FAQs
Q How do I remove those stubborn black streaks from under my windows on my caravan? They seem to come back every year!
A You need Caravan Magic Black Streak Remover! The black rubber seals around your caravan windows, roof lights, and doors are exposed to a lot of UV sunlight and weather. Over time, the very top layer of the rubber naturally oxidizes and breaks down. As the water tracks down the side of the caravan and evaporates, it leaves those dark, stubborn streaks behind. Caravan Magic Black Streak Remover is a complex formulation with a simple foaming solution allowing minimal effort for maximum result. Spray, foam, wait, wipe. After use, finish the surface with Caravan Magic Spot Wax Finisher for longer lasting protection.
Q When should I wash my caravan?
A Using a care product specifically designed for caravans, motorhomes and campers is strongly recommended. Caravan Magic Crud Buster is perfect for a deep clean after winter storage and Caravan Magic Wash Wizard is the one you want for regular cleaning throughout the year. How often depends on how many miles you do and how many of those miles are in poor weather or midgie infested West Scotland! Our solutions are designed to dilute and will last you a long time, offering great value for money.
Q Why should I use a caravan specific cleaner?
A Because caravans are made from materials different to cars, boats, floors, houses etc. It may be tempting to choose a generic and cheap cleaner, you will only do harm to your paint finish, seals and windows if you choose a product that has not been designed with caravans in mind. By choosing a caravan care product like Caravan Magic Wash Wizard, you will prolong the life of your finishes by using a non abrasive but powerful solution to shift dirt, clean large areas and leave a polished finish.
Q How do I remove dead bugs from my caravan?
A We're glad you asked! Squished bugs on the windscreen, on front windows and the panels of the caravan are a messy eye sore and we are proud to offer Caravan Magic Sticky Bug and Beastie Remover. A powerful care product that makes removal of dead bugs simple and easy. Just spray on and wipe off! Works on all surfaces. We recommend you use a microfibre cloth for best results.
Q Can I clean my caravan with a power washer?
A The short answer is yes, but with a massive "proceed with caution" warning. While it’s tempting to blast away those stubborn black streaks, a pressure washer can be a caravan's worst enemy if used incorrectly. Unlike a car, which is a continuous metal shell, a caravan is a "sandwich" of panels held together by seals, mastic, and trim. For general cleaning, use Caravan Magic Wash Wizard with two buckets of water and your choice of cloths, sponges and brushes. For stubborn black streaks, use Caravan Magic Black Streak Remover.
Q How do I clean my caravan using a waterless product?
A Waterless cleaning is a fantastic option if you don't have access to a hose or if you're on a pitch where water usage is restricted. Waterless Wondershine uses a process of high lubrication to lift dirt away from the surface so it can be wiped off without scratching the paint.
However, a quick word of caution: if your caravan is caked in thick, gritty mud after a trip to a rainy site, do not go straight to waterless cleaning. You'll just grind the grit into the glossy finish. Save it for light to medium road film and dust. It's perfect for a quick clean on the campsite and a great product to keep in your caravan cupboard.
Q What should I avoid when washing my caravan?
A Washing-up liquid: Contains high levels of salt which can corrode the aluminium and dry out your rubber seals. Standard Car Wax: Some car waxes contain "fillers" or abrasives that are too harsh. Pencil-jet Pressure Washers: These can slice right through your mastic seals.
Q How do I clean the water pipes in my caravan?
A Cleaning the fresh water system in your caravan (often called "sterilising" or "purifying") is a vital maintenance task that should be done at least twice a year: once when you bring the van out of winter storage and once before you put it away. Stagnant water in the pipes or the Aquaroll can breed biofilm and bacteria (like Legionella), which you definitely don't want in your morning tea! We recommend Caravan Magic Multi Wash - no 'swimming pool' after taste and easy to use!
| Step | Action |
| Preparation | Ensure your water heater is switched off. Remove any internal water filters (like the Whale or Truma carbon filters) as the cleaning chemicals will ruin them. |
| Mix the Solution | Fill your water carrier (Aquaroll) with fresh water and add the recommended dose of cleaner. |
| Fill the System | Connect your pump and turn on all taps (hot and cold). Run them until the water flows steadily. This ensures the cleaner is in every pipe and the water heater tank. |
| Dwell Time | Turn off the taps and let the solution sit in the pipes. A few hours dwell time are usually recommended. |
| Flush Through | After the dwell time, open the taps and pump the remaining solution out through the waste outlets until the Aquaroll is empty. |
| The Final Rinse | Refill the Aquaroll with fresh, clean water and run it through the entire system again (all taps) to flush out any chemical residue. |
If your water still tastes slightly "plastic-y" after cleaning, it's often the submersible pump hose that has degraded. Replacing the blue food-grade hose every few years makes a world of difference to the taste of your water.
Q How should I clean my caravan windows?
A Cleaning caravan windows is where most people make their biggest mistake. Unlike your car or home, caravan windows are made of polyplastic (acrylic), not glass. Acrylic is much softer, which makes it lightweight and shatter-resistant, but it is extremely easy to scratch. If you use a standard glass cleaner or a rough paper towel, you can permanently "cloud" or scratch the surface. NEVER use household glass or window cleaner. Select a specific caravan care product like Caravan Magic Window Gem to ensure perfect and safe cleaning.
Q What is a hydrophobic caravan cleaner?
A Hydrophobic cleaning products are "water-fearing" treatments that cause water to bead up and roll off the surface. For a caravan, these are a game-changer because they don't just add shine—they prevent the dirt, algae, and those dreaded black streaks from bonding to the paintwork in the first place. Caravan Magic Waterless Wondershine is a superb example using state of the art chemistry designed to leave a smooth, shiny surface. Why use them? Beyond the "cool" look of water beading, the real benefit is Self-Cleaning. When it rains, the water droplets pick up the dust and pollutants on the roof and carry them off the side of the van instead of letting them sit and dry into a black streak.