Keeping your RV awning in good shape isn’t just about looks; it helps with durability and keeps future hassles away. Over time, dirt, leaves, and even mold can build up. If you ignore it, your awning can wear out sooner or start to smell funky. With a regular cleaning routine, you’ll help extend the awning’s life and enjoy a more comfortable outdoor setup. Here’s the full scoop on how I keep my RV awning looking fresh and ready for every season out on the road.
Why Cleaning Your RV Awning Matters
Your RV’s awning sees just about all types of weather, from rain and dust storms to relentless sun. Sweeping away the gunk isn’t only about nice curb appeal. If you let debris and mildew collect, the fabric will start to break down, develop odors, or even leak. Plus, a clean awning makes your campsite a lot more inviting; no one wants to relax under a canopy full of dark stains and mystery patches.
I’ve learned that giving my awning some regular attention saves me from super tough scrubbing jobs down the road. It’s way easier to deal with a little dirt than to tackle stubborn mildew or deep-seated stains that just don’t want to come off.
Getting Started: What You Need for Awning Cleaning
Like any RV maintenance, having the right tools nearby does half the work for you. Here’s what I keep in my routine:
- Soft Bristle Brush: You don’t want anything too rough; these are gentle enough for most awnings but still scrub away dirt effectively.
- Longhandled Mop or Broom: This is super useful if you’re working solo or if your awning is large and high up.
- Garden Hose with Spray Nozzle: Pressure washers might be tempting, but too much force can actually damage the fabric or seams, so I stick to regular hose power.
- RV Awning Cleaner or Mild Soap: Awnings sometimes need special cleaners, especially if you’re dealing with mildew. Dish soap mixed with warm water works well for most jobs.
- Bucket: For mixing up your cleaning solution and dipping brushes or mops.
- Step Ladder: For reaching those high or stubborn spots (if you’re comfortable using one safely).
- Rubber Gloves: If you’re sensitive to cleaners or just want to keep your hands from smelling like soap all day.
Step-by-Step: How I Clean My RV Awning
Cleaning isn’t complicated, but a bit of planning goes a long way. This simple process keeps things straightforward and covers both fabric and vinyl awnings:
- Extend the Awning Fully: Park someplace flat and safe, and roll the awning out all the way, making sure it’s supported and secure. Clear any big debris off by hand—leaves, sticks, or seed pods.
- Sweep Off Loose Dirt: Use a broom or brush to get rid of dry dust and cobwebs before things get wet. It’s easier to remove dry stuff than to scrub it off later.
- Mist the Awning with Water: Spray it down with your hose to loosen what’s left and prep the entire surface for cleaning.
- Apply Cleaner or Soap Solution: Mix up cleaner as recommended (or mild soap with warm water). Use the soft brush or mop to work up a lather on the top side of the fabric. For tough stains or mildew, let the solution sit for 5-10 minutes, but don’t let it dry fully.
- Scrub Gently: Move in a circular motion, focusing on stained or grimy areas. Avoid hard scraping; a gentle touch works best and won’t harm the material or waterproof coating.
- Clean Underneath (Optional): If your awning lets you, carefully lower it and clean the underside. That’s where mildew grows if moisture gets trapped.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Hose off all soap residue from both sides, making sure there’s no cleaner left behind, since it can attract even more dirt later or discolor the fabric.
- Drying Time: Let the awning dry fully before rolling it back in. I usually wait for sun and a gentle breeze to help speed things up. If you roll up a wet awning, you’re basically rolling up a moisture sandwich for mold and mildew.
As you go through these steps, take a few extra minutes to check for signs of fabric wear, loose stitching, or pinholes. Keeping an eye out for small trouble spots can help avoid bigger headaches later.
Common Awning Cleaning Issues (And How I Tackle Them)
- Stubborn Stains: For bird droppings, tree sap, or setin mildew stains, I apply undiluted awning cleaner or vinegar to the patch, let it sit for 15 minutes, then scrub gently. Sometimes a second round is needed.
- Persistent Mildew: For fabric awnings, a mix of one part bleach to ten parts water can help, but only use this if your awning’s fabric allows for it (check the manufacturer suggestions). Always rinse super well afterward.
- Smelly Awning: If there’s still a musty smell, sprinkling baking soda over the cleaned, damp surface and letting it air out for an hour before rinsing helps neutralize odors.
- Sticky Residue: Some soaps leave a film, especially on vinyl. When that happens, a plain water rinse followed by wiping with a clean, damp cloth clears it up quickly.
What to Watch Out For When Cleaning Your Awning
Awning fabrics and coatings vary a lot depending on your RV’s brand and model. Here’s what I always check before tackling stubborn mold or stains:
- Manufacturer Instructions: I always look up care guidelines online or in the manual. Some fabrics react badly to bleach or strong cleaners.
- Water Pressure: It’s tempting to go all out with a power washer, but that can stretch seams, remove UV protection, or even create holes. Stick to a gentle stream.
- Proper Drying: Rolling up the awning while it’s still wet is one of the fastest ways to develop odors and stains. Even overnight condensation can cause problems.
- Harsh Chemicals: Stuff like acetone or powerful cleaners can actually break down vinyl and some synthetic fabrics. Test new cleaners on a small area before going all in.
Extra Cautions for Power Awnings
If you have a powered awning, avoid getting excess water on the motor or electrical bits. I use a damp, nearly wrung-out cloth for spots near hardware, and dry those areas as soon as I’m done to prevent water from causing trouble.
Tips to Keep Your Awning Clean Longer
- Regular Rinse-Offs: A quick spray every couple of weeks knocks off pollen and dust, making deep cleans even easier.
- Dry Before Storing: Never roll up the awning while damp. If you need to roll out early, make sure to unroll at the next stop and let it dry out fully.
- Awning Covers: Snapon covers are worth checking out if you’re often parked under trees or in dusty conditions.
- Monitor for Damage: Check out your awning for pinholes, damaged stitching, and worn spots after every cleaning; catching these issues early saves bigger repairs later on.
- Skip Harsh Weather: Retract your awning if you expect strong winds or rain to keep it clean and safe from damage.
In addition to these tips, it helps to check your awning when traveling through different environments. For example, cleaning up after parking near saltwater or sappy trees can stop longterm staining or corrosion.
Real-World Examples: When and How I Clean My Awning
On a cross country trip last year, I made the mistake of skipping a rinse after a weekend parked under oak trees. By the time I reached my next stop, the awning had sticky sap and dark stains. It took a lot more elbow grease (and a couple rounds of cleaner) than if I’d just given things a quick spray when packing up.
Another time, during a humid spell in Florida, I rolled up my awning before it dried out after a rainstorm. Just 48 hours later, mildew spots showed up. I had to act fast with a gentle bleach solution and felt lucky I caught it early. Now I always check the underside before rolling up at the end of a trip.
A friend of mine had a vinyl awning that started showing orange rust streaks after storing camping gear nearby. After checking some forums and asking at a local RV shop, we used a mixture of mild soap and lemon juice. In this case, the natural acids helped break down the rust without harming the vinyl, and consistent rinsing worked to prevent future stains.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How often should I clean my RV awning?
Answer: A general rule that works for me: give it a deep clean a couple times a year (spring and fall work well), with quick rinses after dusty trips or a few weeks in heavy tree cover. If you notice mold or any odd smells, jump in and clean right away.
Question: What’s the safest cleaner for all types of awnings?
Answer: I stick to mild, nondetergent soap (like dish soap) and warm water for most jobs. Specialty RV awning cleaners work, too. Avoid bleach or strong chemicals unless your manufacturer specifically says it’s ok.
Question: Can I use my household pressure washer?
Answer: It’s possible, but I wouldn’t. High-pressure spray can rip seams or flake off water-resistant coatings. A regular garden hose and a soft brush do the trick without the risk.
Question: What’s the quickest way to fix mildew?
Answer: Dilute bleach (one part bleach to ten parts water) for tough mildew, but only if it’s safe for your awning’s material. Otherwise, try vinegar and let it sit, then scrub and rinse. Always test a small spot first.
Final Thoughts
Regular care helps your awning last longer and keeps your RV experience comfortable; nobody wants to relax under a canopy covered in grime or mildew. With just a few basic tools and good habits, even stubborn messes can be managed, saving both time and money in the long run.
I make a point to clean my awning whenever there’s a big change in season, after lots of rain, or if I see debris and stains building up. Paying attention to little details during cleaning helps spot issues early. That way, you’ll spend more time enjoying shade at your campsite and less worrying about costly repairs down the line.