Part of RV maintenance means that keeping your RV awning clean is key. The good news is that learning how to clean a RV awning isn’t hard at all. You can do it yourself, and you don’t need any special tools or equipment.
RV awnings are great for adding shade and creating a space outside that is about 15 degrees cooler than being out in the sun.
However, if you don’t take care of your RV awning, it can quickly become dirty and damaged. It’s important to keep an eye on the condition of your RV awnings, so they stay looking their best. Make your awnings last as long as possible for all your camping trips!
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How to Clean a RV Awning using Simple Household Supplies
You can actually use simple cleaning solutions for your RV. Some of the best proper cleaning m are :
Vinegar
This is one of the most common household cleaners. It works well as a general cleaner but also has some specific uses. For example, it will remove dirt from your RV awning with a little elbow grease.
It’s not as popular, though – because, let’s be honest, vinegar doesn’t smell the best.
Baking Soda
This is another popular household item that most already have in their pantry. It’s used for many things around the house, including cleaning up spills and removing odors.
It’s also useful when cleaning RV awnings because it removes stains and grime and does a darn good job, too. Below I dive into a bit more detail on how to use baking soda to remove stains.
Dish Soap
If you’re not sure what kind of soap to use, dish soap is probably the safest option. It won’t harm your RV awning like other types of soap might, and we all know that Dawn dish soap is advertised to clean some of the toughest stains. (even grease off a duck!)
What are the types of RV awnings?
There is more than one type of RV awning to learn how to clean. There are different styles, materials, shapes, colors, and sizes. Here are some options:
Vinyl Awnings
These awnings are made of vinyl and are often found on travel trailers. They are easy to install and maintain/clean.
Acrylic awnings
Acrylic awnings are usually installed on fifth-wheel campers. They are durable and long-lasting and typically large in size.
Canvas Awnings
Canvas awnings are a bit thicker in texture and heavier in weight. They are also easier to repair if it gets holes and are simple to clean.
Once you learn the type of awning that you have, you can then tailor your cleaning to fit it best.
How to clean RV awnings without Harsh chemicals
I’m not a huge fan of chemicals. I just don’t like them and have no idea what’s really in them. If possible, I prefer gentler cleaning solutions that can give me the same cleaning effect.
To get a clean awning, all you really need are:
- Cup of bleach
- Dish soap
- Several gallons of water
- Water hose
- Soft scrub brush
Combine 1/2 cup of bleach with 1/4 cup of dish soap, and then mix in 1 gallon (or so) of water. This water mixture is great for getting off bird poop, mildew stains, mold spots, and more!
Dare I say that I like it better than any other commercial cleaner out there?
All you have to do is cover the awning with this soapy mixture and scrub the wet awning with a scrub brush. Make sure to scrub the entire awning pretty well, and then roll it back up when you’re done.
Give it about 30-45 minutes or so, then unroll the awning. Grab your hose and spray off the bleach mixture and be in awe of the newly cleaned look!
Can I use baking soda for an awning cleaning?
Yes, you can use baking soda as one of your awning cleaning solutions, but this type of cleaning method will take more elbow grease from you.
Even though you have to scrub, it’s a great way to be part of the process. Just use warm water and get the awning wet, and then put on the baking soda. You can then scrub with an awning brush.
This is a popular method of cleaning because it really does a great job of deep cleaning those tough stains.
Awning fabrics can be sensitive so using a soft brush is always best. (also known as a soft bristle brush)
How often to clean an RV awning
Cleaning an RV owning just depends on how often it’s used and how it’s stored. Regular maintenance and cleaning are key, so at a minimum, you should be doing the cleaning process two times per year.
If you travel full time or live in the RV, up that to 3-4 times per year for cleaning.
Top Tips for Cleaning Stubborn Stains from a Camper Awning
Awning materials are actually really simple to clean. Before diving in, there are a few simple steps to remember about getting mildew stains off your awning.
Unroll your awning
Seems simple enough to remember but unroll your awning all the way so that the soapy water and mixture cover everything.
Have your cleaning product ready to use
No matter if you’re using dish soap and water or something else, have your washing product ready. You’re going to want to clean the top and the bottom sides of the awning.
Be patient
If you’re doing the bleach and soap method, add the mixture and then roll it back up to do its thing.
If you’re cleaning with baking soda, you can get rid of the stains right away, but it will require more effort on your part.
Let the awning dry
After you’ve unrolled the awning and used a hose with a spray nozzle to clean off the mixture, let the sunshine dry the awning completely.
Add a protectant spray or sealant
The best way to slow down the built-up grime and make the clean-up process easier is to add an awning protectant.
A popular choice is UV protectant spray. It helps prevent fading and protects against sun damage.
It also makes the awning last longer by protecting the fabric from the elements.
Now that you know how to get rid of the mildew spots with the proper cleaning methods, it’s time to use this awning cleaning guide on your camper awning!
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