6 Best Compact Cleaning Supplies for RV Maintenance Nomads Swear By
RV nomads share their top 6 compact cleaning supplies. These multi-use tools save precious space and simplify essential on-the-road maintenance.
You’ve just pulled into a stunning campsite, but the dust from that long dirt road has settled on every surface inside your rig. The windows are covered in fingerprints from pointing out wildlife, and the floor is a mosaic of trail dirt and cracker crumbs. This is the reality of RV life: the adventure comes with a bit of a mess, and your limited space demands cleaning tools that are as efficient and compact as your home on wheels.
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Why Compact Cleaning Gear is Key for RV Life
Every single item you bring into an RV has to justify its existence. This is doubly true for cleaning supplies, which can quickly become a bulky, disorganized mess. You simply don’t have the luxury of a dedicated broom closet or a cabinet under the sink overflowing with single-purpose sprays. The goal isn’t just cleanliness; it’s efficiency.
Weight and space are the two currencies of RVing. A heavy, awkward vacuum or a collection of half-empty bottles doesn’t just take up precious real estate; it adds to your gross vehicle weight. The best RV cleaning kits are built on a foundation of multi-use, collapsible, and concentrated products. This approach frees up storage for things that matter more, like gear for your hobbies or extra supplies for off-grid adventures.
Shark Wandvac: The Ultimate Cordless Handheld
Experience powerful, cordless cleaning with the ultra-lightweight Shark WANDVAC. It features a one-touch empty dust cup and a convenient charging dock for quick access.
A good handheld vacuum is non-negotiable in an RV, and the Shark Wandvac is the one I see in the most rigs for a reason. Its slim, wand-like profile means it can be tucked into a narrow cabinet or even a drawer. Unlike clunky dustbusters of the past, this thing has serious suction power that can handle everything from fine dust to spilled coffee grounds.
What really sets it apart for nomads is its charging system. Many models charge via a simple dock, and some newer ones even use USB-C, meaning you can top it off with the same power bank you use for your phone. It’s perfect for quick clean-ups after a meal or de-sanding the entryway after a beach day. It completely eliminates the need for a bulky broom and dustpan, consolidating two tools into one hyper-effective device.
Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds: One Cleaner for All
If you can only have one liquid cleaner in your rig, this is it. Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds is a biodegradable, plant-based concentrate that punches way above its weight class. A single bottle replaces your dish soap, all-purpose surface spray, floor cleaner, and even your laundry detergent. This isn’t an exaggeration; I’ve used it for all of the above.
The key is its concentration. You use just a few drops for a sink full of dishes or a capful in a bucket of water to mop the floor. For a spray bottle, you dilute a small amount with water, and it will last you for months. For RVers, especially those who boondock, its biodegradable nature is a huge plus, as it’s gentler on the environment when disposing of greywater. It’s the ultimate minimalist cleaning workhorse.
E-Cloth System: Chemical-Free Microfiber Power
Achieve a streak-free shine on windows, mirrors, and glass with just water. This two-cloth system uses a waffle-weave cloth to lift grime and a smooth-weave cloth to polish, leaving surfaces spotless and clear. Machine washable and reusable for long-term savings.
RVs have a surprising number of delicate and varied surfaces: acrylic windows, wood veneer cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and sensitive dashboard electronics. Blasting them all with harsh chemicals is a bad idea. The E-Cloth system solves this by using high-quality, precision-engineered microfiber that cleans with just water.
These cloths have a unique fiber construction that grabs and traps dust, grime, and bacteria without needing chemical sprays. This means you don’t have to store a fleet of bottles for glass, wood, and countertops. A small, color-coded set of E-Cloths—one for glass, one for general purpose, one for stainless steel—can handle your entire interior. They are washable, reusable for years, and take up virtually no space.
OXO Good Grips Squeegee for Streak-Free Glass
Keep your surfaces sparkling with the OXO Good Grips Squeegee. Its flexible blade easily cleans tiles, mirrors, and shower doors, while the included suction cup provides convenient storage.
Your RV windows are your portal to the world, but they are magnets for condensation, dust, and streaks. A small, high-quality squeegee is an indispensable tool. The OXO Good Grips Squeegee is a favorite because its flexible blade provides a perfect, streak-free wipe every time, and its compact size makes it easy to stash.
Its primary job is keeping those big front windows clear for safe driving and epic views. But its secret weapon is managing interior condensation. Temperature swings can cause moisture to build up on windows overnight, leading to potential mold and water damage. A quick wipe-down with the squeegee each morning pulls that moisture away, protecting your rig’s interior. It’s a simple tool that solves two of the most common RV annoyances.
Camco Collapsible Bucket: A Space-Saving Essential
This durable, collapsible bucket holds 3 gallons of water and features watertight fabric for reliable use. It folds flat for easy storage in the included zippered case, making it ideal for RVing, camping, fishing, and boating.
You will eventually need a bucket. Whether you’re washing your rig, mopping the floor, or carrying water to douse a campfire, a bucket is fundamental. But a standard 5-gallon plastic bucket is a space-wasting nightmare. It’s a giant cylinder of empty air that can’t be stored efficiently.
This is where a collapsible bucket becomes a game-changer. Products like the Camco collapsible bucket fold down to just a couple of inches thick, allowing you to slide them into a narrow bay or even under a dinette seat. They are made of durable, silicone-like material that’s completely waterproof and surprisingly sturdy when expanded. This is one of the easiest and most impactful space-saving swaps you can make.
Walex Black Streak Remover for a Clean Exterior
Effortlessly remove tough black streaks, scuff marks, and stains from your RV, camper, or boat. This powerful exterior cleaner restores original shine with easy application.
While multi-purpose products are the rule, sometimes you need a specialist. The infamous black streaks that run down the side of an RV are notoriously difficult to remove with general-purpose soap. These streaks are caused by rainwater washing grime and residue from your roof and window seals, and they can make a well-maintained rig look old and tired.
A dedicated product like Walex Black Streak Remover is worth its small footprint. It’s specifically formulated to dissolve these stubborn stains without damaging your rig’s fiberglass or decals. You simply spray it on, let it sit for a moment, and wipe it off. Keeping your exterior clean isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about protecting your investment and making inspections of seals and seams easier.
Storing Your RV Cleaning Kit for the Road Ahead
Having the right tools is only half the battle; you need a system to keep them organized and accessible. The goal is to create a compact, self-contained cleaning kit that you can grab in a moment’s notice. A small, sturdy caddy or a clear plastic bin works perfectly for this.
Store your liquids (like the Sal Suds and Walex) upright in the caddy, with your folded E-Cloths and squeegee tucked alongside them. The Shark Wandvac can live in its charging dock in a designated cabinet, always ready to go. The collapsible bucket can be slid into an exterior storage bay, flat against a wall. By keeping everything together, you eliminate the frantic search for supplies and turn a major chore into a quick, simple routine.
Ultimately, a smart RV cleaning strategy isn’t about having a spotless rig 24/7. It’s about maximizing your time and energy for the experiences that drew you to this lifestyle in the first place. With the right compact, hard-working tools, you can spend less time scrubbing and more time soaking in the view from your perfectly-placed home on wheels.
