Use non-abrasive shampoo for cars or caravans and make sure you've got a step-ladder and a long-handled mop. Don't forget that rinsing is probably the most important step - trying to dry a 'van with suds and dirt still on it will leave a streaky finish. Have a bristle paint brush on hand for gutters and channels - a plastic one will scratch the surface.

Dry with a chamois and check the surfaces as you go - one of the good things about cleaning is that you get a chance to spot any problems before they get serious.

Once the caravan exterior is dry, polishing with a good quality car polish (or a specialist caravan one) is well worth doing. A polished caravan will shrug off dirt with a light hosedown making it easier to keep clean throughout the touring season. And it'll look better too!

Use a proprietary cleaner for plastic windows and dry carefully. Open all windows to check that the catch and hinges work properly and that the seals are in good condition. If you find any problems, we wrote an in-depth window care guide last summer which you'll find here:

June 2014 article

Be careful opening windows as they may have stuck over the winter. Most seals nowadays will be best treated with silicon grease or spray after light cleaning with soapy water. If it's bad enough to leave seal residue on the windows, clean that off with a cloth and methylated spirits then clean the window properly - wait until it's all dry before closing again.

Vacuum the carpets and bed/seat cushions and clean any stains with household products. If you do have to use water or wet cleaning products, make sure everything's dried before closing up the 'van again.

The same goes for the kitchen and bathroom areas - use ordinary household products - but make sure you use products that are right for the surfaces - don't use bleach in the toilet, for example. Leave fridge doors open after cleaning to make sure they dry properly.

If the carpets and soft furnishings smell damp and there's mould or mildew around, then there's probably a leak that needs fixing, but once that's done you still have to clean off the mould and stains. Mould and mildew can be dangerous to your health so wear gloves and a mask while doing this.

Use warm water and washing up liquid, or a solution of one part vinegar to one part water, and a scrubbing brush, then dry properly. After that make up a solution with a quarter teaspoon of clove oil ( available from chemists) to one litre of water and spray it over the affected area, leave for about a quarter of an hour then dry. If you haven't used these methods before, make sure you test in a small inconspicuous area first, just in case there's an adverse reaction.

Consider getting a moisture trap to make sure the area dries out completely. Depending on what surfaces the damp affected, you may have to replace items or redecorate but make sure the leak really has been cured before doing that.

While you're doing all this it makes sense to check everything's working, of course. Pay attention to the following:

• Gas bottle - check connections and look at hose dates - replace if over two years old for black hoses and five years for orange ones.
• Cooker - check all burners for blue steady flames - same goes for the fridge if it's gas.
• Water system - flush and clean following the manufacturer's recommendations.
• Smoke alarms and detectors - test all and replace batteries where required.
• Batteries - check levels with a voltmeter - we'll be doing a more in-depth article about battery care in the near future.

As far as the outside goes it's important to check the following:

• Lights - clean and test
• Electrical sockets - clean and check for cracks or other damage.
• Tow-hitch - clean and lubricate the brakes and overrun mechanism following the manufacturer's guidelines.

These can be cleaned in the same way as car wheels and tyres but make sure the wheel nuts or studs are tight. Check tyre pressures and condition thoroughly - jack the 'van up to allow complete rotation.

Be careful because old, low mileage tyres may have loads of tread left but can blowout because of weakened sidewalls. Look for sidewall cracking or carcass deformation and if in any doubt, check their age (it will be stamped on the side) and consider replacing them.