How to Remove Stains From RV Awning Using 7 Easy Steps

The sole purpose of the RV awning is to safeguard you from natural and earthy elements while you are in an RV park or taking a break in the middle of your travel. Although your RV sunshade may be working well, it still needs cleaning sometimes.

When you clean an RV awning regularly, you help prolong its lifespan and usage, thus, making the most out of your investment. After all, an RV camper van is still a bit expensive though convenient.

Therefore, it is necessary that you learn how to remove stains from RV awning.

What Are the Things I Need to Clean My Awning?

The best way to clean RV awning is by using an RV awning cleaning solution. The other tools are just supplementary to support you while you are doing your task.

RV awning cleaning solutions

There are different varieties of RV awning cleaning solutions that are available in the market. It depends on the consumer which awning cleaning solution they prefer the most.

Some are in concentrated forms, and some are ready-to-go spray bottles that are efficient for people who are always on the go. There are bleach-based options, and there are awning cleaning solutions that require no rinsing at all.

Or, if you prefer to clean various parts of your camper van, you can use a multi-surface camper awning cleaner. There is also an option for people who like DIY-ing, which is to create your own homemade RV awning cleaner.

Listed below are more detailed explanations of each RV awning cleaning solutions.

Although this solution may be deemed one of the most affordable amongst recreational camper van owners, there is still a disadvantage when using a concentrated form solution.

It is usually in a large tub, and the solution is bulk in concentration. It will require a little bit of expertise to achieve the appropriate dose prior to applying to your RV awning.

It can sometimes get a little messy while you mix it with water, and it also takes so much of your space inside the camper van, which is a big no for people who are full-time RV riders.

This is deemed to be the most popular and efficient camper awning cleaner. As the name of the solution implies, this is one of the most preferred cleaning solutions for people who are always on the go. It is compact, easier to use, and does not require mixing.

However, this is quite expensive as you are paying for the convenience of using this.

The bleached-based solution is only recommended for RV camper owners that have mildew damage or mold on their RV awning as it will eradicate them on contact.

This is not recommended if the dirt on your RV awning can just be cleaned by simple solutions. Also, it is necessary to ensure that your RV awning material can be cleaned using a bleach-based solution or else, you will end up with a stained RV awning instead of having it cleaned.

There are RV awning cleaners that are meant to not be rinsed. All you have to do is to apply and (maybe) wipe them out after application. This can cut half of your cleaning time since it is easy to do and efficient. Less work means less mess as well.

If you intend to clean other parts of your recreational vehicle as well as the awning, you may prefer to use a multi-surface solution. This is preferred by people who are minimalist and do not want to keep a lot of cleaning tools in their RV camper van.

However, it may not be as efficient as the other solutions when it comes to cleaning your awning because it is meant to be used for general parts.

There are various homemade awning cleaners that you can use according to your preference. They may be vinegar, a baking soda mixed with water, a detergent soap and water mixture.

Ladder

Since RV awnings are too high for you to clean, you will most likely be needing a trustworthy ladder. We recommend that you buy a ladder that comes with a wide surface area. It is where you can put your other tools so they can be easier to grab whenever you need them.

Bucket

Buckets come in handy every time you need more water.

Scrub Brush

This is used to scrub off the dirt and mold that have been on your camper awning for several days. Make sure that you purchase a scrub brush that perfectly matches your awning material.

The key is to buy something firm but without too many bristles so that you will not destroy the awning material. It is best to find a scrub brush with a pole so you can reach the farthest part of the awning, especially if you do not have a ladder.

Cleaning Sponge or a Fabric Cloth

Having a heavy-duty brush can sometimes be a bit tricky and nerve-wracking, as there is a high possibility of scratching the surface.

Another recommended alternative is to use a cleaning sponge or a fabric cloth instead. It is used to wipe the solution off the awning.

Water Hose

The Steps You Need to Follow When Cleaning an RV Awning

Step 1: Open your RV awning, and if it is too high for you, try to lower it down, or you can use a step ladder or a scrub brush with a pole.

Step 2: Choose a camper cleaning solution that you prefer. If it has to be mixed with water in a bucket, then prepare it ahead of time.

Step 3: Clear away any debris, dirt, and leaves on the awning. Then, rinse it with water. You may use a water hose to add pressure.

Step 4: Now that everything is all set, you may coat your awning with your preferred cleaning solution. You can opt to use a spray bottle, a fabric cloth, or a scrub brush. Ensure that you do not tear or scratch the awning material.

Then let it sit for around 5 minutes to ensure that it absorbed the solution. You may also want to roll the fabric back while waiting.

Step 5: Afterwards, you may broaden back the awning and wipe it gently using the fabric cloth, cleaning sponge, or scrub brush to remove all the stains on your awning. This is where the scrub brush with a long pole will come in handy as it will help you reach the farthest parts of the awning.

Just make sure that you wipe it gently and not scrub it. Hard scrubbing may lead to scratches or may remove the protective layer if the awning material is acrylic.

Tips on what brush to use depending on the awning materials:

Awning Material	Preferred Brush to Use
Acrylic Awning	Stiff-Bristled Brush
Vinyl Awning	Soft-Bristled Brush

Step 6: Make sure that you rinse the awning thoroughly using a water hose. This is necessary, especially if the solution you have used is bleach-based. Leaving off residue solutions will eventually damage your awning material.

Step 7: The last and final step in removing stains from the RV awning is to let it dry completely. Air-drying is preferred. After it completely dries, you may opt to put protection substances on the awning.

You can also watch this video to learn how to clean your camper awning

How Frequently Should My RV Awning Be Cleaned?

The frequency of cleaning your RV awning actually depends on how often you use your recreational vehicle. If the fabric’s often exposed to a dusty environment, it is best to consider cleaning it after use. Otherwise, clean it once every few months.

Every time you clean your RV, you can clean the awning at the same time. We have put together a list of top-rated RV wash and wax, read here for more information.

Conclusion

The habit of cleaning your entire RV camper van, especially its awning, on a yearly basis is necessary. However, if you frequently use your camper van for leisure travel in the mountains, then we would suggest that you clean it after usage since it is more exposed to dirt.

We have discussed how to remove stains from RV awning. In case you might forget the steps to clean a camper awning, you can always go back to this article and let it guide you step-by-step. Was it easy for you to follow? Let us know your thoughts!