Cleaning your RV awning is an important part of maintaining it and ensuring its longevity. Not only will cleaning it make your awning look better, but it will also help to protect it from the elements. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps of how to clean your RV awning safely and effectively. We’ll also provide some tips on how to keep it looking good for years to come!
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How to Clean RV Awnings
It’s no secret that RVs can be a lot of work. There are so many different systems and parts that all need to be maintained in order to keep your RV running smoothly.
That’s why it’s important to know how to clean RV awnings properly. In this guide, we’ll show you everything you need to know about cleaning your RV awning so that it will last for years to come.
First things first, you’ll need to gather some supplies. For this project, you’ll need a ladder, a brush, some mild soap, and a hose with a spray nozzle. You may also want to use a ladder stabilizer if you have one.
Once you have your supplies gathered, it’s time to start cleaning. Begin by spraying the awning with water from the hose to remove any loose dirt or debris. Next, apply some mild soap to the brush and scrub the awning gently to remove any stubborn dirt or stains.
Finally, rinse the soap off of the awning with clean water from the hose.
Step 1: Prepare the RV Awning Cleaner
In a small bucket, mix together one cup of water and half a cup of white vinegar. If you have a larger RV awning, you may need to double or triple the recipe.
Once the solution is mixed, use a sponge or brush to apply it to the RV awning fabric. Be sure to get into all of the nooks and crannies where dirt and grime can build up.
If your RV awning is particularly dirty, you may need to repeat this step until it is clean.
Step 2: Spray the Bottom of Your Awning
RV awnings can be a breeding ground for mold and mildew if they’re not cleaned regularly. To prevent this, it’s important to spray the bottom of your awning with a mold and mildew prevention solution after every cleaning.
There are many different commercial solutions available, or you can make your own by mixing one cup of water with one cup of bleach. Apply the solution to the underside of the awning with a sponge or brush and be sure to get into all of the creases and folds.
Allow the solution to sit on the awning for at least five minutes before rinsing it off with clean water from the hose. Once it is rinsed, allow the awning to dry completely in the sun before folding it back up.
Step 3: Roll Up Your Awning
Once your awning is clean and dry, it’s time to roll it back up. Be sure to take your time and do this carefully so you don’t damage the fabric.
Start by folding the awning in half lengthwise. Then, fold it in half again so that you have a long, narrow strip of fabric.
Next, roll the awning up from one end until it is completely rolled up. Once it is rolled, secure the awning with the straps or rope that came with it.
Step 4: Unroll Your Awning and Rinse it Off
Once you have the awning all rolled up, take it down to the RV dump station and rinse it off with clean water. This will remove any dirt or cleaner that may be left on the awning.
Allow the awning to dry completely before folding it back up and storing it away.
Step 5: Let the Awning Dry Out
After you have cleaned and rinsed the awning, it’s important to let it dry out completely before storing it away. The best way to do this is to unroll it and allow it to sit in the sun for a few hours.
If you’re in a hurry, you can also use a hair dryer on the low setting to speed up the process. Just be sure not to hold the dryer too close to the fabric or you could damage it. [1]
Once the awning is completely dry, roll it back up and store it away until next time. By following these simple steps, you can keep your RV awning clean and looking like new for years to come.
Extra Steps To Clean Extra Dirty RV Awnings
If your RV awning is extra dirty, you may need to take some extra steps to get it clean. If you have mildew or stains, you can treat them with a mixture of bleach and water before hosing them off. For really tough stains, you may need to scrub them with a brush.
To clean the underside of your RV awning, first hose it off to remove any loose dirt and debris. Then, using a brush attachment on your hose or a long-handled brush, scrub the fabric gently to loosen any stubborn dirt. Finally, rinse the awning well and allow it to dry completely before rolling it up.
With a little elbow grease, you can keep your awning in top condition for years to come.
Extra RV Awning Cleaning Step 1
To clean mildew or stains, mix a solution of bleach and water. Use one cup of bleach per gallon of water.
Spray the solution on the affected areas and let it sit for several minutes. Then rinse the awning well. Allow the awning to dry completely in the sun before rolling it up.
If you have stubborn stains, you may need to scrub them with a brush before rinsing. Be sure to use gloves and eye protection when handling bleach.
Extra RV Awning Cleaning Step 2
To clean the underside of your RV awning, first hose it off to remove any loose dirt. Then, using a brush attachment on your hose or a long-handled brush, scrub the fabric gently to loosen any stubborn dirt. Finally, rinse the awning well and allow it to dry before rolling it up. [2]
Awning Cleaning & Maintenance Tips
Awnings are a great addition to any RV, providing shade and protection from the elements. But like anything else on your RV, they require regular cleaning and maintenance to keep them looking their best.
- Clean your awnings at least once a month, or more often if they are exposed to lots of dirt, dust, pollen, or other debris.
- Use a soft brush or cloth when cleaning your awnings, so as not to damage the fabric.
- Hose down your awning with plain water first, then use a mild soap solution if needed. Be sure to rinse the soap off completely afterwards.
- Never use harsh chemicals or cleaners on your awning, as they can damage the fabric.
- If your awning is starting to show signs of wear and tear, it’s time to replace it. Don’t wait until it’s too late and the damage is irreparable.
FAQ
What can I use to clean the awning on my RV?
There are a few different options available for cleaning your RV awning. You can use a brush or sponge with some soapy water, or you can purchase a cleaner specifically designed for cleaning RV awnings. If you choose to use a brush or sponge, be sure to use gentle strokes and avoid scrubbing too hard. Remove all soap traces. [3]
If you opt for a cleaner specifically designed for RV awnings, follow the instructions on the bottle carefully. These cleaners usually require diluting with water before use. As with any type of cleaner, always test a small area first to ensure that it won’t damage the fabric. Once you’ve finished cleaning the awning, be sure to rinse it thoroughly with clean water to remove all traces of the cleaner. Allow the awning plenty of time to dry completely before rolling it up or storing it away. Leaving a wet awning rolled up can lead to mold and mildew growth, which will damage the fabric and make it more difficult to clean in the future.
How do I remove stubborn stains from my RV awning?
There are a few ways to remove stubborn stains from your RV awning. You can either use a soft brush and soapy water, or you can use a pressure washer. If the stain is still not coming off, you can try using a mild bleach solution. Remember to test the bleach solution on a small area first before applying it to the entire stain. Another way to remove stubborn stains is by using a pumice stone. Wet the pumice stone and rub it over the stain in a circular motion. Be sure to rinse off the area afterwards with clean water. [4]
How do you clean mildew off a camper awning?
To remove mildew from your awning, try one of these methods. One way is to mix one part bleach with four parts water and scrub the affected area with a soft brush. Another way is to mix equal parts vinegar and water and use this solution to scrub the mildew off.
Rinse the area well afterwards with clean water. You may need to repeat the process several times in order to completely remove all traces of mildew. [5]
If your awning is made of vinyl, you’ll want to be extra careful when cleaning it. Bleach can damage vinyl, so it’s important to use the vinegar solution instead. Be sure to rinse the area well afterwards and allow the awning to fully dry before rolling it up or storing it away.
What is the best thing to use to clean awning?
One of the best things that you can use to clean your awning is a power washer. You will want to make sure that you are using a pressure washer that is specifically designed for cleaning awnings. If you do not have access to a power washer, you can also use a garden hose with an attachment spray nozzle.
Another great option for cleaning your RV awning is to use dish soap and water. This method is very effective and will leave your awning looking shiny and new. All you need to do is mix together some dish soap and water in a bucket and then scrub down your awning with a sponge or brush. Once you have finished scrubbing, be sure to rinse your awning off with clean water.
One thing that you will want to avoid when cleaning your RV awning is using harsh chemicals. Theн can damage the fabric of your awning and cause it to deteriorate over time. If you must use a chemical cleaner, test it on a small area of the awning first.
In general, it is best to stick to using mild soap and water solutions when cleaning your RV awning. These solutions are gentle enough to clean your awning without damaging it and they will also leave your awning looking its best.
Can you pressure wash an RV awning?
Yes, you can pressure wash an RV awning. Just be sure to use a low-pressure setting and hold the nozzle at least 12 inches away from the fabric. You should also avoid using too much water, as this can cause mold and mildew to grow.
If you don’t have a pressure washer, you can still clean your awning by hand. Start by hosing it down with water. Then, scrub the awning with a soft brush and soapy water. Rinse it off with clean water when you’re finished. [6]
If your RV has an electric awning, you’ll need to be careful not to get water on the motor or other electrical components. To avoid this, you can either clean the awning by hand or use a pressure washer with a low-pressure setting.
Can I use bleach on my RV awning?
Yes, you can use bleach on your RV awning, but you need to be careful about how much you use and how you apply it. Bleach can damage the fabric of your awning if it is not diluted properly.
Useful Video: How to Clean RV Awning Fabric
Conclusion
Cleaning your RV awning is important to maintain its lifespan and function. There are many ways to clean your awning, but the most important thing is to be careful about what products you use. Bleach can be effective, but it can also damage the fabric if it is not used properly. Always test a small area first before applying any cleaner to your awning. Thanks for reading! We hope this guide was helpful. Happy travels!
References
- https://camperreport.com/how-to-clean-an-rv-awning-in-under-5-minutes/
- https://beezzly.com/how-to-clean-rv-awning
- https://www.thecrazyoutdoormama.com/5-ways-to-clean-your-trailer-awning-diy-awning-cleaner/
- https://www.thervgeeks.com/how-to-get-stains-out-of-rv-awnings/
- https://lifeonroute.com/clean-mold-rv-awning/
- https://www.powerequipmentdirect.com/stories/1377-How-to-Clean-an-Awning-With-a-Power-Washer.html