Dirty - stained awning...any cleaning tips?

[Jusplainwacky]

I have tried just about cleaning and mold stain removing solutions and I'll be dang if I can get rid of these stains.

Anyone have any suggestions?

[16ACE27]

I've always used a bleach based cleaner in a spray bottle. Get it wet, scrub with a broom, let it sit, rinse and repeat as necessary letting it dry between applications.

[Jusplainwacky]

Originally Posted by 16ACE27

I've always used a bleach based cleaner in a spray bottle. Get it wet, scrub with a broom, let it sit, rinse and repeat as necessary letting it dry between applications.

Thanks! That's the one solution I didn't try. Can you recommend any? I'm assuming using something like Clorox would be too harsh on the material.

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by Jusplainwacky

Thanks! That's the one solution I didn't try. Can you recommend any? I'm assuming using something like Clorox would be too harsh on the material.

You don't want straight bleach. Clorox does make a cleaning spray (as do many other manufacturers) that contains bleach - think bathroom cleaner.

[Beau388]

Originally Posted by Jusplainwacky

I have tried just about cleaning and mold stain removing solutions and I'll be dang if I can get rid of these stains.

Anyone have any suggestions?

Attachment 39426

After 6+ years, I would recommend replacing the awning fabric. A good new 16 foot one is about $250 in most colors. The procedure is on the Carefree site.

[Jusplainwacky]

Originally Posted by Beau388

After 6+ years, I would recommend replacing the awning fabric. A good new 16 foot one is about $250 in most colors. The procedure is on the Carefree site.

The Coach is 6-years old, with very low use and the awning is in good shape...just has these stains. Sure I could go buy another, but what's to stop it happening again? Going to buy a new fabric every time it gets stained like this? I'd rather find a way to clean it just in case it does.

[Lt Keefer]

I take a hose end sprayer and put in a couple ounces of Clorox, couple ounces of Dawn and the rest plain old tap water. Open the awning, then spray it until it is soaked and then role it back up spraying it as it rolls up. I let it sit for an hour or so, then open it and rinse it off. This has always removed most of the stains, except around the area were the 'elbows' of the frame come in contact with the fabric. For me, this process is close enough for government work and takes almost no effort.

[Jusplainwacky]

Originally Posted by Lt Keefer

I take a hose end sprayer and put in a couple ounces of Clorox, couple ounces of Dawn and the rest plain old tap water. Open the awning, then spray it until it is soaked and then role it back up spraying it as it rolls up. I let it sit for an hour or so, then open it and rinse it off. This has always removed most of the stains, except around the area were the 'elbows' of the frame come in contact with the fabric. For me, this process is close enough for government work and takes almost no effort.

I'll give this a try.

[Grumpy Grampa]

Make your own solution spray it on let it soak 15-20 minutes. 50% water 50% bleach.

Good luck.

[lwmcguir]

My recipe since the 60's has been

6% citric acid with 1% surfactant sprayed on the area that requires treatment

Wash off and then 3% peroxide sprayed on and gently scrubbed as needed

Repeat if needed or have an adult beverage of choice while the cover dries nice and clean

Really bad staining might require 10% peroxide

[cpmath]

Try this, been using it since it came on the market maybe 5 years ago.

It's called:

Lysol MAX Foamer

Its used in the bathroom but works wonders on the awnings, quick, super clean and easy to clean. Spray on, watch it foam, brush gently and let it set for maybe 10 minutes, then wet gently and brush then rinse. Let dry and roll up.

You'll love it.

[lwmcguir]

Originally Posted by cpmath

Try this, been using it since it came on the market maybe 5 years ago.

It's called:

Lysol MAX Foamer

Its used in the bathroom but works wonders on the awnings, quick, super clean and easy to clean. Spray on, watch it foam, brush gently and let it set for maybe 10 minutes, then wet gently and brush then rinse. Let dry and roll up.

You'll love it.

The active biocide has been effective for years on mildew/mold for prevention especially. EDTA is always good for mineral control and to prevent scale or film

So should be a good overall product for general use and will be interesting to hear how it cleans a stained awning when someone gives it a try

[Beau388]

To keep the underside clean, I have been using "West Marine Mildew Stain Remover". Spray the underside and roll-up; wait about 15 minutes, unroll and scrub using my 303 convertible brush, rinse thoroughly and apply the Starbright mildew preventer. I use 303 on the topside.

I have covered the part of the roll exposed to the sunlight when rolled up with black Gorilla tape to slow UV light degradation.
All that has worked well but it time for new patio awning fabric, as pin holes are beginning to appear.

[Travelin' Texans]

I used Simple Green concentrate mixed as recommended in a pump sprayer, spray the awning fabric throughly as you roll it up, let sit for 30 minutes, then using the remaining spray scrub with a medium bristle brush, rinse thoroughly, repeat it necessary. Used same process on the roof, other than the rolling up part.
The SG smells better & won't be as harmful for to the awning fabric or your clothes as bleach.

[Jusplainwacky]

Thanks everyone for providing me with suggestions. Some really good ideas! I like the idea of spraying it then rolling it up and let it sit.

[BuzzDoc]

Be careful with the bleach and avoid getting it in the coach body. Be sure to wash any area that could have gotten bleach. It will bleach your paint.

Also. Some of the “mildew” may be dye stain from the other side of the awning that stained the white when the awning was left wet and rolled up. Almost impossible to get rid of the staining. That’s why it’s best practice to unroll the awning and let dry after every rain shower.

[Jusplainwacky]

Originally Posted by BuzzDoc

Be careful with the bleach and avoid getting it in the coach body. Be sure to wash any area that could have gotten bleach. It will bleach your paint.

Also. Some of the “mildew” may be dye stain from the other side of the awning that stained the white when the awning was left wet and rolled up. Almost impossible to get rid of the staining. That’s why it’s best practice to unroll the awning and let dry after every rain shower.

Hmm...didn't think about that. I even used a pressure washer and couldn't get it off.

Unfortunately, and also fortunately, my RV is parked on the side of my house and I can't put out the awning because of the neighbor's trees.

[lwmcguir]

When we get back off the road and parked in the shop I always extend the awnings to be sure they are bone dry before storing them.

Never leave them rolled up wet very long no matter what you spray on them

I also spray the tops with 303 for UV protection and it pays off in the long run

Also reduces the chance for any staining. Works well on the patio furniture as well.

[Norrirn]

Originally Posted by Jusplainwacky

I have tried just about cleaning and mold stain removing solutions and I'll be dang if I can get rid of these stains.

Anyone have any suggestions?

Attachment 39426

https://camperreport.com/how-to-clean-an-rv-awning-in-under-5-minutes/?amp

[Jusplainwacky]

Originally Posted by Norrirn

https://camperreport.com/how-to-clean-an-rv-awning-in-under-5-minutes/?amp

Thanks...good info..in what some of the people are saying here.