The Best RV Awning Cleaners

RV awnings come in different materials, such as acrylic, vinyl, polyester, and even metal. Although they are quite durable, camper trailer awnings are not impervious to dust, dirt, mold, and other unclean substances.

Proper and regular cleaning RV awning is still important to keep the cover’s style and function. Otherwise, it may look like a piece of junk stuck to the side of the trailer vehicle.

Still, it does not mean you should use any cleaning product to eliminate those filthy substances from your RV’s awning. You must use the best RV awning cleaner to reap optimal results.

Best RV Awning Cleaner Reviews

1. RMR-86 Instant Mold & Mildew Stain Remover

Some RV awning cleaners require scrubbing, rinsing, or even sanding after applications. Luckily, there is no need to exert extra effort in cleaning carrier awnings with this product.

This cleansing formula is reasonably stronger than other similar products. It only takes about 15 seconds for this cleaning agent to remove stains like mold and mildew on different exteriors. Surprisingly, the solution can deal with black stains and the musky stenches on carrier vehicles.

I tested its versatility by using the product on other surfaces around the house like vinyl shower curtains, drywall, and even the kitchen sink. To my delight, this cleaning solution did a great job of restoring the aesthetics of these objects.

Also, it is ready to use from the get-go. In comparison, some awning-cleaning solutions require some mixing before you can use them. Hence, this product helps save valuable time.

It is also reasonably straightforward to use with minimal to no guesswork required, thanks to its spray-on top. Also, the 32 fl. oz content is enough to remove different stains for more than a few applications. This product is also available up to 320 fl. oz for those heavy-duty cleaning requirements.

2. Star Brite Mildew Stain Remover

I have used many cleaning solutions to clean mold off RV awning. But only a few products on the market are comparable to the filth-eliminating prowess of this product.

It only takes about 10 to 15 seconds for the cleaning solution to work its “magic.” After that, rinsing the dirt, grime, and gunk off my awning can only be described as marvelous sights to behold.

Regarding its strength, the product is ideal for professional and commercial use due to its highly-concentrated formula. I used it on materials like wood, drywall, ceramic tile, vinyl, and acrylic.

Besides, this Star Brite cleaning compound also has surfactants. These ingredients bond with hard-to-remove filth and eliminate them from surfaces. Thus, this product can also eliminate things like grease and grime from different materials and textures.

Since the brand adopts buffered-bleach technology for its product, it does an excellent job on marine and outdoor fabrics. Rest assured that direct contact with this solution will not damage your RV awning’s stitches and threads.

3. 303 Products 30606CSR Fabric Guard

This RV awning cleaner will not only eliminate nasty stains but can also improve waterproofing. Applying this cleaning agent to a canvas awning enhances the material’s waterproofing properties. Thus, this canvas awning cleaner is excellent for prolonging the life of said material.

Regarding its convenience feature, its spray nozzle tends to do a better job than others. Spraying the contents onto surfaces does not waste the product as the mist sets into the desired area quickly. In comparison, some sprays tend to let cleaning agents spread in a broad area, reducing overall efficacy.

You should know that this agent also dries reasonably fast, in about 6 to 12 hours, depending on temperature conditions. In comparison, some awning cleaners can take about 24 hours or more before surfaces dry completely. It even started drying the cushions I used during my experiments about 3 hours after the application.

Once completely dry, the surfaces that have been exposed to this cleaning formula did not change color or appearance. However, I should note that the upholstery feels slightly stiffer and thicker than before. But, this result does not get in the way of the product’s wonderful performance.

4. Camco 41024 Pro-Strength Awning Cleaner

Mold, mildew, dirt, and road grime can latch onto an RV’s awning, particularly while the vehicle is cruising down the road. After using this product from Camco, I can blissfully say goodbye to these ugly traces.

To start, this camper awning cleaner has a versatile formula, making it applicable to different awning materials such as acrylic, nylon, or vinyl surfaces.

This high-quality travel trailer awning cleaner has a versatility that exceeds other similar products on the market. I can confidently claim such a thing since I used this awning-cleaning solution on other objects, such as tents and pop-up campers.

This product gave me satisfying results, even with stubborn stains. Its high-strength performance can even eliminate dust and mold accumulated on an RV awning that has not been cleaned for a decade.

It also comes in a sufficiently handy 32-oz plastic bottle, and the container features a carry-on handle for easy carrying and use. However, I wish that it had a spray bottle attached to the opening so I would no longer have to guess the amount to use.

5. 30 SECONDS 6430S Outdoor Cleaner

Do not mistake the brand name for this product to be nothing more than a moniker. The formula acts reasonably fast, as I only had to wait for 30 seconds for the unclean substances to separate from the trailer’s awning.

This product’s distinct formulation also makes it possible to use it on different stains, such as algae, mold, and mildew. The results speak for themselves, as cleaning an RV’s awning with this product is a joyful experience. Before, I used to look at a mucky sunshade. Now, the cover looks as if it recently came from the store.

Also, the bottle is hose-friendly. Connecting a hose to the nozzle on the container is an easy endeavor. Then, all it takes is to use the hose as if I’m spraying water on plants. I should mention that it is easy to go overboard with the spraying. Keep in mind that a little of this cleanser can go a long way.

The formula also promotes excellent versatility, as it can also be used on other surfaces besides carrier awnings. I can use it on plastic outdoor furniture, wooden decks, brick walls, and asphalt driveways with virtually no issues.

This cleaning agent is also eco-friendly. It can be quite worrisome to spray harsh chemicals near plants. But, accidentally spraying some of this awning-cleaning solution to nearby florae will not cause concern since it dissolves and breaks down in the soil.

6. ProSol Bugs N All Multi-Use Vehicle Cleaner

While other carrier awning cleaners might be harmful to the environment, this product from ProSol proves otherwise. It removes filthy substances like dirt, grime, and grease while staying eco-friendly.

It only takes about 60 seconds for each application, and the result is satisfying. After a minute, this cleansing formula penetrates through materials and separates unclean substances for effective cleaning. Throughout my use of this product, it removed different unhygienic things from grease to dried bug splatter.

Moreover, it is safe for use on different materials. I used it on leather, cloth, wood, plastic, and rubber, to name a few. Each application efficiently removed dust, dirt, and other unclean elements from those materials without harming the surface. Hence, you can be confident that it works well on awning fabrics.

This cleansing agent also does not leave a residue after use. Hence, I can save time, effort, and resources during and after each cleaning operation with this product.

Also, it brings peace of mind, knowing that it is non-abrasive, non-corrosive, and non-flammable. It even has a 100% risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

7. B.E.S.T. 52032 PROPACK Awning Cleaner

Cleaning mold off camper awning could not be more satisfying than using this product, especially when comparing it with low-quality models. This cleaning solution from B.E.S.T. is effective in removing different unclean materials that might be haunting RV awnings.

It rid of mold, mildew, dust, dirt, and grime like these substances weren’t problems. The bottle comes with a spray nozzle, eliminating the guesswork needed for some awning cleaners. This cleaner even removed dirt on my RV’s awning sitting there for over a year.

Perhaps this product is the best way to clean RV awning, regardless of the material. I used it on vinyl, acrylic, and a range of natural and synthetic fibers. This cleaning compound did wonders in restoring the beauty of my RV’s awning.

Additionally, this product provides additional UV protection to the awning. With this feature, I do not have to worry about my awning decoloring from long-term sun exposure.

8. Thetford 96017 Premium Awning Cleaner

This awning cleaner delivers excellent value to users, thanks to its economical 64-oz contents. Therefore, I can use this awning cleanser on different surfaces before the container runs out.

Aside from a reliable cleaning agent, this product is also a solution to add protection to awnings from harsh UV rays. With this sun protection, I can have peace of mind, knowing that my carrier’s awnings, and other surfaces, will have extended lifespans.

While still on the subject of surfaces, I used this on different exteriors, including acrylic, plastic, and vinyl. In my tests, this awning cleanser did not harm the aesthetics or structural integrity of those materials. Hence, feel free to use it to clean off your awning or other household items made of such fabrics.

Further, this product has non-toxic ingredients, ensuring no harm for users. Plus, it is non-flammable and biodegradable, avoiding catching on fire. These eco-friendly characteristics make it possible to clean awnings while animals are nearby.

It is also a breath of fresh air to open its container without covering my nose. The formula has a pleasant scent, which tends to be absent in other awning cleaning agents on the market.

9. Korkay 19603-01 Awning Cleaner

The long search for an awning cleaner and black streak remover is over with this product. Many RV’s, including mine, tend to gather black stains over time. Thankfully, this cleaning agent does more than a reasonable job of getting rid of these messes.

This awning cleaner has a special formulation that effectively tackles mold and mildew. It can still get rid of other messes and stains, but it does a better job removing mold and mildew from awnings. Additionally, its formula works well without acidic materials like bleach, which can be harmful to awning textures.

As for its potency, using this awning-cleansing agent does not require scrubbing after applications. I only need to rest the formula on the surface for about a minute. Then, the mold, mildew, and grime comes off with a little brushing or wiping.

Aside from its efficacy, it might be easy to forget that this product comes in a one-gallon bottle. Therefore, it is more economical than 32 or 64 oz variants on the market. With this amount, I can even clean most of the overall exteriors of a 40-ft recreational camper vehicle.

10. MiracleMist ENCRMMRV4 RV Cleaner

This MiracleMist product offers the best of both worlds in cleaning RV awnings and boats. A light rinse with this cleansing formula can remove different messes and stains.

I experimented with it on algae, mold, and mildew using spot tests. But, those small experiments turned into full-blown cleaning sessions because of this product’s potency.

In detail, it did reasonably well in removing filthy substances from different surfaces. This cleaning solution did not even deteriorate or fade the color of a canvas awning. It is even safe to use onmost of the camper’s exteriors without damaging the paint or the clear coat. I was amazed how several years’ worth of dirt, grime, and muck on surfaces are lifted off with this solution.

This cleaning agent is also quite convenient to apply. There is no need to scrub as it works almost immediately upon contact with filthy elements.

11. Duragloss 542 Marine and RV Cleaner

This marine and RV awning cleaner is a culmination of top-notch dirt- and stain-cleansing ingredients rolled into one formula. Its features work to provide practical and optimal cleaning results to different surfaces.

Multiple surfactants make up this cleansing agent, allowing it to penetrate and emulsify materials to make quick work of stubborn messes and stains. The product does wonders on different materials, including fiberglass, vinyl, and tiles. Further, this cleanser does a fairly good job in cleaning, provided that the surfaces I use it on are non-porous.

Although this cleaner provides excellent results in removing unclean elements from RV awnings, I found that it “shines” the best when used on vinyl seats.

Kindly note that the activation period is slightly longer than other similar products. In context, it takes about one to two minutes before the compound takes effect. In comparison, some variants may only need roughly 15 to 30 seconds to work.

12. Valterra V88542 Awning Cleaner

The final product for this list, but not the least, is this awning cleaner from Valterra. This cleanser becomes a “no-brainer” in the search for a compatible RV awning-cleaning solution. It is because the product can safely clean relatively any awning material, such as canvas or vinyl.

Also, this awning cleanser has a unique trait – it can remove tree sap. For the record, I find tree sap to be quite challenging to remove as the sticky material tends to leave a residue. However, Valterra did a great job in concocting a formula that can efficiently eliminate tree sap from different surfaces.

This agent is an excelent choice for colored RV awnings as the formula does not cause discoloration or fading. This product keeps the stylish appearance of my camper’s awning, making it an excellent cleanser for regular maintenance.

What To Know Before Buying RV Awning Cleaner

In a perfect world, every acrylic, canvas, or vinyl awning cleaner you buy will yield satisfying results. However, different manufacturers present customers with different cleaning formulas, and these products produce varying results.

Thus, it is crucial to know the essential factors in choosing the best awning cleaner for RVs. Some of these elements you need to know are:

• Versatility

If you plan on purchasing an acrylic awning cleaner, you might want to use that product in eliminating gunk from other surfaces. Hence, excellent versatility should be part of your checklist in choosing the right cleaning agent.

Purchasing an RV awning cleaner with great versatility ensures that you will end up acquiring the “bang for your buck.” Look for a usable product on different materials, such as vinyl, acrylic, canvas, leather, and plastic.

Moreover, being usable on these materials is only half of the story. The product you choose should also be useful in eliminating different kinds of filth from these surfaces.

Do your research and do not fall for any marketing claims that seem like they are too good to be true. Read online reviews and RV awning cleaning tips. Take the time with these tasks, and you should find the perfect product for cleaning RV awnings.

• Price

Some people find the product price to be a determining factor if they will proceed with the purchase. After all, you do not want to spend a considerable chunk of your budget buying one awning cleaner.

Setting a spending allowance before searching for a good awning cleaner will help narrow down your search. However, make the budget as realistic as possible. You may find cleaning solutions for RV awnings that cost less than $10. However, these products may not offer the same quality as a $20 cleaner.

• Quality

The cleaning solution you buy for your RV’s awnings does not have to give you a rough time. Some products may require some scrubbing and a second (or third) application. But, using more than three applications in trying to remove unclean elements can be a waste of time.

Once again, check online reviews about a specific product that you might be interested in purchasing. Another customer’s experience can contain loads of vital information that may lead you to the perfect product.

Aside from an RV cleaning product’s versatility, price, and quality, other essential factors to consider are its eco-friendliness, warranty, and ease of use. Take note of these pieces of information as you shop, and you should be on your way to buying the best cleaning solution for your camper’s awnings.

The Different Types of RV Awning Cleaners

Various RV products generally have different types. But, that is not the case for RV awning cleaners.

Manufacturers generally use the same or highly similar ingredients as they produce their cleaning agents. However, we can separate these products into two major categories: container cleaners and spray bottle cleaners.

• Container Awning Cleaners

As its name implies, container cleaners tend to be popular choices for camper owners who need large quantities of awning cleaning agents. In some cases, buying massive jugs with gallons of cleaning solutions can be a more economical choices than buying 32 or 64 oz spray bottles.

• Spray Bottle Awning Cleaners

Superb convenience becomes the name of the game when using spray bottle cleaners. These models take the guesswork out of removing filth and grime from awnings and other surfaces.

Further, high-quality spray bottle cleaners generally follow the adage, “a little can go a long way.” Small amounts of these cleansers may spread to broad surface areas. But, the amount of the cleaning compound in these variants may not still be enough to cover wide surfaces, such as an entire RV.

Benefits and Drawbacks of RV Awning Cleaners

Using the right cleaning product for your RV’s awning is crucial to maintain the material’s style and function. Kindly note that Beast Wash, although it is a good body wash, will not be as effective in removing stains from awnings compared to dedicated awning cleaners.

Still, it does not mean that all RV awning-cleaning products are the same. Some formulas might be better than others, and some variants might not work as well as intended.

Hence, RV awning cleaners’ benefits and drawbacks tend to be specific to the different products on the market. Some of the advantages and disadvantages of RV awning cleansers you might encounter include the following:

Potential Advantages

• Easy to use
• Affordability
• Works on relatively any awning fabric
• Provides extra UV protection
• Eliminates dust, dirt, mold, mildew, and other issue-causing substances

Potential Drawbacks

• No warranty or return policy
• May require extra applications to become effective
• Might not be suitable for all surfaces
• Might deteriorate coating wax
• Formula may not be eco-friendly

Who Makes The Best Awning Cleaner For RV

Many noteworthy brands offer first-rate awning cleaners for RVs. However, some manufacturers might be standing higher than the rest of the crowd.

One brand to mention is Camco. This business started as a two-person party when Don Caine and his wife Teresa sold Trailer Plumbing Antifreeze (TPA). They did their business operations without a physical establishment as they sold products through their vehicle’s trunk. Today, Camco has international locations, including China, Albany, and Vietnam.

Another notable company is Star Brite. For many years, this brand has been a known leader in offering cleaning products. Ran by avid boaters, this Lauderdale, Florida firm uses the latest technology in developing optimal cleaning products for different objects, including engines, boats, sedans, and campers.

Next on this list is Thetford, a Michigan company founded in 1963. Aside from offering cleaning RV awning bleach products, many people find this company to be a world market leader in offering quality mobile sanitary systems. It sells top-notch refrigerators, toilet additives, cooking equipment, and, of course, awning cleansers.

Please note that Camco, Star Brite, and Thetford are not the only respectable companies in the RV awning cleaner sector. Other excellent businesses to note include Korkay, Valterra, and B.E.S.T.

How Does An RV Awning Cleaner Work

RV awning cleaners work by separating unclean elements from surfaces. Then, these formulas use ingredients that let these filthy and grimy substances slide from materials like acrylic, canvas, and vinyl.

Most awning cleaners for RVs have a compound called sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), a surfactant and cleaning agent. If you are familiar with this ingredient, it might be because it is in many personal care products like shampoos and soaps.

As an ingredient in cleaning products, SLS can remove residues and oily stains, such as mold, mildew, and black streaks. This compound can break down grease and oil. But, the SLS’s potency differs for each product. Hence, some RV awning cleaners might do better at removing oil and grease than others.

Can I Use Bleach On My RV Awning

Yes, you can use bleach on an RV awning. But, you need to be careful when using this cleaning product to reduce the fabric’s life.

Bleach can be a powerful cleanser, but it can also deteriorate a surface’s appearance and structural integrity. Thus, it is only advisable to use bleach only if your awning has hard-to-remove stains. Use reasonably mild cleaning products while maintaining your camper’s awning.

How do I Get Mold Off My RV Awning

The short answer to that specific question is to use a dedicated RV awning cleaner. But, some cases may need you to clean the cover but you do not possess that specific cleaning agent.

Fret not, as some alternate techniques exist to help you in this regard, especially when removing mold.

Bleach

As mentioned in a previous section, bleach can be a powerful cleaning agent. It can devour mold and mildew like a hungry person in an “All You Can Eat” buffet. Yet, this chemical compound might be too harsh for some surfaces, causing the materials to lose structural integrity. Color might also fade because of bleach. Thus, if you want to use bleach to remove mold from an RV awning, do so sparingly.

Vinegar and Baking Soda Mixture

If you do not have bleach or RV awning cleaners in the immediate vicinity, perhaps you might have a bottle of vinegar and a container of baking soda in your kitchen. Mix these ingredients, and you have a solution that may remove the mold on your camper’s awning.

Soak the area in question with this mixture. Then, scrub it with a soft brush. Repeat the process as many times as needed until the mold comes off.

How Do I Clean My RV Awning With Dawn

Dawn is a dishwashing liquid brand that can help remove different unclean substances, such as oil, grease, and animal fat. It is also possible to use this product to clean an RV awning. Here are the steps to do accomplish that task:

• Fill a bucket with warm water and mix it with a reasonable amount of Dawn
• Use a mop and dip it into the bucket
• Sprinkle baking soda on the affected area
• Scrub the dirty awning
• Repeat until satisfied

Cleaning an RV awning with Dawn might be a tedious process as it may require more scrubbing than using dedicated cleaning products. Still, this product tends to be in many households, which means you can use it if you do not want to take extra trips to the store.

Can I Pressure Wash My RV Awning

In some cases, pressure washing a camper awning might be the best path to take, particularly when the cover is starting to take a strange, dark color. However, if you plan on using a pressure washer, do not use too much pressure for the job. Otherwise, you may increase the risk of damaging the cover.

Where Can I Buy

You can buy the best RV awning cleaners at your local hardware store. But, you can also purchase these products from online retailers. However, if you are going to take the online route, make sure that you practice caution and due diligence to make sure you are going to purchase the correct cleaning agent for your camper’s awning.

Conclusion

In summary, the best RV awning cleaner should exude first-rate qualities, allowing you to gain excellent value for money. The cleaning agent you buy should provide optimal results, is eco-friendly, and will not hurt your budget too much.

Hopefully, you might want to go with my suggestion and use the Korkay RV Awning Cleaner and Black Streak Remover. This 2-in-1 product is quite effective in removing different filth, grime, spots, and stains. Moreover, it does not require scrubbing and comes in a fairly large one-gallon container.

Philip Lopez

Okay, so I’m Philip Lopez. I join Riverside Trailer as an editor, where I will be doing research for both content and reviews. I contribute to studies aimed at understanding the most typical problems encountered by RVers on the road. I also keep up with the newest RVing gadget innovations so that I can promptly evaluate and recommend the best options.