If you tour the Coromandel one weekend and park under a Waikato pōhutukawa the next, your RV or caravan faces a tougher life than most cars. Tall surfaces catch UV all day, front caps take endless bug impacts, and long sides collect road film and black streaks from gutters and seals. Add in acrylic windows, decals, roof accessories, solar, awnings and storage hatches—and you’ve got a lot of different materials to clean and protect safely. At Mat’s Detailing, we treat motorhomes and caravans as mobile homes first and vehicles second: comfort, cleanliness and longevity come from the right prep, measured correction and purpose-built protection, not harsh chemicals and guesswork.
Below is exactly how we tackle RV and caravan detailing in Hamilton and across the Waikato—what we fix, how we protect it, and how to keep everything looking great between trips.
Why do RVs and caravans age faster and look tired sooner?
Constant UV exposure: Big vertical panels and white gelcoat chalk quickly without protection.
Black streaks: Water channels down from roof seams, vents and gutters, carrying grime and plasticiser from rubbers.
Bug and tar buildup: Front caps, skirts and wheel-arches collect stubborn contamination that a quick wash won’t touch.
Mixed materials: Painted alloy, gelcoat/fibreglass, ABS plastics, EPDM/TPO rubber roofs, acrylic windows and vinyl graphics all need different chemistry and technique.
Storage reality: Outdoor parking means dust, tree fallout and moisture—prime conditions for staining and mildew if maintenance slips.
Our inspection and preparation (how we avoid creating problems)
We start with a full walk-around and note construction type (panel joinery, seams, edges), sensitive decals, window materials, roof condition and any prior repairs. Then we prep methodically:
Snow foam & contact wash: Gentle, pH-neutral shampoo with soft heads on extendable poles. We wash in sections to keep chemistry wet and safe in the sun.
Bug/tar removal: Dedicated, substrate-safe removers soften contamination without scrubbing it into the surface.
Decontamination: Iron remover for rail dust (common after long hauls), mineral removers for water staining, and a fine clay on paint/gelcoat only where appropriate.
Detailing the details: Hinges, latches, door surrounds, awning cassettes, fridge vents and gutter tracks get flushed and brushed to stop streaks reforming straight away.
Masking & safeties: We mask vulnerable trims/decals and pad any ladder or scaffold contact points. Tall-vehicle safety matters—stable platforms, not wobbly ladders.
Protection that simplifies every future wash
Once clean and refined, we install protection tailored to the materials on your rig:
Ceramic/graphene protection for paint & gelcoat: Creates a slick, UV-resistant, hydrophobic barrier so black streaks and dust release more easily. This alone slashes wash time.
Roof systems (EPDM/TPO/painted aluminium): We deep-clean, neutralise residues and apply an appropriate protectant—never silicone that goes greasy and attracts grime.
Acrylic windows & skylights: Plastics-safe sealants improve water repellency and clarity without clouding.
Trims & rubbers: UV-stable dressings that won’t run onto panels or turn brown.
Awnings (vinyl or acrylic): Cleaned both sides, mildew-treated where safe, then sealed to slow re-soiling and make pack-down cleaner.
Metalwork: Stainless and alloy are polished and sealed to slow tea-staining and pitting.
High-wear zones: We can add paint protection film (PPF) to stone-hit areas (front caps, lower skirts, door edges) and storage-lip tops to prevent scuffs during load-in/out.
Roofs are where most streaks begin
Black streaks start on the roof. We remove organic fallout, sap and old dressings, clear gutters and seams, and protect the surface so grime can’t anchor as easily. We brush carefully around vents, antennas, solar mounts and skylights. We brush carefully and flush channels so that rainwater leaves a clean tidy roof, resulting in cleaner sides for longer.
Deep clean interiors without soaking the build
We tailor interior work to motorhome construction and soft furnishings:
Vac & dust-down: Including under seat bases and around slide-outs or pop-tops.
Hard surfaces: pH-balanced cleaners on cabinetry, galley and bathroom; no ammonia on plastics or seals.
Upholstery & carpets: Low-moisture shampoo and targeted extraction keep cushioning from staying damp.
Bathrooms: De-soap scum with safe descalers; polish plastic shower screens; protect taps/fixtures.
Odour control: Enzyme treatments where needed; we avoid heavy fragrances that clash with small spaces.
Recommended intervals that fit real travel
Usage and storage dictate the routine, but here's a practical Waikato guide:
Quarterly (or before/after long trips): Wash, gutter/roof channel flush, tyre dressing, window/seal wipe-down, quick topper on coated surfaces.
Every 6–12 months: Decon wash, address forming streaks, refresh toppers; targeted machine refinement on front cap + leading edges.
12–24 months: Broader correction on gelcoat if chalking returns; re-seal roof and trims; deep service on awnings and metalwork.
Mat's Detailing will map a plan that looks high and costs predictable.
DIY routine between pro visits (simple and safe)
Rinse first: Knock off dust before washing—especially after gravel roads.
pH-neutral shampoo: Avoid household detergents that strip protection.
Soft tools on poles: Straight-line motions, light pressure; don’t “scrub” streaks—use the right cleaner.
Dry thoughtfully: Microfibres and filtered air; catch drips from badges and window rubbers that cause streak trails.
Top up: Use a compatible spray sealant on coated areas after a wash; we’ll recommend what plays nicely.
Why choose Mat’s Detailing for RVs & caravans?
Because big surfaces magnify small mistakes. We use stable access gear, marine/RV-specific chemistry, measured machine work and a quality-over-speed mindset. You get honest recommendations, tidy edges, and a rig that stays easier to live with month after month.
FAQs
Can Mats Detailing remove black streaks on my caravan?
Yes. We clean gutters and roof channels, neutralise the residue causing the streaks, and protect panels so they release grime more easily
Is ceramic/graphene coating worth it on an RV gelcoat?
Absolutely. Coatings slow chalking, add UV resistance and make wash-downs faster—great value for RV ceramic coating Waikato and caravan coating Hamilton clients
Do you work on rubber/EPDM roofs?
Yes. We deep-clean and protect with compatible products (no greasy silicone) and clear guttering—common for motorhome roof cleaning Hamilton enquiries.
Can you polish around decals and acrylic windows safely?
We avoid machine polishing on soft vinyl and acrylic edges. Instead we use plastics-safe polishes and sealants—key for caravan detailing Waikato and acrylic window polish NZ searches.
Do you offer mobile RV detailing?
For suitable jobs and access, yes, across Hamilton, Cambridge, Te Awamutu and nearby—see mobile RV detailing Waikato. Larger corrections are best in our Riverlea studio.
How much does RV/caravan detailing cost?
Price depends on size, condition and the level of correction/protection. After inspection, we’ll quote the minimum work to reach your goals for caravan detailing Hamilton price queries.
Will protection stop stone chips on the front cap?
Coatings reduce grime adhesion but don’t block impact. For chip-prone areas, PPF Hamilton on the front cap or skirts is the smart move.
How long does the service take?
From a maintenance detail (1 day) to multi-day correction and coating depending on size and condition—helpful for RV detailing Hamilton planning.
Make travel clean-ups faster?
Bring your RV or caravan to our Riverlea studio (or ask about our mobile option) and we’ll build a practical plan that fits how you travel—no upsells, just honest advice. Visit 2/142 Riverlea Road, Riverlea, Hamilton 3216, call 027 352 6667, or email matsdetail@gmail.com. We service Hamilton, Waikato and surrounding areas.
