Owner guides
How to manage cleaning fees for your RV share
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How to manage cleaning fees for your listing
Setting up your van for a new hire is all about that first impression. We all know the feeling of stepping into a spotless caravan - it sets the tone for a great holiday and shows your hirers they are in good hands. While most of our community treats their borrowed home with respect, sometimes a bit of extra elbow grease is needed after a trip.
As an owner, you are expected to clean between hires to keep things hygienic and tidy. However, there are times when a cleaning fee is appropriate, whether it is a service you offer upfront or a charge for a van that comes back a bit messier than expected.
Understanding cleaning options
Many owners find it helpful to offer a "clean the van for me" option. This is a popular choice for hirers who want to enjoy their holiday right up until the last minute without worrying about scrubbing the floors before handover.
You can set these fees in your listing, and hirers can opt to pay them when they book. Whether they choose pickup or delivery, having a clear understanding of cleaning expectations helps everyone stay on the same page. For a step-by-step guide on how to add these to your profile, you can view the listing management guide on cleaning here.
What to charge and when
If a van returns in a state that requires excessive cleaning beyond the usual tidy-up, you can notify Camplify through the post-hire checklist damage process. Our team will then review the details.
To help you decide what is fair, here is a guide to common cleaning types and the time typically involved:
Cleaning type | Approximate time | What is included |
Regular cleaning (no charge) | Up to 2 hours | Sweeping floors, wiping surfaces, tidying equipment, and washing bedding. A quick rinse and sponge of the exterior for dust. |
Clean the van for me | Up to 4 hours | All regular cleaning plus internal cupboards, cooking utensils, and wet areas. Exterior includes scrubbing the undercarriage and dirty spots. |
Clean the van for me (including toilet) | Up to 4.5 hours | All of the above, plus disposing of toilet content and cleaning the cassette. |
Outback trip clean (excluding toilet) | Full clean | A deep dive to remove red dirt and excessive dust from every internal and external nook and cranny. |
Clean the chem toilet for me | Up to 1 hour | Specifically for disposing of toilet content and cleaning the cassette. |
Tips for a smooth handover
Be clear in your rules: Mention your cleaning expectations in your van's house rules. If you expect the fridge to be empty or the bin to be taken out, let them know.
Provide the basics: Keeping a small dustpan, brush, and multi-purpose spray in the van makes it easy for hirers to keep things tidy during their trip.
The "before" photos: Always take clear photos of your van’s condition during the pre-hire checklist. This is your best defence if you need to claim a fee for excessive cleaning later.
Honest conversations: If a hirer returns the van dirty, have a friendly chat at handover. Often, they are happy to pay a fee if they know it saves you four hours of scrubbing.
Managing your van is all about balance. By being transparent about cleaning fees, you ensure your hirers have a great experience while your pride and joy stays in top condition for years of adventuring.
Connect with other owners in our community forums to see how they handle their cleaning routines.
The information in this blog is accurate and current as of the date of posting. Please be aware that information, facts, and links may become outdated over time.