How to Clean Mold Off the Underside of an RV Awning

How to Clean Mold Off the Underside of an RV Awning

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RV awnings are one of those little features that make RV camping, especially in campgrounds with little shade, more pleasant. However, RV awnings are exposed to all weather conditions and rarely see sunlight on their underside, making them prone to develop mold infestations. Making matters worse is that some awnings are made of interwoven threads of vinyl or acrylic, which are porous and offer mold plenty of places to hide. This combination of circumstances means that whatever solution you use to clean the mold off the underside of the awning, it must both clean and kill the mold from awning at the same time.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:
  • White vinegar or baking soda
  • Spray bottle
  • Soft scrub brush or dish-washing scrubbing sponge
  • Pail
  • Old rags
  • Safety goggles (recommended)
Step 1
Roll out and set up the awning, following the manufacturer's directions or your usual procedure.
Step 2
Mix a non-toxic mold-killing solution and pour it into a spray bottle. One option is to pour undiluted white vinegar into the bottle. Another is to mix 1/4 tbsp. of baking soda per 24 oz. of water and pour that into the bottle.
Step 3
Apply a generous coating of mold killer to the entire underside of the awning with the spray bottle. Coat the non-moldy parts as well, in case any spores are lodged there. Allow this to sit undisturbed for three to five minutes.
Step 4
Mix a cleansing solution of soft soap and water. Scrub the underside of the awning with a soft scrub brush or a dish-washing scrubbing sponge, dipping it periodically in a pail of soapy water.
Step 5
Rinse the underside of the awning. You can do this with a hose, by tossing pails of clean water on the awning, or scrubbing it down with clean water and rags.
Step 6
Leave the awning deployed for six to eight hours and allow it to dry. Inspect the awning before rolling it back up and storing it. If any mold remains, repeat the procedure on the surviving moldy area.

Tips & Warnings

 
A particularly stubborn infestation of mold may require you to dismount your awning and turn the fabric over, so it can receive a dose of strong sunlight.
 
Because you will be cleaning the awning while it is positioned above you, use of a non-toxic solution is critical since the solution might drop down into your mouth and nose, or even eyes if you do not wear safety goggles. Also, run-off from the awning will land on the ground underneath it, and if you use a toxic solution such as bleach you will kill whatever plants are under the awning.

Article Written By Edwin Thomas

Edwin Thomas has been writing since 1997. His work has appeared in various online publications, including The Black Table, Proboxing-Fans and others. A travel blogger, editor and writer, Thomas has traveled from Argentina to Vietnam in pursuit of stories. He holds a Master of Arts in international affairs from American University.

Write for Trails.com
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