Clean Your RV Awning In Simple Steps
Did you notice any black marks, mild dew, or mold on your RV awning? Generally, they are noticed when there is moisture on the awning, after a rain, rolled up wet, or due to moisture build-up due to long-time parking in a garage. Due to this reason, debris and dirt get collected and form stains on the awning.
RV awnings protect from the sun, rain, and other outside dust particles. Cleaning the awning is one of the essential aspects because timely cleaning can extend its lifespan and keep it looking new. Even if there is no mildew mold, you must clean your awning every year.
Step-by-step procedure to clean your RV Awning
First, open your awning and lower it.
If it's too high, you may need a stool or long brush to reach the top.
Different kinds of cleaners are available in the market, depending on the awning materials.
Vinegar, Baking soda, antimicrobial products, Bleach, Clorox, Dawn dish detergent, and Magic eraser map are some methods to get mold off of your awning.
Store the awning only when it is dry; this would prevent it from the formation of mold.
You can also create a homemade cleaning solution. Dish soap and water is one of the widely used methods for cleaning.
Whichever chemical cleaners you use, always ensure that the solution won't discolor your fabric or leave residue behind.
Check and remove any leftover leaves or debris, and then rinse both sides of the fabric with a hose and clean any deposited dirt.
Apply cleaning solution on your RV Awning using a brush, spray bottle, or pressure water, and then roll up the awning so the solution can soak. Let the solution stay for an hour.
Expand the awning, rinse it thoroughly underside, and top it with a sponge or rag.
A car wash brush with a long handle can also help reach out to difficult places.
Always use a stiff brush for acrylic awnings and be careful while cleaning, as hard scrubbing can remove the protective layer on the awning.
For vinyl awnings, use a soft brush.
For small stubborn stains, molds, etc., use a toothbrush.
Remove all traces of the cleaning solution, especially if you have used any chemical cleaners.
Traces of chemicals can damage the fabric of your awning.
Let your awning air-dry or sun-dry completely before storing it.
Drying an awning can take several hours.
Once the awning is completely dry, you can roll it up or store it.
Best RV Awning cleaners:
Camco Pro-Strength Awning Cleaner is the best RV Awning Cleaner. It can easily and safely remove dirt, mold stains, road grime, and tree sap from your RV Awningand restore a like-new appearance. The cleaner is specially formulated to clean acrylic, nylon, fabric, and vinyl awnings.
Best eco-friendly RV Awning cleaner
The most eco-friendly RV Awning Cleaner is Oxy solves total outdoor pressure washer cleaner. It cleans various surfaces such as vinyl, metal, fabric, plastic, wicker, and composite. It uses the power of peroxide to lift grime without harsh chemicals. It can safely remove stains from mildew, mold, moss, and algae and lifts dirt and stains on RV Awning.
Protect your RV Awning from harsh climatic conditions
While you are driving, and if the weather gets rough, your awning might encounter extreme wind forces, and if it unfurls even a little bit, it can quickly get separated. This can cause havoc across your RV if one side of it becomes detached and can cause damage to the exterior walls and the roof.
Choose the right awning material.
If we talk about Campers, they can protect you from the rain and avoid the sun's heat. But this fabric may or may not sustain in the bad weather. If there is heavy rain, it might whip up the awning and destroy it. If heavy water deposits on it after a heavy storm, the fabric will become heavier and heavier, and there are high chances that it might rip/collapse. Rainwater tends to pool in pockets on top of the awning, and it can cause the fabric to stretch. Even broken metal arms can cause great damage to the RV.
How to protect your awning from rain?
The awning is one of the most popular accessories of an RV. If they hear any wind warnings in the forecast, one should first pull out their RV awning quickly. To avoid any damage to your awning during this rainy season, you need to use a high fabric quality awning to withstand the environmental hazards and sustain for a longer period. It is highly advised that you tilt one side of the canopy lower than the other, and the angle would allow water to run off quickly and protect you from the rain.
Roll up your RV Awning during nighttime
It is always advised that one should roll up their RV awning during the night times. In case of any typical situations, like hail, rain, or breeze, waking up at night and then rolling it up can be irritating and many leave it open. In such situations, even the slightest dirt or water accumulations on your awning can spoil it easily.
Maintenance
Awnings can be great covered living spaces if maintained well. Remember that maintenance of an awning is no less than maintaining a small child. Awning requires high maintenance and constant monitoring. Taking good care of your awning can protect you from natural hazards like extreme wind forces, etc., for a long period. You might never have to replace your RV awning. But a general rule is to expect them to last somewhere between 5-15 years.