternative. But there are pitfalls lurking here too.
A lorry, for example, can withstand much more than a motorhome with windows, ventilation slots and attachments. Water pressure, brushes and cleaning agents are therefore designed for robust vehicles and could damage your motorhome.
Nevertheless, it is sometimes possible to wash a motorhome in a facility for lorries. The prerequisite is that the system must, among other things
can be operated manually,
soft textile brushes,
and does not generate excessive water pressure.
If there is such a truck wash near you and the owner does not rule out cleaning motorhomes, the project could succeed.
Nevertheless, it is possible that motorhome manufacturers do not recommend washing in such a facility. You may find corresponding instructions in the mobile phone manual. In this case, it is better to look for an alternative.
Specialised car washes for motorhomes are the better choice
In fact, there are car washes that are adapted to the special features of motorhomes. They clean gently and are also the right size for safe entry and exit.
However, it is not necessarily easy to find a motorhome wash nearby, as such facilities have been few and far between. But maybe you're in luck: the Internet can help you find it!
Please also always use cleaning agents that are suitable for use on motorhomes. Your dealer will be happy to advise you on this.
Self-service washing stations are also an option
Gentle cleaning of the entire motorhome can of course also be done by hand. Many cities have self-service car washes for motorhomes and cars. There is a washing station for each vehicle, which is equipped with various utensils such as a high-pressure cleaner and foam brush.
When looking for a nearby car wash, make sure that it also offers spaces with a height suitable for motorhomes. This is not necessarily the case, but should be easy to recognise from the signage on site.
When using a self-service car wash for motorhomes, it is important to be careful with the high-pressure cleaner. Keeping a safe distance prevents water from penetrating the interior and causing damage.
Our tip: Due to the height, it is not always easy to clean the roof of the motorhome in a wash box. It is best to find out in advance whether hoists or ladders are available. However, always make sure you have a secure footing and, if in doubt, ask a second person for support. Please also inform yourself here about any applicable regulations for roof cleaning in your region.
You can find more tips in our guide to motorhome cleaning. Also, always make sure you use cleaning agents that are suitable for use on motorhomes. Your dealer will be happy to advise you on this.
Summary: Check thoroughly for suitability before washing
Not every wash bay is suitable for a motorhome. Those who thoroughly check in advance whether the selected system is suitable for the special needs of a motorhome will wash more safely.