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Care and Maintenance of the Caravan
Protection of Finishes
Paint:
The paint coatings on your caravan are no different to that of your car in that they need regular care and
maintenance. Rubber seals and applied sealants on caravans can shed polymers and pigments that can stain paint
finishes if your caravan isn’t washed regularly.
Washing:
Only use mild detergents free of ammonia when washing your caravan. Always check the label to ensure
the washing solution is nonabrasive, contains no ammonia or caustics.
Polishing:
New caravans should only be polished with wax-based polishes that are nonabrasive. When removing
scratches from paintwork use a fine finishing compound. Cutting pastes are too abrasive and will expose the base
material.
Protection:
Carnauba wax is an excellent protection against oxidisation. The paint on your caravan should be waxed
annually regardless of being kept under cover to protect the surfaces from oxidisation.
Acrylic Windows
Windows should be cleaned with a clean, soft, nonabrasive cloth to avoid scratches and soapy water.
Internal Finishes
Laminates and internal wall surfaces should be cleaned with a damp soft cloth. For stubborn marks use a mild
detergent based cleaner. **Do not use cleaners that contain ammonia or caustics**
Ensuite Finishes
Never use harsh detergents or bleach based products on the toilet or sealants in the ensuite. Use of such products
will damage the seals and sealants.
Mirrors
Do not use solvents or chemicals when cleaning mirrors. Warm water and a soft clean cloth are the best method.
Cleaners and solvents may affect the reflective backing causing what’s known as “creep” where the edges of the
mirror discolour.
Galvanised Finishes
Your galvanised chassis will need maintenance when used off road. The zinc coating although being tough is still
susceptible to damage from stones chips to the coating should be maintained using a zinc rich coating.
High Tensile Bolt and Fittings
Zinc plated bolts and fittings should be coated with a protectant such as a lanolin based spray. The proprietary item
“Lanotec” is recommended.
Stainless Steel
Do not use abrasive cleaners on stainless steel. Purpose made stainless steel cleaners are recommended as are
solutions such as 10% white vinegar in water.
Fabrics
Fabrics may not be colourfast and should be washed gently by hand on their own or dry cleaned.
Corrosion Protection
Reasonable steps should be made by the customer to protect the product from corrosion. Seaside areas, areas with
high salt contents in soil and roads that are salted during snow conditions can greatly accelerate corrosion. When
used in these areas the product should be thoroughly washed after use and unpainted metal surfaces should be
coated in a suitable protectant. Lanotec lanolin spray, Inox or similar are recommended.
Paint coatings should be regularly waxed to protect against oxidisation in these areas.
IMPORTANT NOTE!!! - Do not use solvent cleaners on any surfaces of your caravan.
Avoid bleach and ammonia based cleaners. Use only mild detergents.
