Handy guide to maintaining your washroom

Keeping the washroom in your caravan or motorhome in pristine condition can be tricky so Sammy Faircloth provides some handy tips to make it easier

When I was a youngster, the caravan toilet and shower were off-limits (except in emergencies), with my parents preferring us to use on-site facilities.

But when I bought my first caravan in 2013, I made a point of letting my children use the on-board amenities. After all, what is the point of having a bathroom in a caravan or motorhome if you are not going to use it?

With usage comes maintenance. Here are some tips to help you make best use of – and care for – your washroom...

Toilet

Make sure you use specialist products when maintaining and cleaning washroom facilities

Just like at home, it’s important to keep your toilet clean and functioning correctly – especially if, like us, you enjoy staying at campsites with basic or no facilities.

Unlike in the ‘good old days’ (I’m referring here to the 1970s ‘basic bucket’ era), we are now lucky enough to have proper flushing toilet systems and holding tanks or ‘cassettes’ that contain the waste.

An external hatch allows the cassette to be removed easily. Toilet cassettes can become rather dirty and smelly if used regularly but there are plenty of products out there designed to keep them clean and help prevent the build-up of limescale. Dometic Tank Cleaner, for example, comes in the form of tablets. When added to the cassette with the requisite amount of water and left to rest, they can have an impressive effect. To keep the rubber seal between cassette and toilet in good condition, give it a spray with a special lubricant or rub a little olive oil into it.

Many people neglect to clean the water flush tank, which can become contaminated with a black grime. Invest in a flush-water tank product, such as Elsan Double Rinse Anti- Bacterial Toilet Rinse or Thetford’s Aqua Rinse. And don’t forget to empty the flush tank before you store your caravan for the winter – frost can potentially damage the components.

Shower

Shower trays can be restored to their former glory

Plastic shower trays are relatively easy to damage and cracks, chips and fractures are common over time. Replacing a tray in its entirety can be costly (or even impossible if a particular product has been discontinued). Some companies offer specialised repair services, while you may be able to install a 'skin' which you trim to fit and place inside the existing damaged tray.

Another alternative offered by Speedcoat Europe Speedliner Euro HC is said to withstand high levels of wear and tear and offer anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties. The before and after results are impressive – for more information see speedcoateuro.com.

Sink

Sinks can also be restored to look almost as good as new

Again, repair and replacement services are available in case of damage. Make sure you use specialist caravan or motorhome cleaning products as the chemicals in domestic fluids may damage plastic sinks. Products such as Thetford Bathroom Cleaner are designed for plastic surfaces and can be used to clean the fridge as well.