Although in an ideal world holidays mean minimal cleaning, us tourers are ne’er so lucky; between keeping our exteriors sparkling and staying on top of mess in our vans, it can sometimes feel like it never ends. Having the right kit when it comes to cleaning can make a world of difference, though, and even make the tasks – dare I say it – satisfying!
We’ve rounded up my long-standing essentials which are being offered at a discount during Amazon’s Spring Deal Days, which will help to keep the inside and outside of your van spick and span.
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For spick and span interiors…
Gtech Multi MK2 was £169.99 now £122.55
Maybe the most useful bit of kit in a cleaning arsenal is a solid vacuum cleaner, especially a handheld and rechargeable one like this. This compact cleaner from popular brand Gtech is reliable, well-built and only weighs 1.5kg. For its size, it has a powerful rechargeable battery (22V lithium-ion) which gives 20 minutes of running time on one charge.The waste compartment is also a good size and really easy to empty. The Gtech comes with a powered brush head attachment which is great for everything from crumbs to pet hair, along with a crevice tool, dusting brush and extension tube.
ASOBEAGE Silicone Toilet Brush was £16.99 now £10.44
A simple solution to unpleasant traditional toilet brushes is a silicone alternative; they’re cleaner, more hygienic and (in my opinion) more effective. The flat brush head is made up of strong, flexible silicone ‘bristles’ that also allow for blind corner cleaning on areas like the rim, so it’s handy for regular maintenance. The brush also comes with a slim-profile adhesive wall mount which is designed with a semi-closed base to allow for quicker drying and reduces water accumulation. Measuring 11.4 x 6 x 40 cm and weighing just 340g, it’s perfect for caravan toilets.
Jekayla Long Handled Dustpan and Brush was £24.98 now £17.80
For those jobs that don’t require a vacuum or if you just don’t want to wake the dog up, it’s handy to have a dustpan and brush stashed away. An extendable option is perfect for cleaning up in your van or awning, allowing you to better see what you’re doing and avoid crouching down. This option has adjustable handles on the broom and dustpan, while the latter locks in place to ensure easy disposal. The dustpan also features a wide-tooth comb attachment for keeping your brush clean and will fold flat when stored.
Autoglym Vinyl And Rubber Care was £15.40 now £9.24
Whether you’re maintaining a car and caravan, having a specially formulated cleaner is far more preferable than a run-of-the-mill cleaning solution. Something like this from the experts at Autoglym has been designed to clean and maintain vinyl and rubber, and to give a protective coating to surfaces like dashboards while leaving a lovely lemon scent. It’s also intended for use on rubber door seals and Autoglym even suggests that applying them to these areas in freezing weather will help to prevent sticking.
For sparkling, shiny bodywork…
15° Curved Car Wash Brush was £20.99 now £16.99
You can invest in the best cleaning solution on the market, but it’s not worth the bottle it comes in if you don’t have an effective brush or cloth to use with it. To avoid damage to your bodywork, you’ll ideally need something microfibre. The sponge of this brush is made from 4cm long microfiber chenille ‘bristles’ which can be used on all relevant materials, including glass, so it can also be used dry to get rid of dust or debris. Even better is the curved, telescopic handle which can be extended up to 43 inches, so you can get at those hard-to-reach spots.
MR.SIGA Microfiber Car Wash Mitts was £10.99 now £9.99
For smaller jobs like window cleaning and headlights, you might want something more akin to a cloth which can dust or clean on a smaller scale. I love a microfibre mit for these jobs, and find that they’re better for stubborn dust, dirt, and debris. These ones are made from high density microfibre that give a lint-free finish and have an elasticated cuff which keeps the mitt in place as your polishing. They’re super thick and machine washable so they last a little while, too!
Autoglym Bodywork Car Shampoo Conditioner was £17.42 now £14.59
Offering a mammoth 125 washes, this 2.5 litre shampoo-conditioner is a mainstay in my cleaning arsenal, perfect for cars and caravans. You only need around a capful per 20 litres of water so a little really goes a long way. The pH neutral low foam formula gives a gentle but effective clean and leaves a water-repellent film. This helps to keep off any more dirt and dust, but also means that any existing waxes or finishes won’t be compromised.
Autoglym Polar Collection was £25.86 now £21.90
If you prefer to use a pressure washer, this is a must-have set of products from Autoglym. The collection includes: Polar Blast, a snow foam which covers your exterior and clings to dirt and heavy soiling; Polar Wash, a gentle cleaner that lifts the dirt and debris and leaves a sparkling blank canvas; and Polar Seal, a hydrophobic sealant that protects your bodywork and leaves a high-gloss finish. Using them in conjunction gives you the perfect result every time so the set is a good investment if your van needs a good deep clean.
Both
Kärcher Window Vac WV 2 Plus N was £79.99 now £44.99
At almost half the price, this is a deal not to be missed, especially if you tour through the year. Waking up to condensation is one of the downsides to touring life, so being able to get rid of that and start your day enjoying your view is brilliant! This handheld and rechargeable window vacuum takes care of condensation with two sizes of suction nozzle. It’s also great for taking care of your window exteriors, since it comes with a spray bottle complete with microfibre wiper cloth and 20ml of Kärcher’s specially formulated cleaner.
Bemece 29 Piece car detailing kit was £20.12 now £23.80
For stubborn spots or hard-to-reach crevices both inside and outside your van, a good detailing set can save you the frustration of trying to tackle them with your normal gear. This 29 piece set has everything you could need to give your vehicle a deep clean, from outlet brushes to polishing sponges to washing mitts. The set comes in a handy travel case and all the pieces can be used inside or outside so whatever your cleaning complaint you can tackle it head on!
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