The RV sunshade gets discolored or dirty over time, so you need to know how to clean RV awnings efficiently. However, this task can be a little cumbersome because they are located up high. But with the right cleaning solutions, you can make it easy.
One can use bleach with a little amount of Dawn dish soap or an all-purpose cleaner. For the most convenient method, try using a Magic Eraser.
I’ve detailed the steps for each method below.
Table of Contents
Method 1: Fast Bleach Solution
Using a bleach mixture for cleaning RV awning is the quickest way I know. This solution can take several minutes to remove stubborn stains and disinfect the surface.
What To Prepare
- Bleach
- Water
- Dawn dish soap (optional)
- Lawn sprayer
- Long handle soft-bristle brush
- Ladder
Step 1: Make The Bleach Mixture
Even when your RV awning is rolled up, the folds can still trap some water and moisture. This results in horrible mildew that looks gray or white. One of the most effective ways to remove such stains is to use a homemade RV cleaning solution.
- In a sprayer, mix two parts bleach with 8-10 parts water. Never put in too much bleach because it may deteriorate the vinyl awning fabric fast.
- Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of bleach with an equal amount of Dawn dish soap in a gallon of water.
Step 2: Spray To Clean Camper Awning
Now, it’s time to apply the bleach solution to the surface. You might need to use a ladder to reach the area more easily.
- Pull the awning into its full stretch.
- Before you spray or wash an RV awning, cover it with the bleach mixture from bottom to top, making sure you get the whole surface. Apply liberally to remove most of the gunk and stains.
- Once done, roll the camper awning back into its closed position. Let the bleach solution sit for several minutes.
Get an idea of how to clean the camper awning in this video.
Step 3: Rinse And Dry
After enough time has elapsed, you can extend the awning back out again and see the results.
- If you still can see some stains, spray them with the bleach solution and gently scrub with a soft-bristled brush. Consider using a long-handled brush to clean mildew from underside of RV awning more easily.
- Once it’s all cleaned, rinse the bleach solution or soap off the awning with a hose of water. Wash the awning really well to leave no trace of the soap and bleach that might deteriorate the stitching or fabric.
- Let the fabric dry, and you can enjoy a clean awning.
Method 2: All-Purpose Cleaner (Simple Green)
An all-purpose cleaner is another effective RV awning cleaner minus the ammonia, chlorine, and other harsh chemicals. This type of cleaner removes dirt and grime without harming the delicate RV surfaces.
What To Prepare
- All-purpose cleaner
- Lawn sprayer
- Ladder
- Soft bristle brush
- Water
- Cloth
Step 1: Dilute The All-Purpose Cleaner Solution
Look at your RV awning and assess how dirty it appears. The dilution depends on how heavily soiled the RV awning fabric is.
- For heavy dirt and stains, use the full-strength solution. No need to dilute in water.
- For moderate dirt, use the 1:8 ratio dilution. Add 1 oz of the cleaning solution with a cup of water in a sprayer.
- Mix four cups of water with 1 oz of the cleaner to cut through light dirt and grime.
Step 2: Apply The Cleaning Solution
Now that you have the right dilution ratio, it’s time to apply it to the RV awning surface. Get a ladder to reach the farthest areas.
- Roll out the RV awning.
- Hose the RV awning surface to pre-wet the area. This will help the solution to penetrate better to the stains and make them easier to remove.
- Apply the diluted cleaning solution to the top and underside parts of the awning with a sprayer.
- Roll up the awning and let the solution sit for several minutes.
Step 3: Scrub And Rinse
After a few minutes, extend the awning again to check the results. Most of the grime will be gone, but some stubborn stains might be left.
- Scrub the stained spots with a soft bristle brush to help loosen the stains.
- Once you’re satisfied with the outcome, rinse the awning with clean water.
- Dry the surface with a clean cloth to prevent the formation of streaks on the surface.
- After the awning is fully dried, you can show it off to your friends.
Method 3: Cleaning With Magic Eraser
If you don’t like to drag around hoses and deal with any messy solvents, the magic eraser will do the trick. This works miraculously, making it the best way to clean RV awnings in a flash.
What To Prepare
- Magic Eraser cleaning pads or mop
- Water
- Hose
- Bucket
Step 1: Prepare The Awning Surface
- Choose between the Magic Eraser pads and mop. The mop makes the job a lot easier because the handle adds a little reach.
- Extend the awning all the way out.
- Use a water hose to wet the awning surface from top to bottom. The water will help soften up the dirt, grime, and molds for an easier application of the Magic Eraser mop.
- Let the water sit for a few minutes.
Step 2: Work The Magic Eraser
Now that you have the Magic Eraser at hand, it’s time to use its magic. Prepare a bucket of water to moisten the mop from time to time.
- Dip the mop in a bucket of water and wring it out to remove excess water.
- Reach up and start wiping the underside of the awning. Go up and down or sideways, whatever makes you feel more comfortable.
- Loosen the awning arms to work on the topside more easily (optional).
- Repeat the process of dipping, wringing, and wiping until all the dirt and stains are removed.
- Rinse with water and dry.
Additional Tips for Cleaning RV Awning
- Before you use bleach, check the awning manufacturer’s manual to see whether it’s okay.
- Some of the bleach or solvents might splatter, so make sure to wear your old clothes and a cap.
- Never use any abrasives to protect the stitches and water-repellent finish of the awning.
Conclusionn
At this point, I hope you know how to clean RV awnings more effectively. You can use a few solutions, like a bleach mixture or an all-purpose cleaner. The most convenient way is to use a Magic Eraser, which only takes some gentle scrubbing to remove mildew and dirt.
Let us know what you think about these methods of RV awning cleaning. Please share the article with your friends if you like it.
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.