Trails » Road Trips » RVs » Cleaning an RV » How to Clean an RV Awning

How to Clean an RV Awning

How to Clean an RV Awning

Bill & Vicki Tracey/flickr.com

Many people start getting their RVs ready for the open road each spring. Use this time to clean your RV awning. Awnings are made from a variety of materials, but they usually fall into one of two categories--vinyl or acrylic. There is more to clean than just the fabric; you must also check the hardware for damage and any dirt it has collected. Spring cleaning followed by regular maintenance throughout the camping season will keep your awning in tip-top shape for years to come.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:
  • Broom Ladder Awning cleanser Sponge mop Hose Wand attachment Bristle brush
  • Broom
  • Ladder
  • Awning cleanser
  • Sponge mop
  • Hose
  • Wand attachment
  • Bristle brush
Step 1
Roll out the awning all the way and use the broom to sweep off any debris or dust . Use a ladder to reach the top of the awning.
Step 2
Spray awning cleanser on a 1-foot square area starting on the underside of the awning. Begin cleaning at the front of the awning and working inward. Use a cleanser that is formulated for your awning material type, available at RV stores.
Step 3
Scrub the area you sprayed with a sponge or a mop with a sponge head. Scrub hard enough to remove the dirt but avoid pushing on the awning too hard, which could damage the fabric.
Step 4
Spray the top of the awning with the cleanser and scrub, working from the outside edge inward. Do this while standing on the ladder, and avoid putting your weight on the top of the awning, as this may rip it from the hardware.
Step 5
Rinse off the cleanser of with water. Use a wand attachment on the hose to easily reach the top surface of the awning.
Step 6
Check all the metal hardware for dirt or the beginning of rust. Scrub of grime and rust with a stiff-bristled brush dipped in the RV cleaning solution.
Step 7
Leave the awning opened until it is completely dry, otherwise mildew or mold might grow on the damp awning.

Tips & Warnings

 
Adjust the tilt of your awning to make it more accessible for cleaning. Wash the awning on an overcast day so the awning cleanser doesn't dry before you have a chance to scrub and rinse. Lubricate the hardware at every cleaning and throughout the year to help avoid rust and broken hardware. Use your regular RV cleaner between regular awning cleaners for a quick rinse of your awning.
 
Adjust the tilt of your awning to make it more accessible for cleaning.
 
Wash the awning on an overcast day so the awning cleanser doesn't dry before you have a chance to scrub and rinse.
 
Lubricate the hardware at every cleaning and throughout the year to help avoid rust and broken hardware.
 
Use your regular RV cleaner between regular awning cleaners for a quick rinse of your awning.
 
Always test the cleanser on a small section of the awning first to make sure it doesn't damage it. Do not allow water puddles to sit on top the awning--this weakens the fabric and can cause mildew.
 
Always test the cleanser on a small section of the awning first to make sure it doesn't damage it.
 
Do not allow water puddles to sit on top the awning--this weakens the fabric and can cause mildew.

Article Written By Jenny Harrington

Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening.

Write for Trails.com

  • Editor's Pick

    5 Top North American Wildflower Hikes

    5 Top North American Wildflower Hikes

    Springtime brings a sense of new beginnings and new life as flowers begin to bloom and fill the air with their sweet and pleasant fragrance. Luckily we can see wildflowers all summer long, since spring hits at different times throughout North America. See flowering cactu...

    More National Parks...

  • Popular Article

    National Park Substitutes: Great Spots Without the Crowds

    National Park Substitutes: Great Spots Without the Crowds

    Coping with crowds at national parks can get tiresome, especially during the peak tourist season. If you want to escape from the herd, or just take a breather from the bustle of bigger attractions, the United States has plenty of less-visited but still worthwhile spots t...

    More National Parks...

  • Featured Destination

    Prevent Yourself from Getting Lost While Hiking

    Prevent Yourself from Getting Lost While Hiking

    When you're hiking you're going to want to make sure you stay found. What I mean by that is that you've put an itinerary in the car, you know the area that you're hiking to, you know the route and the trail you plan on being on, you know what the trail markers are going ...

    More Camping Basics...

Hotel Finder

Destination
Check-in
Check-out
Adults (18+ yrs)
Children (2-17 yrs)
Get Rates and Availability

Outdoor Gear & Equipment

ALL NEW Trails Gear Store powered by:

Trail Finder

US Map

Search by Keyword