How to Wash Your Mars Caravan – Safe Cleaning for Panels, Roof & Decals

Part 1. How to Wash Your Mars Caravan (Panels, Roof & Decals)

How to Wash Your Mars Caravan (Panels, Roof & Decals)

This article is part of our Mars Caravan Body & Seals Care series. For the full overview, see "Mars Caravan Body & Seals Care – Exterior Maintenance Overview".

Regular gentle washing keeps your Mars caravan looking great and helps protect paint, gelcoat, seals and decals. You don’t need harsh products – just the right tools, technique and a bit of time after each trip.

1. How Often Should I Wash It?

  • After each trip – especially if you’ve been on dirt roads, near the coast or in heavy rain.
  • Every few weeks if stored outside and exposed to dust, sap or bird droppings.
  • Before long storage – give it a good clean so dirt isn’t “baked on” over months.

2. What to Use (and What to Avoid)

  • Soft sponge or wash mitt – non-abrasive.
  • Mild, pH-neutral car wash or caravan cleaner – follow dilution instructions.
  • Low-pressure hose for rinsing.
  • Soft microfibre cloth or chamois for drying.

Avoid

  • Scouring pads, stiff brushes or anything abrasive.
  • Strong solvents or heavy-duty degreasers on paint, gelcoat or decals.
  • Direct, close-up use of high-pressure cleaners on:
    • Seams and joints.
    • Windows and doors.
    • Seals, vents and fittings.

3. Washing the Body and Roof – Step by Step

  1. Rinse first
    Rinse the whole van with clean water to remove loose dust and grit. This reduces the chance of scratching while you wash.
  2. Work from the top down
    Divide the van into sections (roof, upper sides, lower sides, front, rear). Wash one section at a time.
  3. Wash with soapy water
    Dip your sponge in the soapy bucket and gently wash in straight lines rather than hard scrubbing.
  4. Rinse before it dries
    Rinse each section with the hose before the soap dries, to avoid streaks and water spots.
  5. Dry high-contact areas
    Use a soft cloth to dry areas where water may sit around seals, handles and fittings.

Roof safety: Only access the roof if it is designed to be walked on and you can do so safely. Otherwise, use a long-handled soft brush or wash from a stable ladder, and never overreach.

4. Caring for Decals and Graphics

  • Wash decals with the same mild soap and soft sponge you use on the body.
  • Avoid harsh polishes, cutting compounds or abrasive pads on decal areas.
  • If polishing:
    • Use an automotive-safe polish suitable for painted surfaces or gelcoat.
    • Work lightly around decal edges and don’t “cut” into them.

5. Polishing and Waxing

You don’t have to polish your caravan, but a suitable polish or wax can:

  • Help water bead and run off panels more easily.
  • Make future washing easier by reducing how much dirt sticks.

When polishing:

  • Use only products suitable for caravans or automotive finishes.
  • Test on a small inconspicuous area first.
  • Avoid heavy machine buffing unless done by a professional who understands your van’s finish.

6. After Washing – Quick Checks

Washing time is a great time to look for early issues:

  • As water runs off, watch for areas where it seems to sit or pool near seals or fittings.
  • Look for:
    • Cracks or gaps in sealant.
    • Loose trims or fittings.
    • New marks that weren’t there before the trip.

If you see anything that looks like it could let water in, take photos and consider lodging a support ticket for advice.

Summary

Gentle, regular washing will keep your Mars caravan looking good and helps you spot early signs of wear or potential leaks. Use mild products, avoid high-pressure water on seals, and take a moment while washing to check for anything that looks unusual.