Blue skies and warm sunshine are back, but before you make any plans to enjoy this outdoor season, make sure your outdoor equipment is safe, clean and ready to go. Campers, boats and motorcycles need some maintenance after a long winter without use.
Spring Cleaning Your Motorcycle
When temperatures rise, it’s exciting to get back on your bike once you give it a thorough cleaning.
Remove anything you don’t want to get wet like luggage, accessories, tank bags and GPS. Plug up the exhaust or cover it with a rubber glove to keep water out.
First, collect everything you need. Here are the supplies you’ll need to fully clean all the parts of your bike:
- Bucket, soap and water
- Degreaser, bug and tar remover, engine cleaner
- Toothbrush, a wheel cleaning brush, steel wool
- Tire cleaner, polish/wax, metal polish,
- Micro fibre rags, sponges, towels, chamois cloth
Use separate rags and sponges for cleaning different areas so you don’t spread grease to unwanted areas.
And always use the correct cleaning product for part of the bike you are cleaning.
Choose a shady, cool spot close to water access to clean your bike. Make sure the engine is cool, then clean the parts of your bike from the top down. When you’re finished cleaning, you can use a leaf blower or reverse your shop vac to dry off the bike. Or simply go for a well deserved ride. The breeze and heat from the engine will dry it naturally.
Getting Your Boat Ready for the Water
Whether your boat was docked at a pier, or put in storage during winter months, you will need to get it spic and span before you can sail in to the sunset.
- Use a mild detergent to clean the propeller, hull and topsides
- Make sure drains and scuppers are cleaned and cleared out
- Clean canvas, bimini top and dodger
- Wipe down any upholstery and canvas surfaces
- Spray the deck with cleaner of choice. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with a hose
- Clean interior including bilges
- Wipe down and polish all metal
- Clean and dry teak and oil
- Wash windows and hatches
- Dry the exterior then put on a good coat of wax
Preparing Your RV for Traveling
Ready for some weekend getaways? First you have to clean out and freshen up your RV. Work from the inside out, and the top down:
- Open windows to air out your camper
- Wipe down the ceilings, vents and filters
- Turn on the fan to assist with air circulation
- Remove window screens and rinse.
- Wash windows, inside and out
- Clean out and organize drawers and cabinets
- Empty any trash
- Wash down countertops
- Wipe down cabinet doors, and clean appliances
- Clean and dry range hood filter
- Wash all bedding and make beds
- Shake out all cushions, place mats, pillows
- Remove any draperies and shake them out. Wash if necessary
- Dust all other surfaces
- Clean the bathroom shower, sink, and toilet with mild cleaner
- Shake out any area rugs
- Vacuum, sweep and mop all floors
As always, if your busy life does not allow the time for this maintenance, the experts at NAPs Maintenance Service are happy to clean your equipment so you can have a carefree, relaxing Summer season.
