How to clean an RV Awning in 3 easy steps
How to clean an RV Awning in 3 easy steps and get rid of mold and mildew with this homemade detergent.
Having an awing is the best accessory you can have on an RV – especially during summer. We love to sit outside under the awning, protected from the sun. Also, our dog Apache loves to sit with us in the shade enjoying peace and nature.
But what we don’t love is looking at a dirty, moldy awning. Unfortunately, our Travel Trailer is a little older, therefore the fabric isn’t brand new and we start seeing wear and tear on it. Keeping it clean is necessary if you don’t want to replace it in a short time.
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How to clean an RV Awning in 3 easy steps
Material List – what you need to clean your awning:
The material you need for cleaning your RV Awning:
(You can also get Awesome at the Dollar Store)
- Microfibre Cloth
- Spray bottle
Step 1: Spray the awning top and bottom with your detergent
Step 2: Roll up and let sit for 20 minutes
Step 3: Use your mop and scrub the dirt off. Wash off with clear water.
Homemade RV awning cleaner
Look for an empty spray bottle (I am sure there is one in your house somewhere, so no need to buy new).
Get Dawn Dishwasher detergent.
Fill the spray bottle 3/4 full with water, then add about 1/3 cup of Dawn soap.
Close your bottle and shake.
And you are done making your awning cleaner (you can definitely use this cleaner for cleaning the inside of your RV too).
How to get rid of mold and mildew on an RV awning?
Many people suggest using bleach. But bleach actually doesn’t kill the mold but destroys your fabric. Therefore rather use Dawn or Awesome and a Magic Eraser Mop:
Step 1:
- Unroll your awning
- Use the Dawn or Awesome water solution and spray it from top down on both sides of the awning
- Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes
Step 2:
- Spray your Magic Ersaser Mop with the same detergent solution and mop the awning from top to bottom.
- Mop both sides with the detergent solution.
- Roll it up and let sit for 10 to 15 Minutes
Step 3:
- Unroll your awning and wash it off with clean water
- Use the microfibre cloth and dry the fabric before you roll it back up.
Is your awning really dirty?
If the awning is really dirty and moldy, you start applying the same steps as mentioned above.
Spray it generously with the Dawn or Awesome mixture and let it sit. For better results, you can even roll it up again and wait up to 30 minutes.
Now use your magic eraser mop and add some baking powder to your mop to scrub off the really bad stains.
You might want to do this a couple of times.
After your awning is clean, wash all the detergent off with clear water.
Before you roll it up make sure the awning is completely dry. If you have no time to wait, use your microfibre cloth and dry it yourself on both sides.
How often should you clean your awning?
We clean it at least twice a year. In spring when we start the camping season and in fall before we put the Travel Trailer in storage.
Taking good care of your RV is important if you want to keep the value of your RV and enjoy a functioning, no-stress vacation.
There is more to maintain when owning an RV. So make sure your slides are taken care of, wheel bearings are checked through, the anode rod is in good shape and so much more. Here is a fast list for you to look through:
Summary of How to clean an RV Awning in 3 easy steps
This is a pretty simple and straight forward tutorial on how to get rid of dirt and mildew on your awning. Always roll your awning in when it is completely dry.
Also make sure your awning is never out while you are gone sightseeing. This can end horribly as soon as winds are getting stronger and will result in tearing your awning off. And this is a pretty pricey repair.
Don’t forget to read ’10 essential steps for new RV Owners’ and also ‘How to update an RV fast and easy’
Also make sure to clean and grease your slide in tracks.
See you on the road,
Conny
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