Off Grid Van Washing, how do you do it?

[Next Stop]

Gave the van a good clean today off grid style, bought a 12v pressure washer from Lidl and with a few buckets of water I managed to give the van a reasonable clean.
Hosed off then sprayed with snow foam and went round with a cleaning mit and a bucket of clean water, then followed up with another hose down.

Quite pleased with the results and it got me wondering how do you guys clean your van when away from home?
<M>

 

[cmcardle75]

But where do you store the pressure washer if you're actually off grid?

 

[monzer]

I put a pump down storm drains.

 

[Next Stop]

But where do you store the pressure washer if you're actually off grid?

Its called a pressure washer but its more of a power lance, fits nicely in a small tool bag in the boot.
http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-5...0001&campid=5338547443&icep_item=143634263118

You wouldn't want to try and clean your patio with it but for a quick van wash or to clean off your muddy bikes it does a great job!

 

[PeteH]

Spanish Style. Wait till it rains, don wet gear. long brush and suds keep scrubbing, stand back and "god" does the hosing off. While this is going on, the Germans are Pissing themselves over the mad Englander!!. I give them Thumbs up, next thing 2 Germans and a Dutch guy, are doing the same!.

Sun comes out, beer all round.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[XxAnthxX]

Carefully......or the dirty soapy water might offend

Broken Link Removed

 

[DBK]

Very occasionally we've come across campsites with a MH washing point and in France there are a few vehicle washes attached to supermarkets which are designed to accommodate MHs.

But generally we leave the van as it is - the grime has a lot of history after a long trip. A shiny vehicle would suggest we haven't been anywhere.

The only bits I do regularly clean on a trip are the solar panels and the windscreen and bonnet area to remove flies.

 

[Chod Jacqui]

Staying on an aire a couple of years ago I watched a French couple clean their van using floor mop that came with a special bucket that spun the mop to remove the water so that it could also be used to remove the water from the washed van. They managed to wash their van with only three buckets of water. I was so impressed I bought one for about 30 Euros from a French supermarket. It has been used about five times whilst we have been abroad and we have always pleased with the results.

 

[Lenny HB]

Last year in Portugal van got covered in salt after a night on a clifftop in a gale. I went to an Aire with a Motorhome washing bay.

 

[bigwood]

I noticed you had a small helper. My small helper gets quite off if I ask her to help me wash our motorhome. Last time she said “You own it you wash it”. She has enough problems washing her Juke.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Next Stop]

I noticed you had a small helper. My small helper gets quite off if I ask her to help me wash our motorhome. Last time she said “You own it you wash it”. She has enough problems washing her Juke.

My small helper wants to help, tries to help, is of no help what so ever

 

[Winger]

Pre wash before MOT, what more would it need?

 

[bigwood]

My little helpers one and two required reward for helping. Ou son used to send his sister out to help but she learned very quickly that was a con involving more work than the rewards were worth.
I sometimes look at other vans on sites looking pristine and well polished. They only prove they can’t have been out much. Drive to nearest site and spend the week there. Boring and a mis use of a motorhome.

 

[Otter Spotter]

How do you get anyone to help wash, my wife runs a mile and says it’s got dirty because I drive it, she forgets she is sat inside.

 

[Northernraider]

Wait till it rains then give it a once over with a long handled small triangular microfibre mop.
I usually clean windscreen and bonnet etc daily ...the bit above the windscreen is usually the worst.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[poppycamper]

Pre wash before MOT, what more would it need?

Since when was dirty van mot failure???? Wash Windscreen when ye cannae see oot !! Sorted@@

 

[Reallyretired]

I think JJ should give us his valuable advice on this topic, with his reputation as domestic god.

 

[Nigel L]

When out I do as DBK, windscreen, mirrors and bonnet. If there’s been a heavy overnight dew, which we woke up to this morning, then all the flies come off a treat
normally my job whilst SWMBO is getting ready in the morning. Get dispatched with sponge, wash leather and bowl full of water

 

[deleted-member02]

Daily wipe over of bonnet and windscreen using a 'waterless' wash & wax and microfibre clothes for me.
If the van's well prepared with a good wax, it should stay looking near pristine for a few months at least.
I use Colinite 845 twice a year and the van never looks too shabby, despite regular use (6000miles per year).

 

[The Wino]

Holidays are too short for van washing!

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[TerryL]

When it starts getting a bit sorry looking I use one of those "Blue Elephant" or similar car was places - there is usually one bay we can get into. Otherwise it gets left until we get home.

Do clean the screen and windows regularly though.

 

[Winger]

Since when was dirty van mot failure???? Wash Windscreen when ye cannae see oot !! Sorted@@

I never mentioned failure, merely that I treat it to a wash once a year

 

[JJ]

I think JJ should give us his valuable advice on this topic, with his reputation as domestic god.

Me giving advice on van washing would be as much use as Boris and his (unelected) cronies giving advice on running a country for the benefit of all, rich and poor...

JJ

 

[Odd-no-more]

Never washed the van on a trip, as long as I can see out of the windows then it's fine until we get home. If I had to because of something nasty on it I would use a mop and bucket and not worry about the finish until we were back home.

 

[gus-lopez]

They only prove they can’t have been out much. Drive to nearest site and spend the week there

my mate moves daily. The van is washed wiped down,windows cleaned each time he stops.

when was dirty van mot failure?

It isn't they just tell you to go and return when in a clean condition.
Having paid .

Far as I'm concerned if you can't keep any type of vehicle clean you shouldn't be allowed on the roads.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Wack]

How do you get anyone to help wash, my wife runs a mile and says it’s got dirty because I drive it, she forgets she is sat inside.

Does she have a long lost sister , my wife has never washed a car in her life , she only cleans the windows when she can't see out of them

 

[Langtoftlad]

Far as I'm concerned if you can't keep any type of vehicle clean you shouldn't be allowed on the roads.

Rather judgemental
What has a dirty exterior got to do with driving safely?

 

[Landy Andy]

I like cleaning mine. Even on holiday I will give it a bucket wash, or remove bad marks with a bit of polish. I saved to buy it, so why not look after it.

 

[TerryL]

On occasion I managed to "wash" a coach with just half a bucket of water - admittedly just the lower half but we were supposed to keep them clean and presentable at all times. Getting water in winter was always a pain.