How do you avoid a cleaning fee when you return an RV rental? Pack up all your belongings (check those odd outlet spots for chargers), wipe down surfaces, sweep or vacuum, empty the fridge, dump the tanks if your listing requires it, and give the exterior at least a basic wash if it’s very dusty or muddy. A little effort before drop-off means you can keep your deposit and helps develop a good relationship with the owner.
Key Takeaways
- Most RV listings include a standard prep/cleaning fee — this covers routine cleaning, not excessive mess from your trip.
- Additional cleaning fees apply if the RV is returned excessively dirty inside or out, and they’re listed in the “Rules & Policies” or “Rates & Availability” sections of the listing.
- Responsibility for dumping tanks varies by owner. Confirm your responsibility at pickup to avoid surprises
- A basic exterior wash or heavy dirt removal from the windshield and bumper is often expected, not just interior cleaning.
- Avoid strong-smelling chemicals or harsh cleaners — stick to soap, water, and whatever owners provide
What Counts as a “Standard” Cleaning Fee vs. an Extra Charge?
Most RV listings include a prep/disinfecting/cleaning fee by default. This covers the owner’s routine work to sanitize and prepare the RV for your arrival, and it’s built into your booking cost regardless of how clean you leave it. Additional cleaning fees are a separate charge that apply only if the RV is returned excessively dirty, beyond what normal use would produce.
| Fee Type | What It Covers | When It Applies |
| Standard prep/cleaning fee | Sanitizing and prepping the RV before your trip | Included in your booking, regardless of return condition |
| Additional cleaning fee | Excessive mess left behind (interior or exterior) | Only if the RV is returned dirtier than normal use |
| Pet fee | Upfront pet charge or added pet-related cleaning | If you bring a pet, whether or not it makes a mess |
Both cleaning and pet fees are listed under the “Rules & Policies” or “Rates & Availability” sections of the RVshare listing — check both before you book so nothing catches you off guard.
What Should I Check Before I Leave the RV?
Do a check the day you are returning your RV and look for the following:
Double-check for your belongings
RVs sometimes have outlets and cords in unexpected spots so be sure to do a sweep for chargers and cables before you go. Check the fridge too, and take any food or drinks with you rather than leaving them behind.
Do some light cleaning
Wipe down kitchen counters, the dinette table, and bathroom surfaces, and clean up any spills. If you’ve tracked in dirt or sand, give the floor a good sweep and shake out any entry rugs.
Dump your tank if required
Some listings require renters to dump the gray and black tanks before return; others have the owner handle it. This varies by listing, so confirm with the owner at pickup, not drop-off, to avoid a surprise fee. See our full guide to RV tanks if you need help with this.
Air out the RV
A sealed-up RV can get musty fast. If the weather allows, crack a window or two before you go.
Skip strong-smelling chemicals
Stick to soap, water, and whatever cleaning products the owner provided. Strong fragrances can linger, and some owners specifically ask renters to avoid them.
Do I Need to Wash the Exterior Too?
Often, yes, you need to wash the exterior at least partially. The requirements vary by owner, but a few things are true across most listings:
- If your rental agreement specifies an exterior wash, you’ll need to do it before you return the vehicle.
- Even without an explicit requirement, most owners expect heavy dirt to be removed from the windshield and bumper at minimum. Return-form inspections typically cover both the exterior and the interior.
- Use gentle soap and water, and avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the RV’s paint or exterior wrapping.
- Truck stops and some campgrounds offer RV-friendly wash options if you don’t have access to one yourself.
Do I need a full car wash before returning my RV? Not usually — a full aggressive wash isn’t necessary and can even risk damaging certain exterior finishes. A basic rinse and removal of heavy dirt or bugs from the windshield and bumper is typically enough unless your specific listing states otherwise.
RV Cleaning Checklist
- Double-check for your belongings
- Empty the fridge
- Take out the trash
- Air out the space
- Wash dishes
- Wipe down counters and tables
- Shake out rugs
- Sweep and vacuum
- Wipe down the shower, toilet, and sink
- Rinse or wash the exterior, if required or if excessively dirty
- Dump tanks if required
Common Mistakes First-Time Renters Make
- Assuming the standard cleaning fee covers any level of mess, rather than just routine cleaning
- Not confirming tank-dumping responsibility until drop-off instead of asking at pickup
- Skipping exterior cleaning entirely, assuming only the interior gets inspected
- Using strong-smelling cleaners or harsh chemicals that can damage surfaces or leave a lingering smell
Frequently Asked Questions About RV Rental Cleaning
You could be charged, yes. If the RV is returned excessively dirty inside or out, beyond normal use, an additional cleaning fee may apply. Check the listing’s “Rules & Policies” or “Rates & Availability” sections for specifics.
Whether you’re responsible for dumping the tanks before returning your RV depends on the listing. Some owners want it done before return; others handle it themselves. Confirm whether you need to do this at pickup.
You often need to at least partially wash the outside of the RV, but check your rental agreement to be sure. Even without an explicit requirement, removing heavy dirt from the windshield and bumper is a good idea, since the condition of the RV’s exterior is typically part of the return inspection.
For products to clean the RV, stick to soap, water, and whatever’s provided by the owner. Avoid strong-smelling chemicals or harsh cleaners that could damage surfaces.
Yes, pet fees are listed separately from cleaning fees, although they are in the same listing section. Check both types of fees before booking if you’re bringing a pet.
Ready to book your next trip? You can browse RV rentals on RVshare and check each listing’s cleaning and pet policies before you go.
