How to Conquer RV Cleaning: Money-Saving Eco-Friendly Recipes for a Sparkling Home on Wheels

Aug 5
4 min read

Living in an RV can be one of life's great adventures, providing you with opportunities to explore beautiful landscapes and enjoy nature. However, along with this freedom comes the challenge of keeping your living space clean and comfortable. Limited space can make messes seem overwhelming, and traditional cleaning supplies can take up too much room. Imagine if you could have a clean RV using eco-friendly, budget-friendly solutions made from items you probably already have at home. In this post, we will share easy recipes for window cleaner, toilet cleaner, all-purpose cleaner, and dish detergent that will keep your RV sparkling clean without breaking the bank.

The Benefits of Eco-Friendly Cleaners

Before diving into our cleaning product recipes, let’s explore why eco-friendly cleaning solutions are a fantastic option for RV living.

Safety for Your Family: Homemade cleaners lack the harsh chemicals found in commercial products, making them safer for your family and reducing the risk of skin irritation or allergic reactions.
Environmental Impact: Biodegradable ingredients ensure that when cleaning waste is disposed of, you’re not harming wildlife or contributing to pollution.
Cost-Effective: DIY cleaners can save you significant money. For instance, vinegar and baking soda cost only a few dollars and can be used in multiple recipes, while a single commercial cleaner often costs over $10.

1. Money-Saving Window Cleaner Recipe

Keeping your RV windows clean improves visibility and enhances your overall living space. An effective and inexpensive window cleaner can be made using everyday ingredients.

Ingredients:

2 cups of water
1/2 cup of white vinegar
1/4 cup of rubbing alcohol (70% solution)
Fresh Thyme - 4 - 6 sprigs - optional

Instructions:

In a spray bottle, mix the water, white vinegar, and rubbing alcohol.
Bruise thyme slightly to release oils, and then add it to the mix if you desire antimicrobial or mood lifter scent (optional).
Shake & let set for 24 hours if you've added the thyme before using.
Shake well to thoroughly combine the ingredients if you did not use thyme.
Spray the solution onto your windows and wipe with a microfiber cloth for a streak-free finish. You can also use a lint-free cloth or crumpled newspaper.

Tip:

For tough stains like bird droppings or hard water spots, let the solution sit for one minute to soften the grime before wiping.

Eye-level view of a sparkling clean RV window — A sparkling clean RV window reflecting greenery.

2. Eco-Friendly Toilet Cleaner

Maintaining a clean toilet in your RV is essential for hygiene and comfort. This natural toilet cleaner effectively tackles stains without damaging your plumbing.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup of baking soda
1 cup of white vinegar
10 drops of essential oil (optional for fragrance, such as tea tree or lavender)

Instructions:

Sprinkle baking soda inside the toilet bowl.
Pour the vinegar over the baking soda to create a fizzing reaction.
Allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes to break down stains and odors.
Scrub with a toilet brush and flush.

Tip:

Adding essential oils can enhance the cleaner’s antibacterial properties and provide a pleasant scent—perfect for small spaces.

Small bathroom with white cabinets, sink, and toilet. A green plant sits on a wood countertop. Natural light from a window creates a fresh ambiance.

3. DIY Dish Detergent

Doing dishes in an RV can be quick and effortless with this simple dish detergent. It is tough on grease and gentle on your dishes.

Ingredients:

1 cup of liquid castile soap
1 cup of water
10 drops of lemon essential oil (optional)

Instructions:

In a squeeze bottle or jar, mix the liquid castile soap and water.
Add lemon essential oil for a refreshing scent and improved grease-fighting power.
Shake well, and your dish detergent is ready to use!

Tip:

This detergent is versatile and can also be used to clean other surfaces, making it a great multi-purpose option.

Close-up view of homemade dish detergent in a bottle — A close-up view of homemade dish detergent ready for RV cleaning.

4. General Cleaner for All Surfaces

A reliable all-purpose cleaner is essential for total RV cleanliness. This recipe works on various surfaces, from countertops to tables.

Ingredients:

2 cups of water
2 cup of white vinegar
10 drops of your favorite essential oil or use 5 drops tea tree oil (purifies & disinfects), 10 drops of lemon oil (cuts through grime), and 2 tsp of doTerra OnGuard Cleaner Concentrate (Wild orange, clove, cinnamon, eucalyptus and rosemary - cleans & disinfects).

Instructions:

In a spray bottle, mix the water and vinegar. If desired, you can use all vinegar.
If desired, add essential oil for fragrance and shake well.
Spray on surfaces needing a clean, and wipe down with a cloth.

Tip:

For tough stains, let the cleaner sit for a few minutes before wiping for better results.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning your RV can be simple and affordable. By using these easy, money-saving recipes for eco-friendly cleaning products, you can maintain a healthy environment in your home on wheels. Embracing these practical solutions not only keeps your RV clean but also allows you to enjoy all your adventures without the stress of harsh chemicals or high costs.

Make the most of your journeys on the road while ensuring your RV is a welcoming and sparkling home. Happy cleaning, and may your travels be full of unforgettable memories!

Basic Supplies for Eco-Cleaning Products

From these products you can make everything from cleaning to laundry to skin and bath care products for pennies on the dollar. They'll also help with health by eliminating unwanted chemicals in the above mentioned products.