Gabe's Pride Blog

Defining “A Multi-Surface Cleaner”

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 09:16:01 GMT

Understanding the Term "Multi-Surface Cleaner"

I know this sounds obvious. But with decades in the cleaning industry, we find that understanding chemistry CAN be confusing. So, by definition, a multi-Surface Cleaner is:

An all-in-one, versatile cleaning solution designed to break down dirt, grease, and grime on various household surfaces. These surfaces include countertops, appliances, floors, and finished wood, among others.

There are a lot of multi-surface cleaners available. So you might be asking, “Then what’s the difference?” In our opinion, part of that is, “Where does the cleaner come from and where does it go when you’re done?” A simpler question MIGHT be “Is it gentle on the environment and still work?”

Gabe’s Pride is an effective Multi-Surface Cleaner. Our products are produced right here in the USA.

Our products are formulated and tested to be eco-friendly, bio-degradable and safe for surfaces, people, pets, and mother earth.

Why is that important?

When you finish cleaning a surface, you have some expectations They are:

That surface should now be dirt free.
There should be no residue or film left behind by the multi-surface cleaner.

You might assume that. But how do you know that’s true?

#1 Find a safe cleaner that actually cleans.

How do you do that? Find one that is just a cleaner. No antibacterial or disinfectant cleaner, just a cleaner. This will ensure you “get a better clean”. Clean soils and debris first. Then disinfect, if needed. Honestly, most household surfaces do not need to be disinfected if they’re properly cleaned.

In the event that you choose to disinfect, PLEASE read the instructions on how to disinfect correctly. Most people disinfect incorrectly which is dangerous to your health.

You can find more on THAT topic here.

#2 Choose a cleaner WITHOUT bleach or ammonia.

Ammonia : Commonly found in cleaning products throughout the US. Ammonia is a strong irritant. Depending on sensitivities, ammonia can cause breathing problems. It can also damage various surfaces due to its high pH (alkaline) (11 - 13) and corrosive nature. It can etch natural stone (marble, granite), strip finishes from hardwood floors, damage sealants, cloud plastics/acrylics, tarnish metals like brass and copper, and soften paint, to name a few.
Chlorine Bleach : Widely used as a sanitizer, this product is not a cleaner. Chlorine bleach can irritate and burn the soft tissue inside the nose, throat, and lungs. This can be very harmful to both old and young.
Phthalates : Synthetic fragrances use these in many on-the-shelf products. Research on these substances indicates they are linked to hormone disruption and environmental damage and disrupting human hormones.
Parabens : Preservatives sometimes added to cleaners. These may negatively impact both ecosystems and human hormone balance.
Triclosan : An antibacterial agent that can contribute to antibiotic resistance within germs and bacteria. This is also found to pollute waterways and due to lack of evidence that antibacterial soaps are more effective than plain soap and water, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) restricted its use in 2016.
Formaldehyde : Often used as a preservative. The health risks associated with formaldehyde range from skin irritation to potential link with cancer .

Gabe’s Pride cleaners contain NONE of these dangerous chemicals

#3 Does it come as a concentrate?

In our opinion, you should have options when cleaning. Concentrates allow YOU to choose when and where to use good cleaning products. If you’re mopping, use it in mop buckets. If using it for other surfaces, use spray bottles at a lower cost. For many daily uses a spray bottle is the most convenient. But having a concentrate to wet-mop floors is a plus.

Purchase Price

Do yourself a favor, figure out the true cost of the products you use. Higher quality products (like Gabe’s Pride) might cost a little more up front. But in the long run, it costs a whole lot less than those cleaners you’re picking up in the store. The reason is simple: Better quality cleaners require less chemical to clean. That means you save your money. Cheaper products with a higher dilution ratio cost more in the end because you use more. And, once used, the earth has to “recycle” what’s been flushed down the drain or released into your air. Not to mention a better quality cleaner gives you a better clean!

The pH Scale

A good, Multi-Surface cleaner should be on the alkaline side of the pH scale. This means it can clean most types of dirt and grease from most surfaces. Floors, counters, walls, stoves, microwaves and tables. From food scraps to fingerprints, a multisurface cleaner should effectively clean almost everything except soap scum.

Shampoos, bar-soaps, liquid and dish soaps are alkaline. When used, these create soap scum. This is the reason you should NEVER use dish soap to clean your shower, shower doors or tub.

A few things to remember:

You want a pH of 9 – 10 for an effective Multi-Surface Cleaner. If the raw materials used to make the cleaner are high quality and safe, this is a safe pH with the best cleaning capability.

How does “Clean” smell?

Fragrance doesn’t clean . When done right, a fragrance is used as a pleasant additive, not to cover up a bad smell. We understand that many people have severe reactions to scented materials. We believe a good quality cleaning product with a fragrance should not cause allergic reactions.

Follow the Dilution Ratio

If you have to use a cleaner full strength to get the job done but the instructions say to dilute it, it’s not a good cleaner. We caution you to NOT use cleaning materials in this manner. Doing so can be hazardous to your health or damage the surface. Good cleaning materials should always work at the stated dilution ratio.

You want to clean according to the soil / dirt, not the surface. This is the primary reason we help our customers reduce the number of cleaning products they use. A good cleaner should be safe for all the surfaces it’s rated for.

Last and most important, disinfectants don’t clean and cleaners don’t disinfect. The surface is sanitary if all the dirt is removed. It is not sanitary after a disinfectant is used as disinfectants leave a film to collect and kill germs that land on the surface and will attach to your food, hands, utensils, etc. Remember what you WANT on your food and hands. When you want a safer and more hygienic cleaner that actually works, use Gabe’s Pride !

Make Bathroom Cleaning Easy AND Effective

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 10:00:24 GMT

Clean-Smart with Eco-Friendly Supplies

At Gabe’s Pride , we talk about cleaning a lot! To our regular customers, that’s no surprise. We are RV and home cleaning experts.

When cleaning your RV or home, there are 2 rooms that get the most use. These are our greatest focus during all our visits to talk about cleaning. I bet it’s no surprise to you that the kitchen and the bathroom take up most of our time and attention about the interiors. Today, we’re talking about cleaning the bathroom.

The Good

When cleaning an RV toilet bowl, it is important to use a good, eco-friendly and safe cleaner. Gabe’s Pride Bathroom cleaner is perfect for this job and a little goes a long way! Our formulation contains no chemicals that will harm the seals. That allows you to clean all the way down into the neck (tube). When doing so, we suggest using a toilet swab (not a brush). This tool helps to hold onto the cleaning mixture. That means you’re actually using the cleaning mixture and not just pushing dirty water around.

The Bad

We’ve had plenty to say about hard chemicals and dangerous materials. At Gabe’s Pride we believe The Power to Clean doesn’t have to come with foolish risks to health . We often speak with people who’ve been raised with using bleach as a cleaner and disinfectant. Ask us about THAT sometime.

BE CAREFUL! Bleach can damage the seals, burn skin and irritate eyes and lungs. Once damaged with bleach, your tank seals can become brittle and leak. In the event that enough bleach is mixed with urine and organic waste, black tanks and gray tanks can leak chloramine gas!

The Stinky

Whether in your home or RV, nobody gets excited about cleaning the toilet. But we sure do get upset when it’s a wreck. In our opinion, the best answer is regular cleaning. When that happens, the job is less of a chore and more likely to get done.

If you’ve cleaned your RV toilet, you know the fixtures and plumbing differ from most home set ups. At home, you might think a toilet brush is the perfect tool for your “throne”.

Let me pose 2 reasons why it’s not.

#1 Silicon or bristle brushes do not hold enough of the cleaning solution to be truly effective. YES, the bristles do create some friction. In this scenario though, you’re doing all the work and not getting the “clean” you probably want. Remember, choosing to “work smart, not hard”, means you have chemistry on your side! And if that chemistry IS working, bristles will NOT be needed.

In your home, the most likely material for your toilet is porcelain and standard (hard) plumbing for flushing the waste. Although the bristles of a brush are unlikely to cause damage, you’re still working too hard. A swab vs a brush is a better a better choice. Some readers will assume this opinion is shared here to promote sales. Let me pose a different point of view…

#2 You just cleaned the toilet bowl. You KNOW what you put in that toilet when you use it. It’s reasonable to expect that small and larger pieces of what you cleaned out of the toilet will remain on a toilet brush. Anything that survived your digestive tract could be sitting right there in the corner of your bathroom. Your HEALTH, SAFETY and GOOD SENSE will probably take a moment to consider a smarter choice.

Now, this is a place where I must apologize. We actually get a little giddy when we talk about cleaning the potty. This one topic covers so many private conversations with our friends in the RV community. Sometimes these questions are asked in a group. Sometimes they’re whispered privately. I promise that we’re not laughing at those who ask. If you’ve been to one of our cleaning demonstrations, you know there are a bunch of people there! We ALL know the stranger sitting next to us at a rally is going back to their rig tonight to use the toilet. And they want it clean, just like you do.

Work Smart

When cleaning the RV toilet, If you can, use a hose to wet the side walls to soften stuck material. Use the swab with cleaning mixture and wipe down the sides as far as you can reach. Once done, rinse with water. Keeping this clean is an important part of controlling the smell.

Shower cleaning is easy with Gabe’s Pride Bathroom Cleaner. A small amount on a wet microfiber cloth will get your shower and shower doors soap scum free! Gabe’s Pride Bathroom Cleaner is eco-friendly, biodegradable and safe for the surfaces.

Gabe’s Pride Bathroom Cleaner or Cream Cleanser works great on both the kitchen and bathroom sinks.

If you have cleaning questions, please feel free to contact us here!

Poop Is NOT your biggest problem

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 13:52:53 GMT

At Gabe’s Pride , we really enjoy our peeps in the RV community! Because we appreciate independence and time on the road, our conversations about cleaning needs cover a lot of ground. We’re thankful for our regular customers! And we appreciate the questions and specific cleaning challenges you bring us at Gabe’s Pride. While we ARE RV and home cleaning experts, gray tanks require a particular knack. That’s why we reached out to the team at Kleen Tank . We urge you to keep in mind that cleaning your gray tank demands time, care and most of all, safety.

Why Does the Gray Tank Stink?

Believe it or not, gray tanks can have worse odors and be more of a health risk than black tanks – especially galley grays. While black tanks are collecting urine, feces, water, cleaning materials and whatever didn’t “agree with you” last night, gray tanks get everything else.

Laundry, Dishes & Heat. Oh My!

Germs, bacteria and mold. All three are living things and all three require something from their environment to thrive. Those are:

Food
Water
Heat
Shelter

Unfortunately, we can find all of those in your RV’s gray tank. Food particles and a warm, moist environment inside your gray tank make this a perfect breeding ground for germs, bacteria and mold.

Most people don’t think about Mold

As we discussed in a previous blog, when cleaning your black , the most important ingredient is water! Mold can be trouble enough on its own. However, when mold gets dried out, it can become airborne. Once inhaled, mold can wreak all manner of havoc on your health . Headaches, congestion, cough, and many other symptoms are associated with exposure to mold spores.

So what do you do?

Because gray tanks generally don’t come with an on-board sprayer, using a reverse flush device is the best way for an RV owner to get extra water into that tank to help flush out food particulates. You may also consider using a water meter to prevent tank overflow. It's important to test the water meter before each use to make sure it's working correctly.

To use or not to use an additive.

Tank cleaning companies such as Kleen Tank do recommend using additives for cleaning your gray tank. Traditionally they use a Calgon base solution. This is used to coat the sides and prevent waste from sticking. The Kleen Tank team says “use plenty of water” to keep things liquid and moving both before and during the cleaning process.

Should you choose to use a tank treatment product, consistency is important. Product formulations may be similar but are not identical. For this reason, frequently changing these may create a chemical reaction. Be careful and always read the instructions and use the product accordingly.

When you’re looking for cleaning tips and tools for your RV or home, check us out our products and blogs . Since we’re part of the RV community ourselves, you may see us during this season’s rallies. Our Eco-Friendly cleaning materials are made right here in the USA. And we’re always happy to answer your home and RV cleaning questions. If you have a question that can’t wait, contact us here !

Black Tank Cleaning

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 15:44:07 GMT

The Danger Probably ISN'T What You Think

At Gabe’s Pride, we talk about cleaning a lot! To our regular customers, that’s no surprise. We ARE RV and home cleaning experts. But just like your doctors have an expertise, so do Gray & Blank Tanks. That’s why we reached out to the team at Kleen Tank . We urge you to keep in mind that cleaning the black tank ISN’T like cleaning of the toilet, shower and sinks.

First and foremost, it’s important to understand that this is a holding tank, not a septic system. That means there’s no need to keep beneficial bacteria balanced. HOWEVER, you do need to be careful what gets flushed into your black tank.

Harmful chemicals such as bleach can damage the seals. Once damaged with bleach these tanks can leak all kinds of foul odors. That’s inconvenient enough. If bleach has been used, when mixed with urine and other organic waste, your tank can leak chloramine gas. And that is a serious health hazard!

Believe it or not, your real goal with a black tank is not to “clean” it but to keep it from clogs and odor. It does help to have it professionally cleaned occasionally by a company such as Kleen Tank but in between there are things you can do.

WATER, WATER, WATER .

Water is probably the most important maintenance item. Using plenty of water keeps the waste from solidifying creating clogs. In fact, using plenty of water dilutes the waste which minimizes odors. It also helps speed the process of waste removal for solids when you dump. Remember, more water equals less odor and stuck-on waste.

How to get this stinky job done? We’re SO glad you asked!

Always try to keep water in the bowl of the toilet. This will create a “water seal”. This prevents odors from escaping the black tank and the rubber seal from drying out.
Fill the bowl halfway before using it. Flush and then refill the bowl halfway again. Flush that. The goal is using 1 full bowl of water for every use.
Starting a good habit would include refill the bowl halfway for the next person.
For kids or RV guests who don’t understand “RV Potty etiquette” we suggest you fill the toilet bowl twice after flushing. That would mean: 1 Half-bowl to start and 2 Hal-bowls after your guest use it. A total of 1.5 bowls of water.
Take longer showers.
In general, keep your tanks CLOSED!
Fill your tanks to at least 75% full before dumping. This helps prevent any issues with the sewer or septic system from affecting your RV!
If you are ACTIVELY doing laundry or have multiple people taking showers back-to-back, it’s ok to leave tanks open. Once laundry or showers are complete, close the tank valves.

The Key to Emptying the Tanks is… More Water!

Keep tanks closed as much as possible. If left open the liquid will run out, leaving the solids to collect on the bottom of the tank. Keeping it closed will also reduce the occurrence of sewer flies.
Making P-traps in the “sewer slinky” is not a sure-fire way of keeping bugs out of your tanks. Some types of cockroaches live in sewer systems and can swim underwater. As if they weren’t gross enough already.
Wait to empty tanks until they’re three-quarters full to full.
After the tanks are empty, use your on-board tank flush. Rinse out any leftover waste. And while it’s best to rinse your black tank thoroughly after each dumping, there are exceptions.
If you didn’t rinse the tank after your most recent dumping, you'll want to rinse well at your next site.
When filling your tank, stay focused and don't get distracted! It's very easy to forget what you're doing and overfill your tank! A water meter is a great tool to keep you on track. You should use a timer only if you know the flow rate of the water.
If you have been boon-docking, you’ll probably be conserving water. If that’s the case, use twice as much water at your next full hookup. This will ensure everything you want moving, keeps moving.

EVEN MORE WATER!

On a regular basis, back flush water into the system. Using a reverse flush device like the Valterra Flush King or Camco Rhino Blaster makes this easy. These devices add water to the system from a different direction than the inlets or tank flush. This helps to break up any stuck-on waste.
Flush one tank at a time.
Kleen Tank recommends doing this at least monthly or after every short trip.

Using Additives

A lot of cleaning is “applied chemistry”. Questions like needing an acid cleaner or an abrasive surface are straight-forward if you know the answers. However, there are times when the answer is an opinion. At Gabe’s Pride we’re very clear on that because in our opinion, a LOT of the corporate cleaning industry is not.

Tank cleaning companies such as Kleen Tank use a Calgon base solution to coat the tank sides, so waste doesn’t stick. The theory is based on using plenty of water to keep things liquid and moving. Other companies sell additives which they claim “break down” waste. This chemical action is usually accomplished with enzymes. Some swear by these. Others believe this creates sludge, especially if enough water isn’t used.

You’ll also find Black & Gray Tank cleaning products. Some manufacturers will claim that when used periodically, these products remove sludge and odors from the tank. Instructions say to fill the tanks, add the product and allow it to sit for a period of time. Others suggest driving to agitate the tank mixture.

Should you choose to use a tank treatment it’s suggested to use the same one consistently. Frequent changes in these may create a chemical reaction. And as with every cleaning product be sure to read the instructions and use the product accordingly.

Remember, whichever process you choose to use, water is your friend so use plenty of it! When you’re looking for other cleaning tips and tools for your RV or home, check us out at Gabe’s Pride . Our Eco-Friendly cleaning materials are made right here in the USA.

Cleaning Well is Your First-Best Defense

pamk@gabrielfirst.com (Pam Kennedy) — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 14:19:19 GMT

Understanding WHAT you're using to clean surfaces is as important as HOW WELL you clean them.

Germs live on surfaces all around us. That’s normal. It’s also normal to reduce their number by reducing their food source. THAT’s where good cleaning comes to the rescue.

Yes, we said clean not disinfect. Why? Because germs live by eating soil. When you and I remove the food sources (soil) on surfaces in your home and RV, we reduce their opportunity to multiply. That’s using an effective, Eco-Friendly cleaner both reduces the number of germs AND helps you avoid the need for harsh disinfectants !

Chemicals to avoid in cleaners

At Gabe’s Pride, we get a little “obsessive” about cleaning. Recently, many among the public have questioned the use of certain chemicals in our food and water sources. This isn’t new, but it has become a hot topic again. Even IF some of these chemicals are used with the best of intentions, they can have harmful long-term health effects.

Be Careful

While you’ll hear arguments in defense of these at industrial settings, many end up in home and RV use. Part of this is because we’ve all grown up with them. But be careful! Among cleaning products we see some disturbing trends. After a lot of study and testing, we believe the following should NOT be used for cleaning in your home or RV. At the very least, Gabe’s Pride doesn’t use these in our own products. Should you find these among your cleaning products, please consider removing them. If you’d like more information, find us at one of our upcoming rallies or online .

o Disinfectants

o Ammonia

o Chlorine Bleach

o 2-Butoxyethanol (a glycol ether)

o Trisodium Phoaphate

o Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Acetate

o Sodium Hypocholorite

o Anti-Bacterial agents

The Power to Clean

Whether you prefer premixed (AKA Ready-for-Use) products or concentrates, Gabes Pride has you covered. We make no excuse about the convenience of Ready-for-use products. Many of our customers start there and simply reorder with concentrates. Our cleaners and products are made for 1 purpose – to clean surfaces and remove the soils. Our formulations are EcoFriendly and are very gentle on mother-earth by design. We NEVER use disinfectants in our cleaners. Gabe’s Pride uses only the highest quality raw materials which produces the best and safest clean. We formulate and package or products right here in the USA! As always, a portion of all sales is donated to the Honor Network .

When you use high quality cleaners, you are getting a better results with:

· Less cleaning material being used (your money)

· Less energy scrubbing (your energy) and your time

· All of that means the earth has to less to recycle

Our Concept for Cleaning

A good, safe, eco-responsible cleaner is one that uses safe or green raw materials. At Gabe’s Pride, our formulation is so good, you can use less and get a “superior clean”. When you’re ready for a cleaner, safer & more comfortable home and RV, contact us at Gabe’s Pride! You can also shop at our site for the best Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products available.

Cleaning vs Disinfecting

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 14:47:12 GMT

Why CLEANING is so important to your health

Most home and RV users of cleaning products don’t give much thought to the meaning of the terms “clean” and “disinfect”. Oh, but our “regular customers” they know a LOT. Part of that, of course, is because when Steve and I travel to the RV Rallies, we get a chance to meet and answer questions. At some of the owners’ rallies we get the opportunity to volunteer and provide demonstrations. It IS part of connecting with our customers. But maybe the bigger part is being with “our people”. The RV Community is a fun group from everywhere!

For our friends who want to clean with natural products as much as possible, I have been asked if they can “clean with water only”. The short answer is “No”. It will remove loose soil and dirt. But when used alone, water has no true cleaning capabilities. It is technically a chemical. But it's also the purest chemical with a pH rating of 7. If water was an effective cleaner, we wouldn’t need dish soap, toothpaste, shampoo, laundry detergent or any other “cleaner or detergent”.

For more on that, see our blog Is it Possible to Clean Without Any Chemicals?

The Difference between Clean & Disinfect

Clean

In its simplest form, cleaning is a matter of removing soil. That soil could be dirt, grease, bug guts, pollen, food particles or any number of things that don’t belong where you found them. Cleaning is the first step and the most important one.

Disinfect

Disinfection means killing germs. It does NOT mean removing soils.

A disinfectant is not a “green” or “safe” chemical. Most disinfectants should never (in our opinion) be used around food or food surfaces. There are food-grade disinfectants for use in commercial kitchens.

Food Grade Disinfectants

These cleaners and sanitizers are tested and certified by the Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ). Cleaners and Sanitizers with this food-grade designation “should cause no ill effects if consumed with food containing these chemicals in trace amounts”.

Keep in mind that if it kills germs, it can probably hurt you, too!

This list of approved commercial-food-grade sanitizers and cleaners includes the following. This list of commercial-grade food-surface sanitizers can be found on page 2 of this PDF at the USDA website .

Chlorine Materials
Hydrogen peroxide
Ozone
Peracetic acid/peroxyacetic acid
Phosphoric acid
Potassium hydroxide
Sodium hydroxide

We note again, that these are commercial grade food production scenarios.

As always, we encourage our community to read the label of any cleaning or disinfecting material you consider using. When you read the “instructions” found on the label, most will specify a “dwell time”. That means an amount of time the disinfectant will need to “remain wet” on the surface to which it’s applied. That “dwell time” allows the disinfectant to be in contact with a set of germs or bacteria it's rated to kill so it can do the job. If you’re interested, you’ll find an eye opening chart from Northern Arizona University, here .

Please note, this is a very long document. Among the items we found was the following. This section appears at the bottom of page 21 and the top of page 22. It reads as follows:

“An additional concern is that chlorine bleach is often manufactured using a mercury cell process, leaving contaminant mercury in the product. Hospitals in Massachusetts have tested several brands of sodium hypochlorite and confirmed this. While the Antimicrobial Cleaning Products concentration of mercury is not high enough to cause any worker health risks, the contaminant mercury, in some cases, is sufficient to trip the mercury limit allowed in water discharged down the drain to a water treatment facility. Mercury is a potent neurotoxin responsible for many environmental and health problems, which have resulted in government agencies issuing advisories against the consumption of many types of fish.”

Disinfectant Mistake #1

The surface is rarely cleaned PRIOR to applying a disinfectant. Disinfectants do not clean and cannot disinfect a dirty surface. A “Disinfectant Cleaner” doesn’t clean the surface. The instructions say to pre-clean the surface before applying the disinfectant. It doesn’t matter if it’s a wipe or spray.

Disinfectant Mistake #2

When using a disinfectant, the most common mistake people make is not allowing the proper dwell time. We’ve all seen advertising that shows the users to “spray and wipe”. Those images are used to give consumers the impression that the product works fast and that this is easy.

That spray and wipe action might work for removing some dirt. But it most likely won’t work for killing germs and bacteria.

When disinfectants are not allowed the proper dwell time, there’s an ugly result. There can remain a set of germs or bacteria that are now exposed to that chemical. Kind of like “tipping your hand” at a card game. Those germs might now be strong enough to resist that disinfectant the next time. No homeowner or RV family wants that!

Disinfectant Mistake #3

No one shows you washing the surface that’s been disinfected. Disinfects leave a layer of chemical on the surface to continue to collect germs. All those germs, dead or alive, along with the highly regulated dangerous chemicals, are now sitting on that surface. This is why commercial kitchens are required to use food grade disinfectants. The chemicals have been approved by the EPA to be safe to humans in small, trace quantities. If you do not wash the surface with water, all of this is now being touched by you and your food, dishes, utensils, etc. It’s on the instructions part of the label.

Cleaning Correctly

Clean (that means removing debris such as food particles) before you disinfect. Following that, disinfect. This will leave a slightly sticky layer. That layer includes any residue from the disinfectant as well as the “bodies” of the dead germs & bacteria. Yeah, I know that sounds kind of gross. THEN, clean the surface with a cleaner that doesn’t include a disinfectant. This step removes any of that sticky layer and all the dead germs. The most common and safest method is with a gentle soap and water. Once completed what’s left is a nice-clean-safe-surface, ready for you to use.

The Power to Clean

Gabe’s Pride cleaners are made for 1 purpose – to clean surfaces and remove the soils. We NEVER use disinfectants or harmful chemicals in our cleaners. Gabe’s Pride uses only the highest quality raw materials which produces the best and safest clean. You can explore and shop through our products here or contact us here .

Your Complete Guide to RV Cleaning: Giving Your RV the Ultimate Spring Clean

pamk@gabrielfirst.com (Pam Kennedy) — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 12:10:38 GMT

Spring is here, and there’s no better time to give your RV a refreshing makeover after a long winter.

As you gear up to hit the road again this springtime, you want your ride to be pristine and ready for all your upcoming adventures.

That's where this guide comes in handy. We've got everything you need to get your RV back in top condition, inside and out.

Let's get your RV shining like new again!

Tips for cleaning inside your RV

Let’s kick things off by tackling the inside of your RV. Here’s what to do:

De-winterize and sanitize the water system

Get your RV ready for action by giving its water system some TLC.

Follow your RV owner's manual to wake it from hibernation, flush out any lingering winter antifreeze, and thoroughly sanitize.

Wipe down surfaces

Grab your favorite multi-surface cleaner and give everything a good wipe-down.

From the ceiling nooks to the cabinetry and every spot in between, make sure your home-on-wheels is dust-free.

Shine windows and mirrors

Next, it's time to shine up those windows and mirrors. We recommend you ditch any vinegar-based cleaners as they can cause streaky glass.

Opt for an ammonia-free solution instead. After a few spritzes and wipes, your RV will feel bright and airy again.

Clean the bathroom

The next step in the RV cleaning process is to tackle the bathroom, one of the most important areas to keep clean.

Armed with a trusty bathroom cleaner, banish soap scum and water spots from the tub, shower, sink, and toilet.

Vacuum

Next, rid your ride of dust bunnies and crumbs lurking in the corners and under furniture. Make sure no rug, floor, cabinet, or mattress goes untouched.

With each pass of the vacuum, you're one step closer to a fresh and tidy living space on wheels.

Top tip: When cleaning the inside of your RV, it's crucial to choose eco-responsible and biodegradable cleaners that don't contain disinfectants, bleach, or harsh chemicals.

Not only are disinfectants and bleach harmful to the environment, but they also don't actually clean surfaces properly.

Tips for cleaning outside your RV

Once you've tackled the interior of your RV and it's looking spick and span, it's time to turn your attention to deep cleaning your RV's exterior.

Determine your RV's coating

First, figure out if your RV has a finish or wax coating. Finishes like ceramic or gel coats dry hard and last longer without waxing. Waxes, on the other hand, dry soft and can hold onto dirt, requiring occasional re-waxing.

You can use the same cleaner for both finishes, as long as it's not too harsh. Look for cleaners with quality ingredients—they clean better and save time.

Keep in mind that all good cleaners will remove a layer of wax to get rid of embedded dirt.

Gather your tools

To get the best possible results from your RV cleaning tools, we recommend the following:

Eco-responsible, biodegradable cleaner like Gabe's Pride RV Streaker for high-performance results.
Foam Cannon (if your cleaner requires foaming). This makes application a breeze.
8 ft extension pole to clean without needing a ladder.
Water is the preferred method for thorough soil removal. But if water access is limited, consider using waterless cleaners available in the market.
A soft brush or, if you have the Gabe's Pride Exterior Cleaning Kit , a soft cleaning head or microfiber pad and holder.
Window cleaner for a crystal-clear finish on your windows.

Start with the sides

Start your RV deep clean by focusing on the sides. Work from bottom to top, taking on small sections for thorough cleaning without streaks. This method offers control and excellent results.

Use the foam cannon applicator

Grab your foam cannon and load it up with a cleaner. Give it a few minutes to work its magic, allowing it to penetrate through dirt and grime for a deeper clean.

Gently agitate the surface

After applying the cleaner, grab a soft cleaning head or pad and agitate the surface. This gentle RV washing process helps loosen stubborn debris without damaging your vehicle's finish.

Clean the roof

Move on to cleaning the RV roof, taking it one section at a time to be sure you don't miss any dirt. Pay special attention to areas prone to buildup, like around vents and air conditioners.

Refresh awnings

You have two options for cleaning awnings. First, spray RV Streaker on them, roll them up, wait 5 minutes, then unroll and agitate if necessary before rinsing.

Or you can use a cleaning head or microfiber pad to foam RV Streaker onto the awnings, wait 5 minutes, agitate if needed, and then rinse away dirt buildup.

Thoroughly rinse everything

Once all surfaces are cleaned, thoroughly rinse the sides, roof, and awnings with a garden hose to remove any remaining cleaner. Proper rinsing helps prevent streaks and spots, leaving your RV with a pristine finish.

Inspect for damage

Once all the dirt is cleared away, take a quick minute to check the roof, side, and exterior for any seal and roof repair that may be needed. This is a crucial step in RV maintenance.

Shine windows for a streak-free finish

Finish your RV cleaning routine by washing the windows with a suitable cleaner for a streak-free shine.

Enjoy the rewarding results of your hard work as you hit the road with a well-maintained and clean RV.

Key takeaway

As you embark on your spring adventures, a clean and well-maintained RV is essential for a smooth journey.

With our comprehensive guide, you've learned how to refresh both the interior and exterior of your ride, guaranteeing it stands out as the shining star in all RV parks you visit.

From sanitizing the water system to achieving streak-free windows, every step helps keep your RV clean and ready for the road ahead.

Elevate your RV cleaning routine with Gabe's Pride cleaning products

At Gabe's Pride, our natural cleaning solutions deliver exceptional results while infusing your space with refreshing and safe fragrances.

Immerse yourself in the power of our eco-friendly products, designed to tackle dirt and grime effectively without compromising safety or performance.

Don't wait any longer! Visit our website today to explore our full range of home and RV cleaning products.

Sharing Our Journey With The Honor Network: A Personal Experience

pamk@gabrielfirst.com (Pam Kennedy) — Fri, 18 Aug 2023 20:28:16 GMT

In July 2022, our community tragically lost a beloved 29-year veteran of the Rochester, NY Police Department, Officer Mazurkiewicz, in the line of duty.

Officer Mazurkiewicz was known as a true "cop’s cop," deeply devoted to serving the community and his fellow officers.

What is the Honor Network?

The United States Honor Flag's origin can be traced back to the aftermath of the September 11th, 2001 attacks. Chris Heisler was gifted an American flag and a Texas flag by the Texas House of Representatives as a gesture of gratitude for leading Texas first responders to Ground Zero.

Accompanied by these flags, Chris led the largest convoy of first responders in U.S. history to Ground Zero, providing support during that tragic event. The American flag that traveled with him to honor the fallen heroes of 9/11 became known as The United States Honor Flag, a symbol ensuring that their bravery and commitment would never be forgotten.

In 2008, The Honor Network, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was founded by Chris with a strong conviction: every person dedicated to serving our communities and country deserves the support of every American.

This organization also stresses the importance of fostering American patriotism to keep our nation united. Through their efforts, they emphasize the significance of respecting and honoring those who fight for and protect our freedoms.

Our profound experience with the Honor Flag in Rochester

At Grand Design Owners' rallies held throughout the year, Pam and Steve from Gabe's Pride spend time with Chris and his wife, Cindy Heisler.

Cindy is a retired police officer who currently serves as the Honor Guard Instructor for the Colorado Professional Firefighters Foundation (CPFF).

At these rallies, The Honor Network carries out a variety of functions such as opening ceremonies, seminars, or if the flag is available, an Honor Flag presentation honoring a hero at the rally.

Pam and Steve have expressed that whenever they watch one of these events, particularly when a hero is being honored, the emotions they feel are just as intense as the first time they heard about it, often bringing tears to their eyes. What’s more, observing the emotion of the hero being honored is truly heartwarming.

The rest of our team hadn't experienced this until Chris brought the United States Honor Flag to our community to honor our fallen hero - Officer Mazurkiewicz.

Engaging in meaningful events: Chris and Cindy's impact

Having covered millions of miles of travel, the Honor Flag’s journey spans land, sea, and space.

Chris has been an integral part of the flag's journey, accompanying it to countless ceremonies across the United States, except for its exceptional appearance on Space Shuttle Atlantis and the International Space Station in 2011 during NASA's final shuttle mission.

If the last 20 years of extensive travel, education, and inspiration haven't already demonstrated the huge demand for the United States Honor Flag, there's more to the story.

Chris and Cindy, along with the Grand Design Impact Team continue to be actively involved in events and recently they have:

Participated in a Christmas in July event by packing a Grand Design Momentum Toy Hauler with Toys for Tots.
Organized a blood drive in Florida.
Created blankets for a domestic violence shelter.
Assembled hero bags for the Police in Michigan.
Contributed to rebuilding a house destroyed by a hurricane in Florida.
Coordinated donation collections for the local Humane Society in Georgia.
Took part in painting a gazebo.
Undertook a cleanup project in Zion National Park during the Washington State Rally.
Volunteered their time at a Tuscan food bank.
Fulfilled the dreams of ten girls by providing prom gowns, accessories, makeup, and hair services, among other endeavors.

Every day, our law enforcement, first responders, and military personnel put their lives on the line to ensure our families and communities remain safe.

At Gabe's Pride, we are humbled by the selflessness of individuals like Officer Mazurkiewicz, and many others who dedicate so much to the benefit of others. Their actions have touched countless lives in ways that may never be fully realized.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Chris and Cindy for their commitment to honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and Gabe’s Pride continues our support by donating a percentage of every sale to their mission to bring the United States Honor Flag to all of our country’s fallen heroes.

The funeral for Officer Anthony Mazurkiewicz is available to watch here:

20 Years and Just Getting Started - The United States Honor Flag:

The Role of Fragrances In Our Cleaning Routines & Everyday Lives

michellez@gabespride.com (Michelle Zanche) — Tue, 20 Jun 2023 02:59:09 GMT

From ancient rituals to modern-day products, fragrances have been integral throughout human history.

In ancient Mesopotamia, incense was used to pay homage to the gods. Italy gained fame as the fragrance capital during the Middle Ages with the invention of liquid perfumes. Napoleon himself was a fragrance enthusiast known for his extravagant cologne usage.

As time progressed, the fragrance industry evolved, and today, we encounter fragrances in various forms and products.

In fact, fragrances have become ever-present in our everyday lives. They're commercialized into all sorts of everyday products, including:

Scented candles
Air fresheners
Laundry detergent
Shampoos
Soaps
Cat litter
Garbage bags
And yes, even cleaning products.

In this blog, we will delve deeper into the world of fragrances, exploring their history, significance, and how Gabe's Pride’s fragranced cleaning products set themselves apart by using safer ingredients.

Discover how you can enhance your sensory experience while prioritizing your well-being.

Why do we love fragrances?

Fragrances enchant our senses, evoking cherished memories, creating pleasant atmospheres, and even promoting well-being.

When encountering certain scents, the tropical beach or cozy fireside chat instantly comes to mind. Fragrances can transport us to cherished moments and reduce stress in our daily lives.

At the same time, fragrances can revive and refresh environments tainted by unpleasant odors, whether it's lingering garbage smells, bathroom odors, or body odors.

However, it's important to acknowledge that fragrances can have some unintended consequences. Exposure to certain scents may trigger headaches, sneezing, coughing, asthma, or allergic skin reactions for some individuals.

Fragrances can also conceal the presence of hazardous ingredients, such as bleach, which can pose a safety risk.

So why do cleaning product companies incorporate fragrances beyond their odor-masking properties?

The answer lies in the power of sensory perception. Fragrances serve as a cue to consumers that a space has been thoroughly cleaned. The impact of fragrances on our sensory experience is undeniable.

Freshening vs masking

Freshening and masking are often confused as being the same, but this is not true.

Freshening is the process of thoroughly cleaning and removing dirt, spots, and residues from surfaces.

It involves using appropriate cleaning agents and methods to eliminate the dirt, leaving the surface clean and free from residual smells.

On the other hand, masking dirt involves using fragrances or scented products to cover up and hide the smell without actually removing the dirt itself.

This approach may temporarily mask the odor, but the underlying dirt remains, and the scent will eventually fade, leaving the dirt's smell to linger.

The four scent families

There are four primary scent families that encompass a wide range of fragrances:

Woody: This scent family exudes warmth and luxury. Common woody fragrances include sandalwood and cedar, which create a rich and earthy aroma.
Floral: The floral scent family captures blooming flowers' fresh and captivating aroma. Common floral fragrances include rose and jasmine.
Amber: The amber scent family features herbal and spicy notes that add depth and complexity to fragrances. Common amber fragrances include vanilla and anise.
Fresh: The fresh scent family is characterized by bright and invigorating aromas reminiscent of the outdoors. This category includes citrusy scents like lemon and orange and refreshing notes of fresh grass and sea spray.

Gabe's Pride's popular cleaning products and scents

Gabe's Pride's scented cleaning products feature a carefully chosen selection of fragrances based on extensive engagement and feedback from individuals like you.

Our primary focus was to create products with light, safe, and refreshing scents that enhance the cleaning experience. Using better ingredients that are focused are less likely to trigger sneezing or allergy-type reactions.

Lemongrass Sage

Gabe's Pride Multi-Surface Cleaner features the fresh and invigorating scent of lemongrass, which is known for promoting clarity and cleansing negative energies.

Adding sage brings a herbal essence, creating a harmonious atmosphere while cleaning.

Lavender

Gabe's Pride Bathroom Cleaner harnesses the timeless fragrance of lavender, renowned for its refreshing and calming properties.

With its floral notes combined with hints of strength, spiciness, and woody, herbal undertones, lavender creates a pleasant and soothing ambiance, making it perfect for bathroom cleaning.

Crisp lemon

Gabe's Pride Window Cleaner embraces the revitalizing scent of crisp lemon. Citrus fragrances are widely recognized as refreshing and uplifting.

The quick evaporation of lemon scents enhances the streak-free cleaning of windows, ensuring a sparkling result.

Fresh rain

Gabe's Pride RV Streaker captures the unique aroma of freshly fallen rain. This scent combines airborne oils released by plants, resulting in a sweet yet earthy fragrance reminiscent of freshly watered gardens and soil.

This cleaner's scent of fresh rain adds a lovely touch to your cleaning routine, creating a serene and satisfying atmosphere.

Transform your cleaning routine

Discover the transformative power of Gabe's Pride cleaning products and turn your cleaning routine into an uplifting and enjoyable experience.

Immerse yourself in the power of our cleaning products, delivering effective cleaning results while surrounding you with light, safe, and fresh fragrances.

Don't wait any longer! Visit our website today to explore our full range of home and RV cleaning products.

Potty Talk: Spring Cleaning Tips & Products For Your RV’s Bathroom - As Seen In I Heart RVing

pamk@gabrielfirst.com (Pam Kennedy) — Mon, 01 May 2023 16:52:27 GMT

As we welcome springtime once again, now is the perfect opportunity to bring some spring freshness to your RV bathroom.

The truth is we all feel better knowing that our bathrooms are fresh, clean, and germ-free.

But at the same time, no one wants to be bogged down by hours spent scrubbing soap scum or limescale.

To simplify your cleaning process, we've put together our top tips for cleaning every area of your bathroom without any hassle.

As a manufacturer of eco-responsible, biodegradable RV cleaners , we've also recommended products that will leave your bathroom sparkling clean and smelling fresh.

Shower doors

Although glass shower doors are attractive in your bathroom, they can be painful to clean.

When cleaning glass, it's essential that you use a safe-for-glass bathroom cleaner. The cleaner needs to be able to remove soap scum and water spots without damaging the glass itself.

Remember, a glass cleaner won’t cut through the grime.

Instead, you'll need to squirt a little bit of regular bathroom cleaner onto a wet microfiber cloth. Use the cloth to wipe from the bottom up. Afterward, rinse with water from the top down and dry with a dry microfiber cloth.

Continue with the walls, always starting at the bottom and working up before moving onto the floor. Don't forget to wash the shower head and faucet.

Shower tracks

Toilet

Just like your shower track, having the right tool and cleaners for cleaning your RV's toilet can make all the difference.

Many people make the mistake of using bleach to clean their toilets. Although it can kill germs, bleach is not cleaner and will not achieve your desired sparkling shine.

Instead, a soft swab combined with a good cleaner is the way to go. A soft swab holds water, is hygienic, and is easier to get into tight areas.

Using a bristle or silicone brush is not nearly as effective as the cleaning chemical drips through. This means it's just the bristles and your elbow grease doing the cleaning.

Remember to wash the exterior of the toilet and then rinse and dry it with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.

Sink and vanity

Cleaning your RV's sink couldn't be easier - all you need is our eco-friendly bathroom cleaner with a clean microfiber cloth.

Wet the cloth, add a little cleaner, and wash the sink, counter, and faucet. Rinse with water and dry with a fresh microfiber cloth.

Mirror

Mirrors are another part of your bathroom that is easy to clean. Spray and wipe using a clean, dry microfiber cloth and an ammonia and vinegar-free window cleaner.

Floors

RV bathrooms tend to be small, so a microfiber cloth and a spray bottle of a multi-surface cleaner are what you need.

Spray and wipe with a wet cloth and dry for a film-free, clean floor. You can use a mop if you prefer.

10 Essential Tools To Keep Your RV Clean and Happy

pamk@gabrielfirst.com (Pam Kennedy) — Tue, 25 Apr 2023 14:08:31 GMT

As an RV or camper owner, you know how important it is to keep your ride sparkling clean.

First and foremost, a clean RV is a happy RV, and it's also more likely to last longer if it's well-maintained.

At the same time, a clean RV can make for a more enjoyable camping experience without any dirt or clutter spoiling your fun.

But with all the nooks and crannies of an RV, cleaning can be daunting. This is why having the right tools and equipment at your disposal is essential.

Let's explore those crucial tools to help maintain your RV's shine and keep you smiling on your next camping adventure!

1. Shower Track & Grout Brush

Looking to clean those tricky, hard-to-reach areas around your shower tracks or grout lines in tile floors? Look no further than our shower track and grout brush . It’s designed with stiff bristles to loosen dirt and grime from your RV bathroom's tight spaces.

Say goodbye to banging up your knuckles with a toothbrush, and hello to efficient, effective cleaning with a comfortable finger hold. This scrubber is the perfect tool for quickly tackling those narrow bathroom areas.

2. Squeegee

Achieving pristine glass shower doors in your RV bathroom can be challenging, but with a suitable squeegee, it's a walk in the park. Just make sure you choose a plastic squeegee to avoid damaging the surface of your tub or shower while on the road.

Speaking of glass shower doors, if you're looking for an upgrade, check out this video from our friends Why Wait. You'll find a handy installation guide for the brand's "Nautilus Retractable RV Shower Door."

This product's innovative design allows for effortless cleaning with just one swipe, eliminating the hassle of scrubbing away dirt and grime. No muss, no fuss!

3. Microfiber Cloths

The mighty power of a microfiber cloth should never be underestimated. In fact, we'd go as far as to say these humble cloths are one of the cleaning industry's best creations.

They make cleaning more manageable, more efficient, and more cost-effective. As one of the most versatile cleaning tools, microfiber cloths are perfect for wiping down all kinds of surfaces without leaving lint or streaks behind.

When paired with Gabe’s Pride high-performing RV cleaners, the mystical microfiber cloth can do any cleaning job you need. Available in multiple colors, you can pair up the cleaner with the cloth or keep one for each cleaning job.

Reduce time and energy cleaning your RV by investing in high-quality microfiber cloths today!

4. Toilet Swab & Holder

Maintaining a clean toilet is a top priority no matter where your travels take you. Fortunately, with a swab and holder set, even the dirtiest corners of your throne are no match for your cleaning prowess.

Wave goodbye to germs and hello to a sparklingly clean bathroom with the help of our handy dandy set. Crafted from soft, flexible, yet durable acrylic yarn fabric, the swab effortlessly removes even the most stubborn grime.

Plus, the holder features a secure handle that lets you hook it up and avoid unwanted spills while moving. Say hello to a cleaner, more comfortable bathroom experience.

5. Vacuum

When keeping your RV spic and span, a portable, lightweight vacuum system is an absolute must-have.

Make sure you look for a vacuum with powerful cleaning capabilities and a range of attachments that offer greater flexibility in tackling various cleaning tasks around your trailer.

With a compact design, you can take your vacuum anywhere and easily clean up messes. Invest in a high-quality vacuum system that makes cleaning a breeze, and enjoy a clean and comfortable living space wherever you roam.

6. Extension Pole

Don't let hard-to-reach spots on your RV give you a headache. With the help of an extension pole, you can quickly and easily access high areas to clean off dirt and bugs without risking injury by using a ladder.

When shopping for an extension pole, look for one made of sturdy, solid aluminium with locking collars and cones.

7. Upside Down Sprayer

When cleaning tight crevices in your RV, it can be tricky to avoid making a mess.

Thankfully, with an upside-down sprayer, you can get the job done with ease and minimal fuss. This handy tool allows you to directly add cleaning solutions exactly where needed without splashing or wasting any product.

The sprayer's upside-down design enables you to reach into hard-to-reach spaces, such as under furniture, between cushions, and in other nooks and crannies where dust loves to hide.

8. Exterior Cleaning Head

Keeping your awning functional and nice-looking for a long time requires routine maintenance and most importantly regular cleaning. Your awning is exposed to a lot from moisture and pollen to sap and insects.

With an exceptional cleaner such as Gabe's Pride RV Streaker, all you need to use to clean your awnings and sides is a soft, furry cleaning head . This will not scratch or leave swirl marks. It will gently remove dirt and debris from your sides, roof and awnings.

9. Window Squeegee

When cleaning your camper, it's easy to overlook the inside and outside windows. But with Gabe’s Pride RV Window Cleaner and a window squeegee, you can get crystal clear, streak-free results and bring new life to your rig's windows.

A window squeegee is a simple and effective tool that can make window cleaning a breeze. The rubber blade of the squeegee is designed to glide smoothly across the surface of the glass, removing dirt, grime, and streaks for a clear and sparkling finish.

10. Foamer

Save yourself time and money with the ultimate cleaning solution for your RV, awnings, golf carts, and more. We're talking about the game-changing foamer .

This foamer is pre-set for Gabe's Pride RV Streaker Deep Cleaning Concentrate . Just pour it into the reservoir and start cleaning!

With these 10 essential RV cleaning products and equipment in tow, you'll have everything needed to keep every inch of your rig shining like new.

So what are you waiting for? Give your camper the TLC it deserves. Happy cleaning and even happier camping!

Get all of your eco-friendly RV cleaning supplies at Gabe’s Pride today!

Is It Possible To Clean Without Any Chemicals?

pamk@gabrielfirst.com (Pam Kennedy) — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 14:22:29 GMT

Have you ever heard someone say they don’t use chemicals to clean?

Well, this isn't true. In fact, anything that cleans is a chemical.

All of the household products people use as part of their cleaning routines contain chemicals. Everything from vinegar and baking soda to water and dish soap is a chemical, as they all have a pH rating. Even water is considered a chemical, as it also has a pH rating.

When you bake, you follow a recipe, putting chemicals together to make a finished product. Creating cleaning products is the same - it also follows a recipe. The only difference is one is made to eat and the other to remove soil, dirt, grease, and grime.

But sometimes, even the edible raw materials we use for baking are employed as cleaning products. Take baking soda, for example.

In this way, chemical cleaners aren’t bad. They’re a must! The key, however, is to start with the highest quality raw materials for cleaning. This is how you can create safe but effective products.

What you need to know about cleaning and the pH scale

In chemistry, pH is a scale used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of a chemical. Only chemicals that are soluble in water have a pH value.

Therefore, oils and greases don’t have a pH value, they are called binders. On the other hand, soils, for example, have a pH value based on their composition.

This affects what cleaner (chemical) needs to be used to remove the soil from your RV. The pH of the soil and the pH of the cleaner need to be the opposite so the soil can be removed leaving a clean, safe, and sanitary surface.

pH is measured on a scale of 0 to 14. On this scale, a pH value of 7 is neutral, which means it is neither acidic nor basic. A pH value of less than 7 means it is more acidic, and a pH value of more than 7 means it is more basic. When you mix acidic vinegar with alkaline dish soap, you’re creating a neutral detergent .

Vinegar is an acid, at 2 - 3, and Dawn dish soap is at 8.7 - 9.3 on the pH scale.

When mixed together, they become basically neutral and lose some effectiveness. Either way, they’re both chemicals.

A multi-use cleaner should be around 9 - 9.5 on the pH scale since general household soils such as fingerprints, food crumbs and greasy areas are acidic. A bathroom cleaner should be around 0 - 1 to work effectively against alkaline soils such as soap scum from soaps and shampoos, water spots and mineral deposits and still be safe.

Why is water NOT a type of cleaner?

Water is a pure chemical because it is homogeneous – pure water is the same throughout its structure. It is made up of the same molecules (H2O), each having the same combination and structure of atoms – the same ratio of hydrogen to oxygen, bonded in the same way. This is why water is neutral and not a cleaner.

If water were a cleaner, we wouldn't need toothpaste, dish soap, shampoo, or laundry detergent.

This means using water alone isn’t cleaning and won't achieve the desired results.

We regularly hear people talk about cleaning without chemicals, but as we now know, this is impossible. Even so-called "safe" or homemade cleaners contain chemicals.

Cleaning products should be chosen because they work and are safe, despite the chemicals.

Together the total ingredients determine how well a cleaning mixture works and how safe it is to use. That's why the quality of the "chemicals" or raw materials is very important. The better the quality, the better they work, requiring less chemical and elbow grease to get the job done and less chemical down the drain. All of the pieces together keep a cleaner such as Gabe’s Pride biodegradable and safer for all - including Mother Earth.

Why baking soda and vinegar ARE cleaners

Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate which is regularly used in cleaning products. It's an alkaline builder for high pH cleaners (multi-surface or all-purpose cleaners).

So, if you use baking soda to clean and think you're cleaning chemical-free, think again.

Vinegar's chemical name is acetic acid. Acetic acid is an acidic option used in making bathroom cleaners or acidic-based cleaners.

Many people use vinegar as a cleaner, but vinegar alone is missing important components that make it an effective cleaner.

In fact, vinegar can ruin some surfaces over time when used alone as a cleaner.

Are essential oils effective at cleaning?

When used alone, essential oils don't have cleaning properties.

Due to being oils, they don’t dissolve in water and, therefore, don't have a pH value.

Although they have benefits in cleaners, they’re not as effective as a specially designed cleaner because they don't have any cleaning properties. Essential oils can be added to natural homemade cleaners as they help deodorize surfaces. This means that it can leave a nice, fresh smell in your RV or motorhome.

Why you should use high-quality and safe cleaning chemicals

Using cleaners with chemicals is perfectly fine as long as the chemicals are made with high quality raw materials. The higher the quality, the safer they are and the better they work.

Lower-quality chemicals tend to be harsher, which is not as safe for people or surfaces. They also require more effort to clean, which results in lower quality results.

Even though you might think you're saving money with these products, in reality, you're spending more, working harder, and using more chemicals.

Many people think they know what they're looking for in the ingredients of cleaners, but just because a specific raw material is in it, doesn't mean it's terrible. An effective, safe cleaner is based on using the safest, highest quality raw materials. Being biodegradable with recyclable containers is the ultimate. This is possible.

Purchase eco-friendly cleaning products for your RV online

If you’re looking for eco-friendly, safe, and effective cleaning products that are perfect for cleaning an RV or motorhome, then Gabe’s Pride has what you need!

With over 50 years of professional cleaning experience, at Gabe’s Pride, we produce some of the highest quality cleaners on the market.

From multi-surface sprays and bathroom cleaners to mops and toilet swabs - we have a wide range of cleaning supplies available to purchase online.

So if you need RV cleaning supplies, check out our range of environmentally friendly cleaning supplies on our online store .

Gabe’s Pride RV Streaker – Black Streak Cleaner And Bug Remover

pamk@gabrielfirst.com (Pam Kennedy) — Tue, 30 Aug 2022 17:08:09 GMT

Our black streak cleaner and bug remover comes in two options:

Ready to Use Spray
Concentrated Foaming

What Do You Use It For?

Well, let’s start with what and how it cleans and then go through the many uses.

1. Ready To Use Spray

This is a spray and wipe cleaner.

What does that mean?

It can be used as a waterless cleaner.

Spray on, let it sit for a few minutes, and wipe it off with a wet clean rag. The Power to Clean! formulation easily removes dirt, grime, black streaks, and bugs without heavy scrubbing. It’s a complete cleaner!

Gabe’s Pride RV Streaker – Black Streak Cleaner and Bug Remover can be used on the entire exterior of your RV - roof, sides, and awnings.

2. Deep Cleaning Concentrate

The only difference in this version is that it has a foaming agent used through a foam cannon. It’s also concentrated.

The use is the same as the ready-to-use spray, which can be used to clean the entire exterior of your RV.

You can also use it without the foam cannon, but it works the best with one.

Gabe’s Pride RV Streaker – Deep Cleaning Concentrate is the solution for an awesome cleaning experience.

With The Power to Clean! formulation, you simply:

Foam it on, let sit a few minutes
Agitate it with a very soft microfiber pad, soft detail brush, or soft microfiber wash head
Rinse away the dirt, grime, black streaks, and bugs
Dry with a clean microfiber cloth

Gabe’s Pride RV Streaker easily gets pollen, sap, pine tar, bird droppings, and even those tough cherry plops!

Less time spent cleaning, less cleaner needed, and most importantly, little to no elbow grease! The Power to Clean! formulation does all the work for you, giving you more time to show off your clean, shiny RV.

Neither version will harm any of the surfaces or d ecals and is safe to use around kids and pets.

Where Else Can You Use It?

So, because Gabe’s Pride RV Streaker is a safe, biodegradable, eco-responsible exterior cleaner, it can be used to clean most anything outside. Golf carts, vehicles, house siding, awnings, work trailers, ATVs, and much more.

Why Can You Use It Successfully On Other Surfaces?

BUGS, BUGS, And More BUGS!

Gabe’s Pride RV Streaker – Black Streak Cleaner and Bug Remover is also a great bug remover and cleaner. Many products will remove most of the bugs, but then you have to clean to remove the rest or to remove the film those other products leave behind.

Having a product that cleans AND removes the bugs (including love bugs) completely and easily is a time, money, and space saver.

What About Black Streaks? Not All Black Streaks Are The Same.

What Are Clean Streaks And What Causes Them?

Now that you’re armed with your Gabe’s Pride RV Streaker – Black Streak Cleaner and Bug Remover , you’re ready to clean your RV exterior.

But what about clean streaks?

Clean streaks are the opposite of black streaks.

They’re caused by cleaning top to bottom or cleaning your roof first. If you clean the sides in small sections first, from bottom to top, you’re less likely to get clean streaks.

When cleaning your roof first, the cleaner drips down the dirty sides and sits there longer, penetrating only the drip area. If the side is cleaned first, there isn’t anything for the cleaner to clean and, therefore, no clean streaks.

This works for any vertical surface, even if you’re only cleaning the sides of your RV.

Looking for more supplies to add to your arsenal of RV cleaning equipment? Take a look at our full collection of RV cleaning supplies here.

This Month, We’re Celebrating The Honor Network

Thu, 07 Jul 2022 14:42:32 GMT

The United States Honor Flag represents the service and sacrifice of America’s first responders and members of the U.S. Armed Forces.

The United States Honor Flag’s origin began shortly after the attacks on September 11th, 2001. An American flag and a Texas flag were gifted to Chris Heisler from the Texas House of Representatives as a thank you for taking Texas first responders to Ground Zero.

These flags traveled with Chris as he led the largest convoy of first responders in United States history to Ground Zero to provide support during that tragic event.

The American flag that traveled with him to memorialize all the fallen heroes of 9/11 became known as The United States Honor Flag. It would ensure that the bravery and commitment of our heroes would never be forgotten.

The Honor Network , a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was founded in 2008 on the conviction that every person who is committed in service to our communities and country deserves the support of every American, and that an increase in American patriotism is vital in keeping our great nation united. This organization helps highlight the importance of respecting and honoring those who fight and protect our freedoms.

The United States Honor Flag has traveled to the battlefields of Iraq, Afghanistan, traveled aboard the last space shuttle launch in 2011 and has honored thousands of American heroes in Law Enforcement, Fire, EMS, and members of the U.S. Armed Forces. Everywhere the United States Honor Flag travels, people respect it, salute it, and honor it so the memory of the people who serve and protect, including those who have gone before us, will never be forgotten.

Today, the United States Honor Flag travels in a Grand Design RV for all ground travel. When ground travel is not feasible, the United States Honor Flag travels on United Airlines.

What The Honor Network means to Gabe’s Pride

Gabe’s Pride respects and stands with The Honor Network. We, as a company, believe in their cause and support the journey of the United States Honor Flag as it travels around the U.S. to honor all the American heroes that were killed in the line of duty.

The United States Honor Flag represents more than just the hope and freedom of our great country. It represents the American spirit and our willingness to continue on through hardships. It honors those who’ve passed away in the line of duty and supports those who still give their lives to keep people safe.

We should always support those who keep us safe with their service and sacrifice. They put their lives on the line every single day. They go to work every shift, not knowing if they’re going to come back to their own families, and they do all this just to keep us safe.

At Gabe’s Pride, we feel so touched to be a small part of all of this. We’re incredibly honored to be able to salute America’s heroes and pay respect to the sacrifice they make every day.

We believe in the mission of The Honor Network to honor, educate and inspire everywhere they travel. We want to help inspire people, too, because we know how important the job of The Honor Network is. They are here to spread their passion and show American citizens that we will always keep fighting for what we believe in.

Our family values at Gabe's Pride are why we support the United States Honor Flag and donate a portion of all our sales to them. Every penny donated goes to move the flag. The United States Honor Flag is always transported and handled with great care. Every time the United States Honor Flag is handled, custom white gloves are worn. The United States Honor Flag is never touched twice with the same pair of gloves. The gloves are gifted to the heroes' surviving family members.

No matter how small a contribution is, Gabe’s Pride is happy to be able to pay our respects to the flag and to all the lives that were lost defending the country and those who live in it.

Spring Don’t Want No Scrub - As Seen In I Heart RVing Magazine

pamk@gabrielfirst.com (Pam Kennedy) — Fri, 22 Apr 2022 21:00:47 GMT

Essential tips and supplies to get your RV primed to shine this camping season.

As spring rolls in, it’s time to roll out. And while we all take pride in our RVs, very few of us are truly in love with the idea of spring cleaning—especially when we think about getting on our knees to scrub at marks we’ve almost learned to live with. Truth be told, like TLC, we don’t want no scrub.

Well, I come bearing good news: Spring cleaning can be easy. With this quick and clever guide, you’ll be equipped with all the essentials you need to give your RV a frustration-free cleaning—so you can roll out with pride.

Shimmer on the Inside

Interior Cleaning Essentials

Bathroom cleaner
Shower/grout brush
Broom and dustpan
Toilet bowl swab
Flat mop for floors
Vacuum
Multi-surface cleaner
Window cleaner
Soft microfiber or cotton cloths

I Heart Tips: Don’t use the same cloth for different cleaners.

Go Section by Section

Use the multi-surface cleaner to clean your interior. Start with the ceiling and work your way down. When you wash the walls start at the bottom and work up to avoid clean streaks. Moving to the bathroom, grab the bathroom cleaner and a fresh cloth then clean in this order: toilet (inside and out), shower, walls, sinks, and floor. (Don't forget to use a different cloth to wash and dry with.)

Next, apply your Gabe's Pride window cleaner to a wide variety of surfaces, from mirrors and windows to your TV screen. In the kitchen, wipe down your microwave, oven glass, and any glass cabinet doors so they’re streak-free. Using both broom and vacuum, get rid of all the dust and debris from inside your cabinets and on your floors. And don’t forget to sweep any detritus off your mattress and carpets.

With a flat mop, use your multi-surface cleaner to mop all the floors starting at one end of the RV and working your way to the other. Rinse your mop out occasionally to ensure it's always clean. Also, according to the CDC and EPA, you must preclean any surface on which you'll be using a disinfectant. Disinfectants don't work on dirty surfaces because they're not cleaners. Remember: Cleaners clean, disinfectants disinfect.

I Heart Tips: Don't use vinegar, bleach, oil-based cleaners, citrus cleaners, ammonia, or any cleaner with a disinfectant. They only harm your surfaces and leave a gross film behind.

Sparkle on the Outside

Exterior Cleaning Essentials

Garden hose
Foam gun for cleaner
Smooth microfiber pad
Soft brush
Soft cleaning head

Good nonpetroleum- or nonacidic-based cleaner that can be used on the roof, sides, and awnings without damaging surfaces (like RV Streaker )

Let the Cleaners Do the Work

When you’re ready to tackle the outside, go in this order: sides, underneath your awnings, roof, then top of awnings. As you clean the sides, start at the bottom and work upwards in small sections at a time. Rinse well from top-down before moving on to the next section.

I Heart Tips: Don’t use anything abrasive or solvent-based. A good cleaner should do the work for you. If you're scrubbing too hard, your cleaner isn't working.

To finish up, do a final rinse of the entire RV, clean the windows, and voila! Spring cleaning is behind you (for one year at least). Now hit that open road!

As seen in I Heart RVing magazine

The Magic Of Microfiber - Do Microfiber Cloths Clean More Than Just Glasses?

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 23:55:09 GMT

Reduce the time and energy you spend cleaning your RV by investing in a microfiber cloth!

One of our favorite cleaning tools to use is the humble yet magical microfiber cloth. The microfiber cloth is one of the cleaning industry's best creations. It makes cleaning more manageable, more efficient, and more cost-effective.

Microfiber cloths are microscopic synthetic, yarn-like fibers woven into a cloth. They're produced into wiping cloths, wet-mops, dust-mops, bonnets, and floor pads.

When paired with a high-performance cleaner, the mystical microfiber cloth can do pretty much any cleaning job you need it to do.

Reduce the time and energy you spend cleaning your RV by investing in a microfiber cloth!

Don't believe us when we say they're literally the best cloth on the market? Let us convince you!

What is a microfiber cloth?

Microfiber cloths are made of plastic - a blend of polyester and polyamide (otherwise known as nylon) to be exact.

Microfiber cloths are created by forcing the plastics through a tiny pipe and heating them to weave together. These fused fibers then go through a splitting process: a controlled chemical process splits the microfibers to create openings in the thread.

The splitting process is the key to creating microfiber. Compared to the cotton towel, which only has a single cleaning surface per strand, the microfiber cloth has up to 200,000 fibers per square inch.This produces a multi-dimensional cleaning surface per strand which is great for grabbing dirt and grime.

The polyester in a microfiber cloth will scrape up the tiny dirt molecules, and the polyamide is hydrophilic, which means it likes water - a lot. So not only do microfiber cloths excel at getting rid of dust, they also have exceptional absorbency.

Fun fact! A microfiber cloth can absorb up to 7 to 8 times its weight in soil and liquid - imagine how handy that'll be when cleaning your RV!

Unlike cotton fibers, microfibers trap water in the threads. They soak up the water and lock it in place, stopping it from leaving the cloth.

The quality of the "microfiber" can vary in size and effectiveness. Holding a cloth up to the light and stretching it will give you a good idea of how tightly woven the fibers are and how effective they'll be. If you can see light through it there are less fibers per square inch and the quality will be less than microfiber cloths that are not as transparent. The more fibers per square inch means it’s a better quality microfiber and will last longer.

8 reasons why you should add microfiber cloths to your basket

What's so great about a microfiber cloth? It's just used for cleaning glasses and screens, right?

It might come as a surprise to you, but microfiber cloths have a lot of awesome benefits to them.

1. Microfibers won't leave any marks

Using a microfiber cloth to clean your surface won't leave a single scratch or any lint behind. This makes microfiber cloths the perfect choice for glass, but it's also an excellent option for counters, porcelain, chrome, wood, mirrors, and door handles.

2.Microfiber cloths are versatile

Microfiber cloths are incredibly versatile and can be used to get rid of dust and dirt and mop up liquids on porous or non-porous surfaces.

3. Microfiber cloths are hypoallergenic

You won't have to worry about any allergens on the fibers. They're lint-free, which means no shedding or fraying.

4. Microfibers hold a positive static charge

The positive static charge microfibers have enables the cloth to hold onto the dust, which keeps it out of the air when dusting. This makes it the ideal tool for anybody with a dust allergy.

5. Microfiber cloths don't push the dirt and grime

Microfiber cloths have thousands of edges that allow them to break up surface dirt, absorb moisture and remove oils.

If you're wondering if a cloth is a microfiber cloth, test it out by wiping a small puddle of water. If the water is pushed away instead of absorbed, the cloth isn't a microfiber cloth.

6. Remove more dirt

Depending on the quality of the cloth, a microfiber cloth can remove a lot more dirt from your surface than a regular cloth.

7. Reduce the amount of cleaning product needed

Some people say that microfiber cloths can clean surfaces with just water, but the detergent is what’s needed to break up the soil. With a good quality product and microfiber cloth you will use less cleaner to complete the job because of the benefits of the microfiber.

Microfiber cloths are perfect for enhancing your cleaning power. They help you spend less time, energy, and money cleaning your RV so you can spend more time enjoying it!

8. Microfiber cloths are sustainable

Paper towels aren't recyclable, and so many trees are lost to keep up with the demand for paper towels every year. 110 million trees and 130 billion gallons of water are wasted to make paper towels each year, resulting in 254 million pounds of waste in the world alone. Single use disinfecting wipes are not biodegradable or recyclable. Both of these options just add to our landfills.

Although microfiber cloths are not biodegradable, they are still a better option than paper towels or single use disinfecting wipes. Microfiber cloths are a reusable cleaning tool and the better the quality, the longer you can use them.

With the proper care, microfiber cloths will last for years

Microfibers can accumulate and spread soil and bacteria like other cleaning wipes and towels.

Don't just throw your microfiber cloths in the trash! Keep them clean, dry, and ready to use for your next cleaning task.

Here are some tips to help you take care of your microfiber cloths:

Don't wash with other fabrics - washing with different materials can release lint which will clog up the microfiber pores and ruin your cloth.
Avoid fabric softener or dryer sheets - these act as wax and seal the pores on your microfiber cloth, stopping it from being able to trap dust, water, and oils.
Don't use bleach or high heat - this will only damage or melt the fibers over time.
Avoid soaking your cloths in a lot of soap to avoid build-up in the fibers.
Just wash in cold water with a little detergent, rinse, squeeze out the water, and air dry.

With the proper care, your microfiber cloths will be able to help you clean for years to come!

Do you still doubt the power of a microfiber cloth?

Try them for yourself next time you're cleaning your RV's bathroom and kitchen surfaces. You'll be amazed by how incredible they are at cleaning for you!

Microfiber cloths come in a range of different colors, so you can even keep one for each area of the RV (interior, bathroom, exterior). Don't forget to pair them with your favorite cleaners!

Cleaning your RV properly isn't magic. It's simply understanding some of the science behind cleaning!

Get your RV squeaky clean, and shiny by using a microfiber cloth to clean virtually any hard surface in your RV. You'll be amazed by the results!

Check out all of Gabe's Pride microfiber cloths and mops in our store to stock up on all of your cleaning essentials.

Choosing The Right Cleaners For Your RV

Wed, 16 Feb 2022 01:27:18 GMT

You’re wondering what the difference between them all is and how many you need to buy. You want a cleaner that’s safe for you, your pets, and your family but it has to be able to clean too.

It’s time to clean your RV and you’re struggling to pick a cleaner after spending what feels like hours looking at shelf after shelf of cleaning supplies.

You’re wondering what the difference between them all is and how many you need to buy. You want a cleaner that’s safe for you, your pets, and your family but it has to be able to clean too.

It can be overwhelming trying to choose the right one!

They all sound like they smell great and clean well - but they have lists of complicated, scientific-sounding ingredients that put you off.

Here’s how to choose the right cleaner for your RV. Let’s break it down and simplify what to look for, starting with the soil.

What is soil?

Here at Gabe’s Pride, we consider soil as the material you need to remove to make your RV clean. Soil is a substance that is occupying an area you don’t want it to.

For example, peanut butter on toast is a tasty treat but if it falls onto your counters or floors it then becomes soil.

Body soaps are used to keep our bodies clean but when mixed with the minerals in water and body oils, residue builds and creates soap film and scum in your shower.

Mud and oils are also unwanted soils when tracked onto your RV floors from outside.

Basically, soil is any dirty substance that’s in your RV that shouldn’t be there.

Why should you remove soil?

Germs live on and survive by eating soil. So, by removing the soil with thorough cleaning, the germs won't have food and you will have a cleaner, safer, and more sanitary surface.

There are only 2 types of soil.

Soils are either acidic with a low pH or alkaline with a high pH. Yes, cleaning is nothing but science. Don’t worry, it’s very simple.

A few basic tips and you’ll be able to match the cleaner to the pH of the soil – in layman’s terms – match the cleaner to the soil.

What is pH?

pH is the measurement of how acidic or how alkaline a substance is. Only substances that dissolve in water will have a pH.

The pH scale goes from 0 – 14. Water has a pH of 7 which is defined as neutral. Any pH below 7 is higher in acidity and pH above 7 is higher in alkalinity.

Soils with a pH further away from 7 (higher or lower) will also have a higher static charge and store energy. This is how soil is held to the surface. This is similar to the alkaline batteries used in your electronic devices or acid batteries in cars. As you get closer to pH 7 (neutral) there is less static charge.

The goal in cleaning is to bring the surface to neutral so the soil can be released. Cleaners that claim to be “neutral” don’t remove the static charge and tend to leave soil behind.

So, what about oils, grease, and fats? These aren’t actually defined as soil.

Since they don’t dissolve in water, they’re neither alkaline or acidic and can be difficult to remove. They’re called binders since they’re sticky and hold all soils on surfaces.

A surfactant needs to be added to the water to break up the binders into extremely small particles. Then the water can grab hold of them and carry them away. The quality of the surfactant plays a very important role in how well the cleaner will work and how safe it is to use.

Let’s recap before we proceed:

Soil is either alkaline or acidic
Binders are sticky and hold soils to surfaces.
Water is the vehicle to remove soil, not the cleaner.
You need to neutralise the surface to release the soils.
When the soil is thoroughly removed, the surface is clean, safe, and sanitary.

Now that you know more about soils and pH on surfaces, you can better understand and choose a high-performance, eco-responsible cleaner wherever your home and RV adventures may roam.

Not all cleaners are the same

There are many factors and ingredient options that go into making different cleaners.

Some can use harsh chemical ingredients, specialty chemical ingredients, or even natural chemical ingredients. Just because it says “all natural” doesn’t always mean it is safe or will even work.

Regardless of where an ingredient comes from, remember they’re all “chemicals”.

Even homeopathic ingredients such as vinegar (acetic acid) pH of 2-3, lemon juice (citric acid) pH of 2-3, and baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) pH of 9+ are still “chemicals”.

Also, common homemade cleaners need to be in very high concentration to get the proper pH to cut through grease and grime. This can be dangerous to your surfaces and skin and can leave a film. This then requires an additional rinsing.

A balance of ingredients and superior performing surfactants can combine to deliver:

Safe on many different surfaces
Safer for use around people and pets
Significantly reduces scrubbing effort
Rinses easily and doesn’t leave a film
Neutralizes surfaces so soil is released
Highest performance cleaning results using the least amount of cleaner

Now to the cleaning!

Since we’re not going to run from surface to surface testing what the pH is, here is a cheat sheet to help you quickly assess the typical types of soil and pH that is on the surfaces you’re trying to clean.

General Acidic (Low pH) Soils:

soil/dirt from outside, soda, coffee, beer, tobacco smoke, sugar, vinegar, peanut butter, vomit, milk

To clean this acidic type of soil, use an alkaline cleaner such as Gabe's Pride Multi-Surface Cleaner .

This has a superior detergent (surfactant) and will clean acidic soils, cut oils quickly, rinse easily and won’t leave a film. It’s an eco-friendly , biodegradable product. Since just a little goes a long way, it will also save you time and money.

Gabe's Pride Multi-Surface Cleaner works in warm or cold water and it breaks up, holds onto soil, and removes soil without leaving any residue behind. It’s the perfect tool for instantly penetrating grease and oils.

General Alkaline Soils

hard water, soap scum, many raw vegetables, hand soaps, body washes, baking soda, toothpaste.

To clean alkaline-type soils, use an acidic-based cleaner like Gabe's Pride Bathroom Cleaner . This includes a superior detergent (surfactant). It won't damage surfaces and requires less manpower to help you get the job done quickly. Gabe's Pride Bathroom Cleaner helps to maintain a spotless, safe, and odor-free bathroom. You can keep your bathroom in perfect condition by using the appropriate bathroom cleaner.

By matching high performing cleaners to the soil, you'll reduce the amount of work you have to do, use less cleaner, use less number of products, keep your family safe from harsh chemicals, and be better to the environment.

We hope this guide on how to choose the right cleaner for your RV has helped you out!

If you need some RV cleaning supplies, check out our range of high-performing environmentally responsible cleaning supplies in our online shop.

We have everything available in our eco-friendly, biodegradable cleaning supplies store, from multi-surface sprays and bathroom cleaners to mops and toilet swabs.

How To Be More Environmentally Responsible When Cleaning An RV

Tue, 04 Jan 2022 17:21:21 GMT

We only have one Earth, and to keep it safe, we all have to be as environmentally responsible as possible.

But how can you be environmentally responsible when it comes to cleaning your RV? How can you be sure you're using a product that isn't spreading harmful toxins or wasting plastic?

It's hard to know how to be environmentally responsible, especially when cleaning. You have to know how much product to use, so you're not being wasteful, and you have to know whether the product is doing the job in the most efficient way possible.

Some cleaning products are safer than others, but they all look similar. How do you figure out which ones are the right ones for cleaning your RV?

Today we're going to show you what environmentally responsible means and how you can start being more environmentally responsible when it comes to your cleaning.

What Is An Eco-Responsible Cleaner?

Not all cleaners perform the same, and when we say eco-responsible, we're talking about a cleaner that:

Only takes a little bit of product to do the job
Reduces the amount of labor you have to put in to clean
Is significantly reduced or free of toxins and other harsh chemicals

There's a lot more to a cleaning product than its ingredients. Most cleaning products are tested for toxicity, but the vast majority of certification agencies don't test for efficacy or performance.

If you don't test for efficiency or performance, you won't know how much of your product is wasted. The more product you have to use on one cleaning job, the less environmentally responsible the cleaner is.

People always look for these terms when they think of an environmentally friendly product:

Eco-friendly
Green
Environmentally friendly
Sustainable
Natural
Nontoxic

These do describe positive things to do with helping the environment, but they're not legal definitions. So really, it's hard to understand exactly what they mean.

Did you know that many companies with eco-friendly cleaners or 'certified' products are reviewed by government agencies, non-profit environmental advocacy organizations, or private sector entities? They ‘certify’ products like all-purpose cleaners, dish soap, and laundry detergents.

These companies pay to be examined and certified to get these labels placed on their products so they can prove they're ‘green.’

So, even though the product you're buying in your local store says it's a ‘green’ product, if you need to use more to get it to work, then it isn't that eco-friendly, is it?

Using more chemicals equals creating more waste!

The team at Gabe's Pride always considers contributing to a more sustainable future. We're constantly asking ourselves, " How can we improve our environmental impact ?"

We're constantly working to increase our knowledge and awareness about the environment by sourcing better ingredients and focusing on researching, testing, and optimizing our cleaning products for safety, efficacy, and performance.

Why Overusing Cleaning Products Is Bad For

The Environment

The global pandemic has given rise to the overuse of disinfectants and cleaning products. This ongoing usage of excess chemicals causes more chemicals to be released into the ecosystem. This affects the air and water!

Not only is the outside world being affected by this increased usage in disinfectants and cleaning products, but your family and your pets are also being exposed to chemicals a lot more frequently. This can cause headaches and increase chemical sensitivities leading to physical reactions like sneezing or even itchy eyes.

Some RV owners might even be creating homemade mixtures. This is known as cross blending and can be unsafe or even lethal in some cases. For example, mixing bleach with vinegar or another acidic substance can potentially be deadly to those who breathe it in.

Buying cheaper products in large quantities is also a common occurrence these days. These cheap cleaning products often contain chemicals that cause skin reactions and irritation.

Remember! Disinfecting and cleaning is not the same - disinfecting cannot and never will replace simple soap and water! For disinfectants to be truly effective, pre-cleaning is necessary.

What about wipes?

So many people are using disposable wipes throughout the day to clean small things.

These pose a significant problem for sewer systems and the environment. Many disposable cleaning wipes are marketed as 'flushable'. But many of them aren't biodegradable and end up clumping together in the sewer system.

Proper cleaning is vital during these difficult times, but it's essential to do it correctly.

Sanitizers and disinfectants aren't practical when applied to a dirty surface. So, before you start using them, learn how to clean correctly by looking at our guide on sanitizing and disinfecting surfaces.

A Little Goes A Long Way - Use Less Product, Get The Same Results

Did you know that all of the products at Gabe's Pride are biodegradable? Plus, all of our packaging and containers are recyclable!

We always try to develop our products using renewable and natural ingredients. Our products are safe to use in your RV!

We developed our fragrance profiles to be lighter, CA Prop65 compliant, and include natural ingredients. This delivers a pleasant scent with minimal impact on the senses.

In our view, being a good steward of the environment means being responsible and finding a good balancing point. It means understanding that having an environmentally friendly cleaner includes:

Your raw materials
The packaging
How much you use
How well it performs
How much is put down the drain

As the cleaning experts, it's our duty always to strive to make our products better!

At Gabe's Pride, we truly believe in creating a more environmentally conscious world. We develop our products including bio-derived and sustainable ingredients and we ensure that when we bring out a product, it will always get the job done.

If you want to reduce your footprint, consider checking out our concentrated refills. They pair up with our reusable ready-to-use (RTU) spray bottles that help you reduce the amount of packaging waste you're using when buying cleaning products.

Start contributing to a greener world by helping us reduce the number of empty plastic containers in landfills by checking out our eco-friendly products today .

How To Clean Shower Doors And Tracks The Easy Way

Tue, 07 Dec 2021 19:19:14 GMT

Cleaning shower doors and tracks doesn’t have to be hard. It's true you can't just grab a sponge, some soap, and get to work. It takes the right tools, technique, and a high-performance cleaner to ensure everything is clean and sparkles the way you want it to.

Are you spending hours scrubbing your RV’s bathroom clean, only to notice your streaky shower door or dirty shower tracks after you’re done?

Cleaning shower doors and tracks doesn’t have to be hard. It's true you can't just grab a sponge, some soap, and get to work. It takes the right tools, technique, and a high-performance cleaner to ensure everything is clean and sparkles the way you want it to.

Today we’re going to show you exactly how you can make sure your RV’s bathroom stays beautiful throughout your RV adventure - and after.

What causes dirty shower doors and tracks?

Before we get down to the perfect shower door cleaning solution, we have to discuss what causes that build-up of grimey grossness in your shower.

One of the main culprits is the soap scum that builds up after each shower you take. Soap scum and mineral deposits from hard water all accumulate on your shower walls, doors, and in the tracks.

Once this begins to build up, it can be even more challenging. With a few simple steps and the right cleaner, you can stay ahead of these problems.

To rid you and your family of this unwanted soil, arm yourself with the right tools and know-how to get your shower and tracks clean.

What tools do you need to clean shower doors and tracks?

These bathroom cleaning supplies will help you make quick work of any scum-covered surface you come across in your bathroom.

The Gabe’s Pride Bathroom Cleaner quickly penetrates and loosens the soap scum and the microfiber cloth is the perfect tool for cleaning glass without leaving streaks. The shower track brush (or grout brush) will allow you to get into the awkward angles on shower tracks. This brush has longer bristles to get into tight spots and a contoured handle so you don't ruin your knuckles.

Now that you have the tools, the next step is learning how to use them correctly.

4 steps to cleaning your RV’s shower doors

How to prevent a build-up of grime on your RV’s shower doors and tracks

Hard water spots appear when water dries on your shower glass. The best way to keep your glass clean is to remove the water before it dries on it.

You can prevent hard water spots and grime build-up by:

Using a squeegee in the shower to wipe down the glass
Always drying your shower after use or after cleaning
Wiping down your glass with a microfiber cloth or towel after your shower
Running your bathroom fan to reduce humidity
Installing a water softener to help reduce mineral build-up

Why choose to use cleaners by Gabe’s Pride for your RV cleaning

The perfect solution for your bathroom cleaning isn’t difficult. Gabe’s Pride cleaners and tools make it easy.

Cleaners by Gabe’s Pride:

Last longer - a little goes a long way
Work more efficiently - high-performance cleaners
Environmentally responsible formula
Quality tools and accessories

Why choose to use environmentally friendly products?

Choosing to use environmentally friendly cleaning products over anything that contains harsh chemicals is a no-brainer.

Our products are free from nasty chemicals that are often found in cheap cleaners. These chemicals can affect your health, the health of your family and they don’t do any good to the environment.

Choose to use our environmentally friendly cleaning products so you can rest assured that you’re not using hazardous chemicals and you’re not damaging the wonderful world we live in.

Want to see our excellent products in action?

Take a look at this detailed bathroom cleaning video by our friends Why Wait!

We hope this guide on how to clean your RV’s shower doors and tracks has helped you out.

If you need some RV cleaning supplies, check out our range of environmentally friendly cleaning supplies on our online shop .

We have everything available in our eco-friendly cleaning supplies store, from multi-surface sprays and bathroom cleaners to mops and toilet swabs.

Top Tips On How To Clean Your RV’s Vertical Surfaces

Wed, 04 Aug 2021 14:43:30 GMT

Do you ever come face-to-face with a dirty wall in your RV that you know you need to clean but have no idea where to start?

We understand vertical surfaces can be a real challenge to wash and sometimes, no matter how hard you try, they always somehow end up looking dirty after cleaning.

Today we’re going to let you in on some industry insider tips on how you can clean vertical surfaces in your RV easily, quickly, and efficiently.

You won’t have to scrub (and re-scrub) if you take our helpful vertical surface cleaning advice on board.

Five tips for washing vertical surfaces in your RV

Vertical surfaces can be a challenging area to clean but you can make the job a lot easier by using the right method and the right supplies.

Follow these five tips for cleaning vertical surfaces in your RV to save time and effort during your cleaning sessions.

1 - Always wash from the bottom up

When cleaning vertical surfaces like walls or cupboard doors, the most important thing to remember is to always start washing from the bottom and work your way up to the top.

If you start washing from the middle or from the top down, your cleaning water is just going to run, creating streaks on the dried surface - and nobody wants their surfaces looking like a referee’s jersey!

Why are these streaks bad?

When your cleaner streaks down onto the unwashed, dry surface and sticks to it, it creates annoying marks that will take some extra elbow grease from you and your cleaning supplies to remove.

So instead of putting yourself through the extra trouble of cleaning the same area twice, always wash your vertical surfaces from the bottom up and avoid annoying streaks of cleaner.

2 - Always rinse with fresh water

Now that you’ve cleaned your surface with the appropriate cleaner and you’ve avoided streaking the surface it’s time to rinse.

Always rinse your cleaned surface with fresh water. There’s no point in rinsing your newly cleaned surface with the bucket of dirty water you’ve collected, that’s just counterintuitive and will only cause you to create more mess!

So rinse your vertical surface with fresh water and work from the top down to ensure your surfaces are shining.

3 - Dry the vertical surface afterward

Now, you don’t have to do this step, but it will give you the satisfaction of stepping back and admiring your perfectly clean wall.

If you do decide to dry your vertical surface after washing it, use a dry, absorbent cloth and dry your surface from the top down.

Drying the surface won’t clean it ,but it’ll let you see the results of your efforts immediately. You’ll be able to spot if you’ve missed any dirt or grime as opposed to if you waited for it to air dry.

4 - Use a squeegee to your advantage

A great tip for cleaning vertical surfaces, especially if it’s in a shower or tub area, is to use a shower squeegee to remove all the water into the shower or tub base and into the drain.

A good shower squeegee is a quick and easy way to remove any soap scum or hard water spots. It’ll also keep your surfaces cleaner for longer!

5 - Use the right cleaners

When cleaning vertical surfaces it’s important to have the right tools for the job, and this includes cleaners.

Here at Gabe’s Pride, we offer our customers eco-friendly cleaning supplies free from harsh chemicals and toxic ingredients.

We recommend checking out our bathroom cleaner when cleaning any vertical surfaces in your shower or tub. We also have an RV essentials pack that’s full of eco-friendly cleaning supplies that are ideal for keeping your RV clean all year round.

Remember that bleach isn’t your friend and you shouldn’t be using it to clean your vertical surfaces. Bleach won’t clean your space properly and it’s incredibly bad for your health.

Instead of bleach-filled products consider checking out our eco-friendly multi surface cleaner.

By cleaning smarter and more efficiently with eco-friendly products you’ll be able to get your surfaces clean in no time.

We hope this guide on how to properly clean vertical surfaces has helped you out.

If you’re in need of some RV cleaning supplies to clean your surfaces out then check out our full selection of environmentally friendly cleaning supplies on our online shop where you can find everything you need.

From multi-surface sprays and bathroom cleaners to mops and toilet brushes, we have everything available in our eco-friendly cleaning supplies store.

What Are The Best Toilet Cleaning Supplies For RV Toilets?

Fri, 30 Apr 2021 13:46:48 GMT

Toilet brushes and toilet swabs come in many different shapes and sizes, but only some of them are actually good for cleaning the toilet in your RV.

If you want to make sure your RV toilet is cleaned correctly, then you have to get the right tools for the job.

Despite what most people think, toilet brushes won’t get rid of all the bacteria in your toilet!

Today we’re going to show you what toilet cleaning utensils you should use to make sure your RV toilet is as clean as possible.

5 RV Toilet Cleaning Utensils & What To Use Them For

1 - Acrylic Yarn Swab

The acrylic yarn swab is a versatile toilet cleaning utensil. It can move water and scrub your toilet clean without causing any damage. The large bushy head also works well under the rim of your toilet and the traps.

The yarn swab is usually held onto the handle with plastic, but occasionally, a metal wire might be used. If your yarn swab has a metal wire, try to make sure that it doesn’t scratch the toilet vitreous, poly, or the gasket seal on your RV toilet.

A yarn swab with a cone can also be used to help wring any liquid off the swab when you’re finished. Using a cone on your swab makes it look more aesthetic and clean when not in use too. Cones can, however, slide down and get in the way when you’re using it.

The acrylic yarn swab is our team’s preferred type of bowl swab, and you can buy our eco-friendly toilet swab on our website.

2 - Silicone Swabs & Brushes

Silicone toilet brushes and swabs come in a range of different shapes and sizes, and they’re an excellent tool for cleaning toilets.

However, one of their biggest drawbacks is that the silicone doesn’t really hold liquid that well. Because of this, liquids will have to be moved around the bowl quickly, which will cause a lot more splashing.

If you’re trying to work with a cleaner and rinse water around the seat, lid, and outer bowl, then your job might become a bit difficult when using a silicone brush or swab.

There is one type of silicone brush, though, that you should definitely try to stay away from, and that’s the silicone paddle brush.

The paddle brush has no rigidity when brushing against the bowl, and it doesn’t hold liquid very well either. Some of its bristle counterparts will be a little better at moving cleaner around the toilet, but we’d advise staying away from these types of brushes when it comes to your RV as they could damage your toilet’s gasket seals.

3 - Bristle Brushes

Bristle brushes can be made of many different materials, but most of the time, they’re too rigid to clean anything properly.

Bristle brushes tend to fling liquids, especially when scrubbing heavily. They also have metal wiring holding the bristles together. So if you’re using a bristle brush, be careful not to scratch the toilet surfaces and damage the seals when you’re scrubbing heavily.

4 - Nylon Scrub Pad

Nylon scrub pad brushes are great for scrubbing dirty spots on your toilet. Their woven construction is great for holding liquid, but they don’t hold liquid as well as yarn swabs.

If you’re using a nylon scrub pad for your RV toilet, we’d advise that you clean with caution to prevent any tears or damage.

5 - Pumice Sticks

Pumice sticks are a very popular toilet utensil and are made out of coarse pumice. You’re supposed to soak them for several minutes before using them, but our team isn’t much of a fan of using pumice sticks to clean toilets.

We will admit, however, that these are very good for scrubbing any difficult spots or build-ups. They will definitely scratch your toilet though, and they don’t hold any liquid at all.

Save your pumice sticks for any toilet trouble that involves heavy scrubbing. Don’t use them for regular cleaning.

The Tool Is Only As Good As The Cleaner

You should always try to remember that a tool is only a tool at the end of the day. It helps you clean, but it’s only going to do the job well if it has a good cleaning product to support it.

Using a good toilet cleaning product will make cleaning toilets easier & more manageable.

We stock a wide selection of bathroom cleaners on our website to help your RV cleaning efforts.

Make sure your RV toilet stays clean with our eco-friendly bathroom cleaning kit .

We hope you’ve found this guide on toilet cleaning utensils helpful and can now work out what’s best for cleaning your RV’s toilet.

If you’re in need of some eco-friendly RV cleaning supplies, check out our online shop , where you can find everything you need.

Everything is available in our eco-friendly cleaning supplies store , from microfibre cloths and mops to multi-surface sprays and bathroom cleaners.

Tips for cleaning your RV interior: What does clean smell like?

pamk@gabrielfirst.com (Pam Kennedy) — Tue, 23 Mar 2021 23:28:20 GMT

Have you ever walked into an RV and thought “it sure doesn’t smell clean in here!”- but what does clean even smell like?

Roses, lilacs, lavender, fresh linen, bleach?

Photo Credit: April Lathrop

Here is what clean should really smell like: nothing.

Clean does not have a scent!

A really clean (and healthy) RV not only has no musty smell from mold, pet-related odors, or accumulated dust, but also no chemical fragrances.

Something that is truly clean doesn’t have a smell, but dirty does.

If there is a smell, it means dirt is there. When your RV is clean there shouldn’t be any smell.

What does that mean?

It means a lot of cleaners have artificial fragrances added to them - not because they clean, but because they cover up dirty smells.

Many household products we depend on for cleaning are designed primarily to not clean your RV, but to make your RV smell clean.

Some of these products even advertise that cleaning isn’t necessary!

Using some fragrances can help to enhance the atmosphere after cleaning, but they shouldn’t be used on its own or to just cover up a bad smell.

When using fragrance to cover up a bad smell you could end up making the smell worse and your RV won’t even be clean.

Think about it this way. We light scented candles to give rooms a nice scent. It’s welcoming and can make an RV seem homely. You wouldn’t use a scented candle to clean though, that would be ridiculous!

The same can be said for fragrance ‘cleaners’.

A good cleaner made with high-quality raw materials, sometimes including a fragrance, will clean your RV properly and leave a pleasant smell without affecting allergies.

You can use the Gabe’s Pride multi-surface cleaner with fragrance to clean your RV and give it a nice smell. This product is eco-friendly and safe to use so you won’t have to worry about it affecting your breathing.

Should you avoid using cleaners with fragrances in your RV?

There’s a lot of evidence that shows how hazardous some of the ingredients in artificial fragrances are when you’re exposed to them indoors. Some of these pollutants are in everyday consumer products that you could be using to clean your RV.

Out of the 80,000+ chemicals that are used in cleaning supplies most haven't been adequately tested.

Mixing some of these chemicals can be incredibly toxic and even life-threatening. There isn’t a legal requirement for companies to list all their ingredients on the products’ label so it’s impossible to know how dangerous they are when mixed.

A lot of fragrance cleaners can contain some harsh chemicals that can be harmful to you and your family. Before choosing something to mask bad smells in your RV be sure you know exactly what’s in it so you can stay safe.

Should you use bleach to clean an RV?

I was once told by a plumber that if I put bleach down a drain it wouldn’t clean it, it would just cover up the bad smell with a stronger smell.

Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as this.

Bleach doesn’t clean but so many people register the bleach smell as clean.

Bleach is a chlorine-based corrosive substance and chlorine was used as an agent of chemical warfare in WWI.

Since then it’s been added to water supplies and it’s used in cleaning products despite its dark history.

What are the negative health effects of bleach?

You’ve probably experienced what the fumes smell like from bleach. They’re incredibly strong and when inhaled they can cause a lot of health problems, especially if you come in contact with it often.

Bleach can:

Irritate your lungs
Burn your eyes
Corrode your skin
Cause skin rashes
Trigger extreme headaches and migraines
Cause abdominal discomfort
Trigger nausea and vomiting
Damage the nervous system

Anybody who has respiratory problems should definitely avoid using bleach as it can worsen your condition. This includes people suffering from asthma or even allergies.

What are the environmental effects of bleach?

Apart from the dangerous health effects bleach can also damage the environment. It’s known to be a polluter but it’s often used to treat water. When bleach is added to our waters it mixes with the minerals in the water and forms dangerous toxins that can take years to fully dissolve.

Bleach also contributes to polluting the air as factories often use chlorine bleach. This releases toxins into the air during the factories’ ventilation and exhaust processes.

How do you clean without using bleach and fragrances?

You can switch to non-toxic, non-fragranced commercial products like our eco-friendly RV cleaning products .

When shopping for RV cleaning supplies, be sure to always read the labels.

Just because a product has the word ‘eco’ or ‘green’ on it doesn’t mean it’s completely free of harsh chemicals.

If you’d like to find out more ways to clean your RV and stay free of any harsh chemicals then give us a call we’d love to help you out.

In the meantime be sure to check out our stock of eco-friendly cleaning supplies to keep your RV clean.

Top Tips To Spring Clean Your RV Before Your Next Trip

pamk@gabrielfirst.com (Pam Kennedy) — Sat, 20 Feb 2021 16:59:49 GMT

There’s nothing better than hitting the road with your family, friends, or even by yourself, in a freshly-cleaned, tidy RV. But over winter, our RVs gather dust, dirt, and grime.

Photos Credit: Bill Curtis

It can be hard to motivate ourselves to clean an RV after just getting back from a trip. We’re tired, groggy and just want to sleep in our beds and eat a nice hot meal.

It’s only when it comes to planning your summer camping holiday that you remember you haven’t cleaned your RV out since the last trip. What a pain!

Today we’re going to help you get through your RV spring cleaning in record time so you can enjoy your first trip of the year in a fresh, clean RV.

How to start your RV spring cleaning

The best thing to do first is to take any belongings that are still inside your RV from your last trip and store them in your home. You can always put them back in later when you're finished.

You should clean the inside of your RV in the following order:

Ceiling
Walls
Cabinets
Windows
Counters
Sinks, toilet, stove, microwave, fridge
Floors

Remember: Always wash vertical surfaces from bottom up and rinse from top down.

How to clean the surfaces in an RV

It’s important to clean from the top down which is why when cleaning the surfaces in your RV we start with the ceiling.

After the ceiling it’s time to wash down all vertical surfaces. You should always clean from the bottom up, then rinse from the top down when cleaning your walls to avoid any streaks. You can then move onto the counters and cabinets, windows, and finally the floor.

When cleaning your walls don’t use any cleaners that contain bleach as it doesn’t clean and damages seals.

When wiping down your walls, ceilings, counter tops, cabinets, fridge, microwave and stove top use a good microfiber cloth and a multi surface cleaner (bonus points if it’s an eco friendly cleaner). This will help get rid of any bacteria and leave your surfaces and appliances sparkling.

Some life hack websites will suggest using vinegar on your surfaces and this is a mistake. Using vinegar or citrus can damage your surfaces and finishes due to the acid content.

How to clean an RV toilet

Before you start cleaning the toilet in your RV be sure to give it a quick flush. Then you can grab a yarn toilet swab , pour some bathroom cleaner onto it and start working on cleaning the inside of your toilet.

We know it’s nasty work and nobody likes the idea of scrubbing a toilet but it’s better to suffer now and have a clean toilet then face the consequences on the road later on.

When cleaning your RV’s toilet make sure you get down inside the neck of the toilet. After you’re finished scrubbing, rinse the toilet bowl and grab your microfiber cloth and some bathroom cleaner. Wash the outside of the toilet with your cloth and then with another cloth dry the outside of the bowl down.

How to clean an RV shower

If you’ve got glass shower doors in your RV then the best way to clean them is with some bathroom cleaner and a microfiber cloth. Always wash from the bottom up when cleaning your shower doors and rinse from the top down. You should do the same with the shower walls and wash the shower floor last.

If you wash the shower floor first then the grime and dirt you just washed off the walls and doors will just make the floor dirty again.

You can use a toothbrush or a Gabe’s Pride detail brush and some bathroom cleaner to wash around any faucets and door tracks.

How to clean the windows & floors of an RV

The best way to clean the windows on your RV is with a window cleaner that doesn’t contain any ammonia, solvents, or ethylene glycols.

Be sure to wash all windows, TV monitors, and mirrors in your RV so everything is clean for your next trip.

You can find the perfect window and glass cleaner in our online shop!

When cleaning your floors be sure to give them a good vacuum and then a sweep after to make sure you got all the debris and dirt. You can then mop your RV’s floor with a flat mop and a multi surface cleaner. Be sure to rinse your flat mop regularly to ensure that you’re getting all the grime off of your floor.

How to clean the roof fan of an RV

The roof fan is an important and necessary part of your RV that should be cleaned regularly. You don’t want it to spread dust around your RV while you’re driving!

Take it apart and clean each piece with a multi surface cleaner before rinsing and drying.

Don’t use anything with disinfectant in it for cleaning your roof fan, or anything else in your RV, as they’re not very good cleaners and they leave a film behind meaning you won’t get the results you want.

According to the CDC and EPA and product labels, disinfectants must be used on a pre-cleaned surface and the surface must be wet for the time listed on the product label to be effective.

How to clean the bedroom in an RV

A freshly made bed with clean sheets is like heaven after a long day traveling, which is why it’s a necessity to make all the beds in your RV up with fresh linen before you set off on your trip.

Before you dress the beds, make sure you vacuum under the mattress, inside the drawers and inside the closet. If they’re dirty on the outside just spray them with a multi surface cleaner and wipe them down.

How to clean the outside of an RV

When cleaning the outside of your RV always wash vertical surfaces from the bottom up and rinse from the top down. Clean the sides of your RV first and then move onto the top. Don’t use any abrasive or petroleum-based cleaning supplies as they can damage the roof material of your RV.

You should use a cleaner like the Gabe’s Pride RV Streaker . This cleaner does all the hard work for you and will have your RV glistening in no time at all.

You can use a soft detail brush to get the texture caulk surface areas clean as they’re not smooth and dirt can get stuck in the textures.

Use a soft microfiber flat pad to take care of the roof and the sides. RV Streaker can be used for the entire outside of your RV except for the windows which you should clean with window cleaner. You’re probably going to get RV Streaker on your windows but don’t worry it won’t harm your windows. It may however leave streaks which is why you should clean them with window cleaner afterwards.

Next, move on to cleaning the awnings. You might have to use a soft detail brush on the awning to help loosen any soil that’s stuck in them.

After rinsing from the roof down, wash the outside of your windows with a window cleaner.

Don’t forget to reorganize and restock your RV

Finally it’s time to reorganize the storage compartments in your RV to make sure everything is neat, tidy, and organized before you go camping.

You should also restock supplies and food including first aid supplies, and change your water filter. You should also double check your smoke detector and change the batteries if needed.

We hope this RV spring cleaning guide has helped you out. If you’re in need of some eco-friendly RV cleaning supplies check out our online shop where you can find everything you need.

From microfibre cloths and mops to multi surface sprays and bathroom cleaner everything is available on our eco friendly cleaning supplies store .

How Coronavirus Works

Wed, 15 Apr 2020 17:22:34 GMT

How Coronavirus Hijacks Your Cells

As we learn more about the Corona virus, this is a very interesting article from the NY Times regarding the cell structure and why cleaning with a good soap and water solution is so important to achieve and maintain clean, safe, and sanitary surfaces.

" The virus is enveloped in a bubble of oily lipid molecules,

which falls apart on contact with soap." - NY Times

"How Soap Works"

NY Times

Soap destroys the virus when water-shunning tails of the soap molecules

wedge themselves into the lipid membrane and pry it apart.

The best way to avoid getting infected with the coronavirus

is to wash your hands with soap, avoid touching your face, keep

your distance from sick people and regularly clean frequently used surfaces."

Remember to wet the surface well with your cleaning solution, let it set wet on the surface for at least 30 - 60 seconds, and wipe with a clean cloth or towel. If you wish to disinfect or sanitize further, a clean surface will allow your disinfectant or sanitizer to work effectively. ALWAYS follow your disinfectant or sanitizer label instructions and required dwell time. A quick spray and wipe will do nothing...Read the label! Used incorrectly, disinfectants and sanitizers may be harmful.

Here is a link to the New York Times article

We are here for you, contact us any time. Be safe, healthy, and we will get through this!

What can we do to keep our hands clean when we have to go to stores/markets for food & supplies?

Tue, 24 Mar 2020 20:04:42 GMT

What can we do to keep our hands clean when we have to go to stores/markets for food & supplies?

At this point if you do not have a disinfectant or sanitizer, what can you do?

As I have stated in other posts, cleaning is the first necessary, & most important step you can do. You cannot disinfect or sanitize dirt.

Do you have a small (spray) bottle of glass cleaner or multi-surface cleaner? Something that is skin & fabric friendly (ie: not bleach) Do you have clean cotton rags or paper towels?
................ If yes, then you have something!

When you get into your car, thoroughly wet your hands with the cleaner you have. Make sure that you do not just mist a little cleaner on them, GET THEM WET. Then, as you would if washing your hands with soap at a sink, work the cleaner into your hands for 20-30 seconds. Then with a clean rag or towels, aggressively wipe & dry your hands. Quickly do the same for your steering wheel, dash, or any other surface you may have touched getting into your vehicle. Wipe everything down well.

If you used paper towels, discard them. If you have cotton or microfiber cloths, you can rotate them out for clean, dry cloths between each use or at least once a day. With a good soap wetting & wiping onto a clean cloth this will allow dirt & germs to be transferred onto the towel. This minimizes what is on your hands & surfaces to be transmitted onto people & other surfaces.

If you do have hand sanitizer or disinfectant wipe, BE SURE TO USE THEM FOR THE TIME STATED ON THE PRODUCT CONTAINER . Most disinfectant wipes typically require to use up to 10 wipes to properly disinfect a surface. Spray/mist & wipe does nothing.

Note: Do not wash microfiber cloths with bleach or use fabric softeners. This will damage or coat the fiber & cause the cloth to lose its absorbancy.

If you have any questions, message us on our Gabe's Pride FB page, cs@gabespride.com or our website www.gabespride.com.

Be calm, safe, & healthy, we will get through this!

The Use of Bleach for Sanitizing or Disinfecting

Tue, 24 Mar 2020 18:46:13 GMT

The Use of Bleach for Sanitizing or Disinfecting

With the current short supply of disinfectants, bleach is a popular alternative. Always remember that the most important step to do before you can disinfect or sanitize surfaces is to:

1) Thoroughly wash the surface with a good soap and water solution.
2) Follow label instructions for proper dilution and dwell time to set wet on the surface for complete sanitizing or disinfection.
3) After setting wet on the surface for the required time, wipe dry any excess liquid.

Bleach can be very dangerous and if used incorrectly can cause serious harm, even death. A few months ago at a Buffalo Wild Wings in Massachusetts, a restaurant employee died from the fumes created by mixing bleach and ammonia.

READ THE PERCENTAGE OF SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE on the bottle of bleach. The concentration can range from 3% - 12%. This can affect the amount you will need. Know what you are mixing and use the least amount of bleach needed to perform this task.

Bleach fumes can make you sick so only use in a well ventilated area and away from children and pets.

Bleach can damage many surfaces and fabrics. Research if it is safe to use on what you wish to clean then sanitize/disinfect.

DO NOT DRINK BLEACH. I'm not spending any more time on this but, sadly, this does need to be said.

NEVER MIX bleach with ammonia or acidic pH cleaners. The fumes will make you sick or possibly cause death.

Do you really need to sanitize/disinfect? Cleaning is the most important key to a healthy, sanitary environment.

We do not need to nor should we live a life coated in sanitizers/disinfectants. For most of us with healthy immune systems, proper cleaning will be all that is needed. Remember that sanitizers/disinfectants in higher concentrations are poisons and improperly used, leave films coated all over surfaces they contact. When improperly used, which most people do, this film builds up making surfaces sticky and far more unhealthy than if just left alone. Especially with infants that put everything in their mouths... please, just clean their toys and living areas with a good soap and water.

Remember to remain calm, use some common sense, and share some humor with each other. A smile can make a world of difference so let's not forget to do that often.

We will get through this!

Understanding Disinfectants and Sanitizers

Tue, 24 Mar 2020 17:17:04 GMT

This is something we have put together for clients to help them better understand some things about disinfectants and sanitizers that is not commonly known.

It is important to be aware and prepared but it is also important to stay calm and at times like this, use some of grandma's best advice: Wash with good ole soap and water .... BEFORE you slather everything in a disinfectant or sanitizer! (this part we added. :-)

This is a long read but we are sure you will find this information beneficial. Be safe, happy, and healthy! Thank you

Thorough cleaning is necessary whether it is for daily cleaning, deep cleaning, or before applying a disinfectant or sanitizer. Then the disinfectant/sanitizer solution must set wet on a surface for the time listed on the product’s label before it will be effective. Common dwell times range from 3 – 15 minutes per application. No single disinfectant/sanitizer will be effective on every virus/microbe/germ. When prepared and applied properly disinfectants leave a residual behind to trap and kill its target organism generally up to 4 – 6 hours or until contacted directly or by an airborne particle makes contact. At that time the residual is contaminated and must be recleaned and let dwell wet again. Sanitizers must be prepared in the same manner and let set wet too. The biggest difference is sanitizers do not have as high of a kill claim compared to disinfectants and is meant to evaporate without leaving a film behind on the surface. This is why sanitizers are commonly used in food service applications so to not leave any residual that would directly contact food. Once a properly sanitized surface has dried, there is no residual and will be contaminated upon direct or airborne particle contact. Neither of these products will kill viruses, microbes, germs, and etc. indefinitely.

One last note to keep in mind about disinfectants and sanitizers… Any product that makes any form of a ‘kill claim’ must be tested and certified by the EPA under the FIFRA regulations. This is not only to verify a manufacturer’s claim and the product’s efficacy when used as directed, it is also because these type of products are poisonous if used in higher concentrations. Especially when used around young children that put everything in their mouth, great care and a better understanding of these products is imperative.

Spray and wiping surfaces will not do anything other than leave a sticky film behind and make the surviving elements stronger and more resistant to future applications. You cannot disinfect/sanitize a dirty surface, they must be precleaned and applied per the label’s instructions and wet dwell time.

Upon reading the label on disinfectant wipes you will commonly see that it takes several wipes and similar wet dwell times for them to be effective to achieve their marketed claim. The first few wipes is usually the equivalent of lightly cleaning the surface and the last few will be the dwell time portion. Pull and wipe of a cloth will not give you any effective disinfection or sanitizing.

I am happy in seeing many sources state that hand sanitizer is most recommended when water and soap are not available. In past outbreaks, that was rarely brought to mention. At this time a hand sanitizer of 70% alcohol or more is recommended, when soap and water is not available.

This is a link from the CDC regarding the use of bleach as a sanitizer, As you will see, the very first thing needed to be done is to clean the surface with a good soap and water. Be very careful when using bleach as it is very dangerous if splashed on surfaces and bodies as well as it should be used in a well ventilated area to avoid reaction with the fumes. NEVER mix bleach with ammonia or acidic based cleaners. This will make a very dangerous gas and all affected areas will need to be vacated then aired-out before people can return.

There is a reason for disinfectants and sanitizers but there is much more that is needed to be understood about them. Proper cleaning will maintain a safe and sanitary environment best. When the time comes that a disinfectant or sanitizer is needed, please read the labels first and contact us any time you need.

Gabe's Pride Blog

Defining “A Multi-Surface Cleaner”

Understanding the Term "Multi-Surface Cleaner"

Make Bathroom Cleaning Easy AND Effective

Clean-Smart with Eco-Friendly Supplies

Poop Is NOT your biggest problem

Black Tank Cleaning

The Danger Probably ISN'T What You Think

Cleaning Well is Your First-Best Defense

Understanding WHAT you're using to clean surfaces is as important as HOW WELL you clean them.

Cleaning vs Disinfecting

Why CLEANING is so important to your health

The Difference between Clean & Disinfect

Clean

Disinfect

Food Grade Disinfectants

Keep in mind that if it kills germs, it can probably hurt you, too!

Disinfectant Mistake #1

Disinfectant Mistake #2

Disinfectant Mistake #3

Cleaning Correctly

The Power to Clean

Your Complete Guide to RV Cleaning: Giving Your RV the Ultimate Spring Clean

Spring is here, and there’s no better time to give your RV a refreshing makeover after a long winter.

Tips for cleaning inside your RV

De-winterize and sanitize the water system

Wipe down surfaces

Shine windows and mirrors

Clean the bathroom

Vacuum

Tips for cleaning outside your RV

Determine your RV's coating

Gather your tools

Start with the sides

Use the foam cannon applicator

Gently agitate the surface

Clean the roof

Refresh awnings

Thoroughly rinse everything

Inspect for damage

Shine windows for a streak-free finish

Key takeaway

Elevate your RV cleaning routine with Gabe's Pride cleaning products

Sharing Our Journey With The Honor Network: A Personal Experience

In July 2022, our community tragically lost a beloved 29-year veteran of the Rochester, NY Police Department, Officer Mazurkiewicz, in the line of duty.

What is the Honor Network?

Our profound experience with the Honor Flag in Rochester

Engaging in meaningful events: Chris and Cindy's impact

The funeral for Officer Anthony Mazurkiewicz is available to watch here: ﻿

20 Years and Just Getting Started - The United States Honor Flag: ﻿

The Role of Fragrances In Our Cleaning Routines & Everyday Lives

From ancient rituals to modern-day products, fragrances have been integral throughout human history.

Why do we love fragrances?

Freshening vs masking

The four scent families

Gabe's Pride's popular cleaning products and scents

Transform your cleaning routine

Potty Talk: Spring Cleaning Tips & Products For Your RV’s Bathroom - As Seen In I Heart RVing

As we welcome springtime once again, now is the perfect opportunity to bring some spring freshness to your RV bathroom.

Shower doors

Shower tracks

Toilet

Sink and vanity

Mirror

Floors

Recommended products for cleaning your RV bathroom

10 Essential Tools To Keep Your RV Clean and Happy

As an RV or camper owner, you know how important it is to keep your ride sparkling clean. ﻿

1. Shower Track & Grout Brush

2. Squeegee

3. Microfiber Cloths

4. Toilet Swab & Holder

5. Vacuum

6. Extension Pole

7. Upside Down Sprayer

8. Exterior Cleaning Head

9. Window Squeegee

10. Foamer

Is It Possible To Clean Without Any Chemicals?

Have you ever heard someone say they don’t use chemicals to clean?

The funeral for Officer Anthony Mazurkiewicz is available to watch here:

20 Years and Just Getting Started - The United States Honor Flag:

As an RV or camper owner, you know how important it is to keep your ride sparkling clean.

The Environment