Clean awnings

[Sanford]

Spent most of the morning yesterday cleaning our rv awnings. One was mildewed pretty bad. Both cleaned at the same time last year. Not sure what caused that. Does anyone have any tips or shortcuts for cleaning awnings?

[Popfla]

One that I've read, but haven't tried, is to splash the upper surface of the awning with soapy water and retracting the awning without rinsing the soap off. The rolling action transfers soapy water to the underside. Let it sit for a few minutes - don't let it dry - then reopen the awning and rinse off both the upper and underside thoroughly.

Like I said, I haven't tried it yet. YMMV.

[Beau388]

Originally Posted by Sanford

Spent most of the morning yesterday cleaning our rv awnings. One was mildewed pretty bad. Both cleaned at the same time last year. Not sure what caused that. Does anyone have any tips or shortcuts for cleaning awnings?

If you clean the awning and then spray it with a mildew and mold preventer (antimicrobial), it really helps prevent the return of the black stuff (mildew).

[Hugh.vines@att.net]

I just sprat mine with 3 gallon lawn sprayer. 1/2 cup Clorox 3 gallons water. Spay under and over roll up for 20 minutes unroll and rinse for 20 minutes. Good for 6 months in south East Tennessee. Make sure to wear goggles and stay upwind. Been doing for 5 years with no problem yet. Awning is Lilly white still. Don’t over think it.

[Bob Denman]

It also helps (beforehand...) to try avoiding getting it wet in the first place.
If the weather is looking ugly: ours is safely tucked away. After each trip: we make sure to open it up on a nice hot day, and make sure that it gets fully dried-out.

[Travelin' Texans]

I use Simple Green concentrate mixed as recommended in a gallon pump sprayer, saturate the awning then retract for 10-30 minutes depending on how dirty, then unroll scrub with a brush, rinse, let dry & roll it up.
I feel bleach is too hard on the fabric, my clothes & my eyes, but if it works go for it.

[Sanford]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I saw one yesterday recommending a product from Dollar Tree called Awesome. Similar process.

[Hugh.vines@att.net]

Originally Posted by Sanford

Thanks for all the suggestions. I saw one yesterday recommending a product from Dollar Tree called Awesome. Similar process.

Bought it worthless

[clpjr123]

We found a product by IOSSO called Mold&Mildew Stain Remover. It is actually a marine product but easiest clean-job I have ever done. You mix the powder in water, brush it on the awning then rinse or hose off the residue that loosens up almost immediately. Left a protective coating as well that has kept our mildew down all season. Won't use anything else after this product. Good luck.

[Sanford]

Cipjr123, thanks I'll try that.

[ctkingjr]

Originally Posted by Sanford

Thanks for all the suggestions. I saw one yesterday recommending a product from Dollar Tree called Awesome. Similar process.

I've not tried it on an awning, but "awesome" is fantastic on removing stripes and water marks etc. on the sides of vehicles and trailers, so it might work well on awning too!

[droregon]

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

It also helps (beforehand...) to try avoiding getting it wet in the first place.
If the weather is looking ugly: ours is safely tucked away. After each trip: we make sure to open it up on a nice hot day, and make sure that it gets fully dried-out.

That's true with the awning, but the slide topper gets wet during that rainy night. Need to wash & dry that topper too!

[AndyT1183]

Originally Posted by Sanford

Spent most of the morning yesterday cleaning our rv awnings. One was mildewed pretty bad. Both cleaned at the same time last year. Not sure what caused that. Does anyone have any tips or shortcuts for cleaning awnings?

We purchased a one-gallon garden sprayer. We fill with warm water and mix 8-ounces clorax and 2-ounces Dawn dish soap. Open your awning and spray the underside with this solution, then roll the awning up. Wait about 45-60 minutes then unroll and rinse both sides. Everything comes off with no / or very little scrubbing. Try to do it in the shade or when the temps are down.

Twice a year we apply 303® marine aerospace protectant spray to the top of the awning using a clean / new sponge mop. It does miracles.

[Philipclopez]

One piece of advice I have is Let It Dry First. If you roll up a wet awning, it can result in mold. This can further cause issues of dry rot, bad stink, and even ruin the fabric.