How to Clean RV Air Vents

Suck loose dirt and debris from the vent opening on the roof outside the RV. Climb to the roof and use a domestic vacuum cleaner with a hose to remove the accumulated dirt.

Dampen a rag with water and a dash of dish detergent and clean out the interior of the vent. This will remove accumulated grease and grime that the vacuum cleaner might not shift. It will also remove mold and mildew from inside the vent.

Wipe the plastic vent cover with another rag dampened with water and dish detergent. Clean off all dirt, debris and dead insects from the exterior of the cover. If you can't remove stubborn stains, such as tree sap, use a specialty automotive cleaner from an RV store. Carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions for using specialty cleaners.

Inspect the rest of the RV roof after cleaning the vent. If the roof is dirty or covered with tree sap, clean it with water and dish detergent or a cleaner designed for the rooftop material, which might be made of hardened rubber, fiberglass or metal. A buildup of grime and dirt can discolor paintwork and damage the roof.