Best Cleaning Products & Supplies for RV Rentals

A clean RV doesn’t just impress renters—it protects your asset, reduces complaints, and keeps your five-star rating intact.

But not all cleaning products are created equal—especially in the confined, sensitive, and constantly reused environment of a rental RV. What works in a home or commercial space may damage your floors, corrode your tanks, or trigger guest allergies in an RV.

That’s why having the right RV-specific cleaning products and tools is essential—whether you're managing the cleaning yourself or working with a professional program like RV Management USA, where Territory Managers follow proven protocols using trusted supplies.

In this article, we’ll break down the best cleaning products and supplies for RV rentals—and why having the right gear can make the difference between average guest feedback and raving reviews.

Why the Right Cleaning Supplies Matter in RV Rentals
Core Cleaning Categories for RVs
Best Products for Interior Cleaning
Best Products for Exterior Washes
Best Products for Tank and Plumbing Sanitization
Disinfectants and Guest Hygiene Essentials
Tools That Speed Up the Turnaround
Optional Upgrades That Impress Renters
Final Thoughts

1. Why the Right Cleaning Supplies Matter in RV Rentals

RVs are compact ecosystems with surfaces and systems that behave differently from your home. Laminate flooring, plastic tanks, and composite surfaces need products that clean effectively without damaging or degrading materials.

Wrong products can:

Void warranties on appliances or seals
Cause discoloration or warping
Leave residue that affects tank sensors
Create overpowering scents in small spaces
Erode gaskets, rubber seals, and plumbing fixtures

The right supplies not only clean well—they protect your rig, reduce long-term maintenance costs, and create a guest-safe environment with consistent results.

2. Core Cleaning Categories for RVs

RV rental maintenance requires more than a wipe-down. Cleaning tasks break into five primary categories:

Interior surfaces and air quality: Includes living areas, kitchen, dining space, and bedroom
Floors and soft goods: Rugs, upholstery, vinyl, carpet, and cushions
Exterior care: Roof, side panels, windows, wheels, and awnings
Tanks and plumbing: Toilet, black tank, gray tank, freshwater system
Guest hygiene and presentation: Sanitizer, odor control, linens, and consumables

Organizing your cleaning supply strategy around these buckets keeps things simple, repeatable, and systematized for yourself or your cleaning team.

3. Best Products for Interior Cleaning

Multi-Surface Cleaner (Non-Toxic)

Use gentle, non-abrasive formulas that won’t damage vinyl, laminate, or acrylic. Cleaners like Method All-Purpose, Biokleen, or Seventh Generation Disinfecting Spray are biodegradable and renter-safe. These are ideal for countertops, dining tables, dashboards, and shelving.

Glass & Mirror Cleaner

Avoid ammonia-based formulas that can haze over time. Sprayway and Invisible Glass work well for both interior mirrors and window interiors. They prevent streaking and require minimal product to be effective.

Upholstery & Fabric Cleaner

Soft surfaces trap dust and odors quickly. Use Woolite Upholstery Cleaner or Bissell Pet Formula on dinette benches, seat cushions, curtains, and mattresses. Always test a small area first to avoid discoloration.

Floor Cleaner

Vinyl and laminate flooring is common in RVs. Use Bona or Rejuvenate for safe, non-stripping cleans. Avoid anything with wax unless specified for RV flooring—wax buildup can become sticky in hot temperatures.

4. Best Products for Exterior Washes

RV-Specific Wash Soap

General car soaps are too harsh for RV paint and decals. Products like Camco RV Wash or Thetford Premium Wash & Wax are formulated to clean thoroughly while preserving gel coat and graphic overlays.

Bug & Tar Remover

Bugs on the front cap can harden and stain. Meguiar’s Bug & Tar Remover breaks down residue without harming finishes. Best used with a foam cannon or microfiber cloth for scrubbing.

Roof Cleaner

Roof maintenance is often overlooked. Use Dicor Rubber Roof Cleaner to gently remove dirt, mold, and buildup from TPO or EPDM roofs. Pair with Protect All Roof Treatment to help prevent chalking or cracking.

Awning Cleaner

Canvas and vinyl awnings need mildew control. Camco Awning Cleaner targets mold, bird droppings, and sap. Scrub with a soft brush to avoid scratching the fabric.

5. Best Products for Tank and Plumbing Sanitization

Black Tank Treatment

To keep sensors working and reduce odors, use enzyme-based pods like Happy Camper, Walex Porta-Pak, or Aqua-Kem. These break down solids and tissue without damaging seals.

Gray Tank Deodorizer

Soapy water buildup in your shower and sink lines can lead to odors. Unique RV Gray Tank Cleaner or Thetford Gray Water Odor Control freshens lines without affecting PVC or fittings.

Freshwater Tank Sanitizer

Sanitize tanks monthly with either Camco TastePure or a homemade bleach solution (1/4 cup bleach to 15 gallons of water, followed by 2–3 full flushes). Keeps drinking water systems clean, safe, and odor-free.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Avoid standard household toilet cleaners—they degrade seals. Use Unique RV Toilet Cleaner or Thetford Aqua-Clean, which are enzyme-based and non-corrosive.

6. Disinfectants and Guest Hygiene Essentials

Renters want visible proof that your RV is sanitized and guest-ready.

Disinfecting Wipes

Lysol and Clorox Bleach-Free Wipes are perfect for sanitizing high-touch points: remotes, door handles, faucet levers, light switches, and fridge handles.

Hand Sanitizer

Place a 70%+ alcohol sanitizer pump at the entrance and one in the kitchen. Refillable, unscented options are best.

Odor Control

Avoid heavy perfume-based sprays. Instead use:

Activated charcoal bags to absorb moisture and odors
Ozium spray for serious odor removal (use with caution)
Bamboo deodorizer pouches in closets, drawers, and near holding tanks

7. Tools That Speed Up the Turnaround

A well-organized cleaning kit saves time and ensures every cleaning is done right.

Core Cleaning Tools

Cordless handheld vacuum: Easy to maneuver and store
Microfiber cloths: Color-coded for kitchen, bath, and general surfaces
Spray bottles: For diluting concentrates and easy reach
Mop with washable head: Keeps floors streak-free
Extendable exterior brush: For roof and upper panels
Dedicated tank rinse hose: Always separate from potable water hoses
Grout brushes and toothbrushes: For edges and crevices

Keeping these in a labeled storage bin means you (or your Territory Manager) never waste time looking for tools.

8. Optional Upgrades That Impress Renters

Want to stand out from the crowd? These bonus touches enhance guest perception and lead to better reviews:

Welcome Touches

Individually wrapped dish sponge + mini dish soap bottle
Rolled paper towels with branding band
Fresh linens sealed in plastic or tied with string
Air freshener tags in closets and storage bays

Premium Clean Look

Brushed chrome trash bin (instead of plastic bag hanging on cabinet)
Clear labeling for sanitized vs. used areas (e.g., "Sanitized for You" bands)
Folded toilet paper with a corner crease (hotel style)

These touches don’t cost much—but they can drastically increase perceived value.

9. Final Thoughts

Cleaning supplies are your silent business partner. With the right products and tools, you reduce wear and tear, increase rental appeal, streamline turnaround time, and build a brand renters trust.

At RV Management USA, these standards are built into every trip—because we know that cleanliness drives loyalty, protection, and performance.

Whether you’re managing your own rig or handing it over to a Territory Manager, start with the right supplies and build your system from there. Your renters will notice—and your RV will thank you.

– RVM Team