✅ Maintenance of Plate Heat Exchangers in Motorhomes
Learn how to properly clean a plate heat exchanger installed in a motorhome and used for hot water. Regular maintenance of this device is key to its longevity and safe operation in the water systems of motorhomes – especially since, for hygiene reasons, we must ensure that it is sterile and free of bacteria. In this article, we discuss whether citric acid is suitable for cleaning heat exchangers made of stainless steel or copper, what concentration is safe, and how long the cleaning agent can be applied. We also present the most important rules for flushing the system after cleaning to prevent corrosion and damage.
A heat exchanger in a motorhome enables efficient heating of domestic water by utilizing heat from other sources, such as the auxiliary heater – using the heat generated by the engine or heating system. This is a convenient solution for greater comfort during travel. Its purpose is rather to provide a minimal amount of hot water when we don’t have access to it. Heat exchangers in motorhomes are becoming increasingly popular, to the point where they are now considered almost an indispensable part of motorhome living or traveling. After all, a motorhome is not just a trip but often a lifestyle – access to water is essential.
✅ However, the heat exchanger in a motorhome operates under rather challenging conditions – as it often works with water from various sources, which may contain deposits, minerals, or microorganisms. Under such conditions, limescale can easily accumulate inside the device, leading to blockages over time – reducing its efficiency and, in extreme cases, even causing damage.
Additionally, heat and moisture promote bacterial growth, which is particularly dangerous if the heat exchanger is responsible for heating domestic water – e.g., for washing or bathing. Regular cleaning of the heat exchanger helps maintain its high efficiency, ensures hygienic safety, and prevents costly breakdowns during travel. A simple maintenance task, yet one that significantly impacts the comfort and reliability of the entire water system in the motorhome – and one that should, in principle, be performed after every multi-day stationary period. So, what should you use to clean it?
Citric acid is a popular, inexpensive, and readily available solution for removing limescale and deposits in water systems – including those in motorhomes – and, importantly, it also has antibacterial properties. For motorhomes && campervans, it can be an effective solution, but only with proper caution. It should be used at most in moderate concentrations and should not remain inside the heat exchanger for extended periods – ideally, only for a short flushing cycle.
After cleaning with citric acid, thorough flushing of the heat exchanger channels with clean water is necessary to avoid reactions with copper or stainless steel that could lead to corrosion. Although citric acid is less aggressive than other chemical agents, improper use can shorten the lifespan of the heat exchanger. It is a safe and environmentally friendly maintenance method – but only when used responsibly and in limited applications.
If, after flushing the heat exchanger with citric acid, you notice bluish-colored water flowing from its channels, this could indicate a chemical reaction between the citric acid and the copper solder joints. In such a reaction, small amounts of copper ions may enter the water – the resulting chemical reaction causes the blue coloration. Although this is not dangerous in small quantities – and to some extent unavoidable. If the water turns intensely blue, it may indicate that the cleaning agent was left for too long or was too concentrated. To avoid damaging the heat exchanger, you should reduce the contact time with citric acid and always thoroughly flush the system after cleaning. Blue water is a sign that the cleaning process should be carried out carefully and according to recommendations.
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