travel trailer awning cleaner

9 Best RV Awning Cleaner Reviewed & Tested

Even if your RV is in prime condition, a dirty, mildew-speckled awning will spoil its looks completely.

Whether you’ve stored it outside, or put away your awning wet, grime is an all too common occurrence, not to mention the bug splatter, bird poop, tree sap, and traffic grime, all common RV awning stains.

Using the best RV awning cleaner will restore your motorhome to its former glory, so you can park up and roll out your awning without feeling ashamed. In this article, we review the best options on the market today.

Table of Contents

• 1.1 Camco Awning Cleaner
• 1.2 Star Brite Mildew Stain Remover
• 1.3 Thetford Premium RV Awning Cleaner
• 1.4 Valterra LLC V88542 Awning Cleaner
• 1.5 303 Multi Surface Cleaner Spray
• 1.6 B.E.S.T. Awning Cleaner
• 1.7 Korkay Awning Cleaner
• 1.8 Wet & Forget Cleaner
• 1.9 Bugs N All – All-Purpose Vehicle Cleaner
• 2 Compare the Best RV Awning Cleaners
• 3.2 Type of Awning Cleaner
• 3.3 Versatility
• 3.4 Biodegradable & No Harsh Chemicals
• 3.5 No Chlorine
• 3.6 Your Awning’s Fabric
• 3.7 Effectiveness
• 3.8 Safety – Non-toxic
• 3.9 Protective Features
• 4 Top RV Awning Cleaners Video
• 5 Frequently Asked Questions about RV Awning Cleaners
• 6 Final Thoughts

Best RV Awning Cleaner

Here’s a selection of our top favorite RV awning cleaners. If your RV awning has seen better days, check out the following products to find the best cleaner for your motorhome awning.

Camco Awning Cleaner

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This pro-strength RV awning cleaner by Camco is a popular choice thanks to its low price and high efficacy.

Simply mix four ounces of this concentrated formula to a gallon of fresh water, or use neat on stubborn stains – it’s a good choice for general maintenance as well as removing built-up grime.

Suitable for vinyl, acrylic, fabric, and nylon awnings, this RV awning clear is gentle on your awning material, yet tough on dirt, including tree sap, road grime, and bugs.

It can also be effective on black streaks, mildew, and mold, depending on their intensity – so it’s well worth trying out. Simply apply with a sponge or soft brush, tough stains will, however, require a bit of elbow grease and a couple of passes over.

Available in 32 ounces or a one-gallon format, this cleaner is cheaper than most dedicated RV cleaning products, making it excellent value for money. While it does not provide any protection for your awning, it is a great general cleaner that will help to keep your awning in prime condition. It isn’t noxious, although it does contain chemicals that can irritate your skin, so be sure to use gloves.

On the whole, this is an excellent budget-priced product that cleans well and can even tackle some serious staining when used repeatedly.

Star Brite Mildew Stain Remover

This special spray-on formula by Star Brite has been specifically developed to remove even years’ worth of mildew.

It gets to work quickly and is safe for most awning materials, including vinyl, fiberglass, and plastic. However, the main reason that it is so highly effective, often succeeding where others fail, is its buffered-bleach formula.

While this makes it our top pick for removing mildew from your RV awning, it also means it is unsuitable for use on fabrics, such as canvas, or colored materials which may fade. So, be sure to test on an inconspicuous area before use.

Unlike other RV awning cleaners, this special formula does not require heavy scrubbing. Simply spray on and leave it to work with a light brush over in case of stubborn stains. For a like-new finish, heavily soiled RV awnings may need a few applications.

Note that this product smells strongly of bleach and is best used outside for maximum ventilation. It contains sodium hypochlorite, so use gloves when applying and be careful to avoid run-off onto plants and into water sources.

If your RV awning is covered with mold or mildew, this cleaner makes an excellent choice and could even restore it fully to its former glory with just a few applications. One of the most effective formulas on mold and mildew, this makes it worth its above-average price tag for the saving in time and hassle cleaning.

Thetford Premium RV Awning Cleaner

If you are looking for a cleaner that won’t damage your RV awning, check out this Premium RV Awning Cleaner by Thetford . Containing no bleach, chlorine, or toxic chemicals, this biodegradable formula is safe for use on colored, vinyl, and fabric awnings.

Bear in mind that this gentle formula is less effective on stubborn stains; however, it is a great choice for maintaining your RV awning. It also helps to keep your awning in prime condition for longer thanks to its active UV blockers. So, if your awning is in good shape, or you have recently restored it, this cleaner makes a good choice for keeping it clean.

However, if your awning has a lot of stubborn stains, tree sap, or mildew, you’ll want to try out a more effective stain-removing formula, before moving on to this milder cleaning solution. If you are worried about your awning’s suitability with harsher chemical cleaning products, you may still want to try using this product on built-up grime, to avoid risking any deterioration.

Available in a 64-ounce bottle, this format should cover around 300-600 square feet of awning depending on how dirty it is. You can also purchase a spray-on 32-ounce bottle or a large one-gallon version.

If you are sensitive to harsh cleaners, or if you have a colored or fabric RV awning, then this biodegradable, non-toxic RV awning cleaner is a good choice. While it is less effective on stubborn stains, it is safer to use, has a pleasant fragrance, and will continue to protect your awning via its UV blocker.

If your awning is in good shape, but in need of a little TLC, this cleaner is a perfect choice.

Valterra LLC V88542 Awning Cleaner

This RV awning cleaner by Valterra is available in a 32-ounce format. It is suitable for use on all awning fabrics, making it a good choice if you are worried about harsher formulas that could damage your canvas or vinyl RV awning.

While the concentrated formula has been designed to remove dirt, mildew, mold, and tree sap, you may need to use it undiluted and to give it a good scrubbing in order to remove any noticeable stains. In short, this product works well for removing grime and general build-up; however, it is not really an effective stain remover for stubborn, baked-on stains.

A good choice for colored awnings, this formula will not cause any fading. It does not, however, contain any protectant, so you may want to treat your colored awning separately after cleaning. On the other hand, it does condition your awning which can help to improve its general appearance, making it easier to maintain and improving its lifespan.

If you are looking for a mild RV awning cleaner that is safe for use on all awning fabric types, then this version makes a good choice. It won’t fade your colored awning and it will remove all traces of general dirt and grime with just a light scrubbing.

303 Multi Surface Cleaner Spray

If you are looking for a good general cleaner that can also be safely used on your RV awning, take a look at this Multi Surface Cleaner Spray by 303 .

Recommended by Sunbrella, this product is solvent and dye-free, as well as completely safe to use on any surface that can be cleaned with regular water, making it suitable for even synthetic and delicate fabrics.

This cleaner is very easy to use, simply spray it on, scrub, then rinse off. You may, however, need to use a fair amount on very dirty RV awnings. It is available in an easy to use 32-fluid ounce spray-on format, or for very dirty awnings you may want to pick up a larger gallon format or two sprays.

Once sprayed on, the formula loosens up built-up dirt and grime, making it easy to scrub your awning clean. To treat baked-on stains, multiple applications may be necessary, with a longer soak time and extra scrubbing.

However, note that this particular RV awning cleaner is not a stain remover, so if you are looking to remove mold or mildew stains in particular, there are other dedicated stain removal cleaners in this range, or else see our other recommendations.

While there are other more effective cleaners for removing stubborn stains, this version does an excellent job of lifting dirt for a clean awning. It is also really useful to have around, being suitable for most fabrics in your RV.

For the amount that you get, it doesn’t come cheap. But if you are looking for a spray-on RV awning cleaner without any harsh chemicals, that is good for use on all water-safe materials, then this is the one to go for.

B.E.S.T. Awning Cleaner

The B.E.S.T Awning Cleaner is a handy version to quickly lift recent stains and grime from your RV awning. Simply spray on and scrub it in, before rinsing off. It is easy to use, although it is not the cheapest awning cleaner around.

Suitable for use on acrylic, vinyl, synthetic and natural fabric awnings, this cleaner is suitable for all awning types. However, as it is only available in a 32-ounce spray-on format, it is less suitable for very soiled awnings that require extensive cleaning.

Easy to apply, you may find that it takes several applications to work effectively on stubborn stains such as mold and mildew. Longterm, baked-on stains, will require a lot of elbow grease, making this product more suitable for general cleaning, rather than effective stain removal.

If your RV awning is in good general condition, but in need of a light clean, this product makes a good choice. It also helps to protect against UV damage, weathering and salt, for a longer lasting, premium finish.

However, for treating highly soiled, aging RV awnings, we recommend taking a look at some of our other recommendations for a more intensive clean.

Korkay Awning Cleaner

For general RV maintenance, as well as getting your RV awning sparkling clean, check out this Awning Cleaner and Black Streak Remover by US firm Korkay . Available in a handy 32-fluid ounce spray-on format, this formula is a great choice for removing bugs, sap and pollutants with ease.

Suitable for most RV awnings, it is also safe for cleaning your RV exterior and removing black streaks. This makes it a handy option to have around for periodic use, as well as more intensive, maintenance cleaning sessions.

This product is a concentrated cleaner, so be careful when using and take all appropriate safety precautions, including wearing gloves. Be sure to only use it outdoors, as it does give off a very strong chemical odor.

Used with a scrubbing brush, this RV awning cleaner will get most RV awnings pretty clean, making it a good choice for restoring a new-to-you model with a neglected awning. As it can also be used to clean your RV exterior, it’s a good multi-purpose option to go for.

However, bear in mind that it does not contain any protectants, so you may want to purchase an additional product for that purpose.

Wet & Forget Cleaner

If you want an easy way to a sparkling clean RV awning then the Wet & Forget Cleaner will be just what you’re looking for. Simply attach your hose pipe to the 48-ounce hose-end bottle and spray your awning clean. No scrubbing or rinsing required.

Suitable for fabric, plastic and vinyl, this bleach-free formula is non-acidic and contains no phosphates, making it safe to use around landscaping and plants. It is not the cheapest, although it is very easy to use, saving you time and effort scrubbing and rinsing.

This formula works well on grime and dirt build-up, as well as staining, mold, and mildew. You may find that when you use this formula on very stubborn stains, it can take a few days to come completely clean. It is also long lasting and will help to keep your awning clean for several months onwards.

With your hose pipe attached, it can spray up to 30 feet and one bottle covers up to 2,000 square feet, making it good value for money as you can use it several times on your awning, even though the purchase price is higher than most others.

For an effortless way to get your RV awning clean, Wet & Forget is a popular choice that is both rapid and highly effective.

Bugs N All – All-Purpose Vehicle Cleaner

This all-purpose vehicle cleaner Bugs N All is a great choice for any motorhome. Not only will it remove bug splatter and black streaks from your RV, it is also effective at removing tree sap and stains from your awning.

At first glance, this concentrated version appears expensive. However, the four ounces dilute to make two quarts and it comes complete with a handy, empty one-quart spray bottle, making it easy to apply. So, it actually works out to be good value for money, despite its higher than the average price tag.

Non-toxic and non-corrosive, with no harsh chemicals or strong odors, you can use this product on virtually all types of awnings and around pets, children and plants, without worry. Spray on and leave it to get to work, scrub, then rinse. Stubborn stains, especially baked-on tree sap, can require multiple applications.

You can also use this RV awning cleaner on your RV exterior to remove back streaks, mildew, oxidation, and bird poop. This makes it a good versatile product that is handy to have around when you’re out and about. While it is good at general cleaning and lifting grime, bear in mind that it does not contain any protective ingredients.

On the whole, if you want a good general RV exterior spray-on cleaner that can also be used to brighten up your RV awning, this product is a popular choice that works very well.

Compare the Best RV Awning Cleaners

Buyer’s Guide to Buying the Best RV Awning Cleaner

To help you to find the very best RV awning cleaner, we’ve compiled this buyer’s guide. Read on to discover what to look out for when purchasing your motorhome awning cleaner.

Most RV awning cleaners are fairly inexpensive and price is not always a good guide to efficacy.

In fact, you may find that some of the higher priced cleaners are less effective on stains and mold, but kinder to your awning fabric. So, if you have a very dirty awning with a lot of staining that has been there for several years, a more expensive cleaner is not always the best option.

On the other hand, if your RV is in good condition and you want to keep it that way, you may wish to opt for a higher priced RV awning cleaner that has a milder formula. Some RV awning cleaners also have built-in protectants that can help to protect your awning from UV rays and dirt build-up for a longer-lasting clean finish.

Lastly, as RV awning cleaners are sold in different formats, be sure to compare prices on a like-for-like basis. For example, a seemingly high-priced, concentrated version could actually work out cheaper once it is diluted and, therefore, better value for money than a ready-to-use version.

Type of Awning Cleaner

There are several different types of RV awning cleaner, so be sure to check out what’s available, to find the best one for your circumstances.

Some popular types include:

• Concentrated
• Mild formula
• Special mold and mildew removing formulas

We’ll take a look at some of these different types of awning cleaner in the following sections. However, when choosing your cleaner, you should focus upon your priorities and the condition of your RV awning.

For example, for very dirty awnings that may require multiple applications, you may wish to opt for a concentrated version. If you are short of time, a spray on or rinse-free formula will save you time and effort.

Spray-on RV awning cleaners are a highly practical choice.

Easy to apply, simply spray on as needed. You can spray extra over areas that have tougher stains, making spray bottles a good choice for spot treating. This can be handy when you get a new stain on your awning, allowing you to quickly remove it without having to mix up a large amount and treat your whole awning.

Concentrate

Concentrated formulas often provide good value for money, producing a large quality of diluted cleaner. They also have the added advantage of being easier to store.

What’s more, some concentrated RV awning cleaners can be used diluted to clean your whole awning, but dabbed on undiluted for extra stain removal power. For this reason, you may wish to look out for a concentrated version if your awning is in dire need of cleaning with a lot of staining.

Versatility

As space is limited when you’re RVing and there is no point spending extra dollars when you don’t need to, opting for a multi-purpose cleaner makes perfect sense.

Whether you go for an all-round cleaner for use inside and out, or an exterior and awning cleaner depends on your personal preferences and how dirty your awning really is.

Some RVers prefer to go for a dedicated awning cleaner for bi-annual cleaning, then pick a one-does-it-all go-to cleaner for when they’re out on the road. This means you can quickly treat any stains, wherever they are, before they become baked-on and more difficult to remove.

Biodegradable & No Harsh Chemicals

Whenever possible, you should opt for an RV awning cleaner that is biodegradable and has no harsh chemicals.

Not only is this better for the environment, but also for your health. Some cleaners contain chemicals that can be extremely dangerous or even fatal if ingested.

No Chlorine

Chlorine, commonly found in household bleach, is a powerful cleaner, but it also causes colors to fade. If you have a colored awning, then you will want to look for a chlorine-free RV awning cleaner.

Also, bear in mind that while chlorine is used to get whites sparkling, on some fabrics it can, in fact, cause certain fibers to yellow, especially when exposed to sunlight over extended periods of time.

Your Awning’s Fabric

Not all awning fabrics are compatible with every type of cleaner.

Be sure to check that your RV awning cleaner lists your awning fabric as being suitable before proceeding to clean. In particular, you may find that certain formulas are unsuitable for use with natural fibers such as canvas.

Synthetics, vinyl and acrylics are generally compatible with RV specific awning cleaners. However, they may be unsuitable for cleaning with regular household cleaners – so always be sure to use an RV-specific product that mentions your awning type of fabric.

Effectiveness

Effectiveness is difficult to measure across the board and what works well on one type of stain, doesn’t always work well for others.

This is why it is important to consider the general condition of your awning before purchasing a cleaner. If your RV awning is predominantly covered in mildew, then a specialist mildew remover will be more effective for better results.

For general dirt and grime, most RV awning cleaners are very effective. As stated earlier, if you are looking for a cleaner to remove stubborn stains, you may be better off purchasing a concentrated version that you can use neat.

Most RV awning cleaners will require some scrubbing in order to fully remove staining. The same cleaner can be a lot more effective if given a longer soak time, harder scrubbing and multiple applications, depending on your awning condition.

If this sounds like too much had work, you may wish to look for an awning cleaner with harsher chemicals to use as a one-off, then to purchase a milder, regular RV awning cleaner for maintenance cleaning.

Safety – Non-toxic

For your own health and the environment, it’s best to use non-toxic cleaners. This is also important if you have children or pets, who could potentially accidentally ingest your cleaning products.

You should also consider where you will be using your RV awning cleaner and where it will go once you rinse it off. Toxic cleaners can damage your plants and surroundings, or even end up being released into nature where they could harm local wildlife or pets.

Protective Features

If possible, opt for an RV cleaner that has built-in protective features.

UV blockers help you to keep your awning looking like new by protecting it from the sun’s rays which can cause colors to fade or yellowing.

Some RV awning cleaners condition your awning, while others help to prevent dirt from building up after washing.

Top RV Awning Cleaners Video

Frequently Asked Questions about RV Awning Cleaners

Cleaning and maintaining your RV awning is essential to preserve its appearance, functionality, and longevity. However, with various cleaning products and techniques available, it’s natural to have questions about the best practices for keeping your RV awning in pristine condition. In this FAQ section, we address common inquiries and provide expert answers to help you make informed decisions when it comes to selecting the best RV awning cleaner and caring for your awning. Whether you’re a seasoned RV owner or a newbie in the world of recreational vehicles, this FAQ section will guide you through the essential aspects of RV awning cleaning, materials, safety precautions, and maintenance tips. Read on to find answers to your burning questions and ensure your RV awning remains a reliable and visually appealing part of your outdoor adventures.

Why do I need a specific cleaner for my RV awning? Can’t I just use regular soap and water?

RV awnings are typically made from specialized materials, such as vinyl or acrylic, which require gentle cleaning agents to prevent damage. Regular soap and water may not effectively remove stubborn stains or mildew, and harsh chemicals can degrade the fabric. Using a dedicated RV awning cleaner is recommended to ensure proper care and maintenance.

How often should I clean my RV awning?

It’s a good idea to clean your RV awning at least twice a year, preferably before and after the camping season. Regular cleaning helps prevent the build-up of dirt, debris, and stains, and extends the lifespan of your awning. However, if you notice any specific stains or signs of mildew, it’s best to clean your awning as soon as possible.

Can I use the same cleaner for both vinyl and acrylic awnings?

Some RV awning cleaners are formulated to work on both vinyl and acrylic awnings, while others may be specific to one type of material. It’s essential to check the product label or manufacturer’s instructions to ensure compatibility with your awning material. Using the wrong cleaner may cause damage or discoloration.

Are there any specific safety precautions I should take while using an RV awning cleaner?

Yes, when using an RV awning cleaner, it’s important to follow the safety instructions provided by the manufacturer. In general, it’s advisable to wear protective gloves and goggles to avoid skin or eye irritation. Also, make sure to work in a well-ventilated area and avoid inhaling any fumes. If the cleaner comes into contact with your skin or eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical attention if necessary.

Can I use a pressure washer to clean my RV awning?

It’s generally not recommended to use a pressure washer directly on your RV awning. The high-pressure water stream can damage the fabric or strip away any protective coatings. Instead, opt for a soft brush or sponge along with a suitable awning cleaner to gently remove dirt and stains.

How do I remove tough stains or mildew from my RV awning?

For tough stains or mildew, you may need to use a specialized cleaner or a mildew remover designed specifically for RV awnings. Follow the instructions provided by the product manufacturer, which usually involve applying the cleaner, letting it sit for a specific duration, and then rinsing thoroughly. For stubborn stains, you may need to repeat the process or consider professional cleaning services.

Can I use an RV awning cleaner on other parts of my RV?

RV awning cleaners are specifically formulated for awning materials and may not be suitable for other parts of your RV, such as the exterior walls or roof. It’s essential to use the appropriate cleaners designed for those surfaces. Always read the labels and follow the instructions for any cleaning products you use on your RV.

Are there any additional maintenance tips to keep my RV awning in good condition?

Along with regular cleaning, there are a few maintenance tips to ensure your RV awning stays in good condition. Avoid storing the awning while it’s wet to prevent mildew growth. Retract the awning during strong winds or storms to prevent damage. Additionally, consider applying a fabric protectant or UV blocker to help prolong the life of your awning and protect it from the sun’s harmful rays.

Remember, it’s always best to consult your RV awning manufacturer’s recommendations and guidelines for specific cleaning and maintenance instructions.

Disclaimer: This FAQ section provides general information and suggestions. Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines for the specific products you use on your RV awning.

Final Thoughts

A dirty, mildew-stained awning can really spoil the appearance of your RV and even affect its resale value. Thankfully, there’s a great choice of RV awning cleaners out there that will help to keep your vehicle looking its best.

Keep your RV awning spotless and prevent stains from setting in with Thetford’s Premium RV Awning Cleaner. Its mild formula is suitable for all RV awning types and it is also non-toxic and biodegradable. A great choice to keep your awning in prime condition.

For general maintenance cleaning and stain removal, go for the ever-popular Camco Awning Cleaner. This inexpensive product does a great job of getting all awning types clean and is good on stains too.

If you need a heavy-duty mold and mildew cleaner for your RV awning, try out Star Brite Mildew Stain Remover. This product requires a minimal amount of scrubbing and works instantly to remove mold and mildew on even older RVs and pop-up campers.

Lastly, if you don’t have the time or the will to spend hours scrubbing at your RV awning, try out Wet & Forget. Simply spray down your awning and leave it to clean all by itself, for a minimum of fuss and an easy, rinse-free way to a good clean awning.

Whatever the circumstances, you’re sure to find the best RV awning cleaner for you in our selection!

About The Author

Karan Riley

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Easy To Use RV Awning Cleaners That Remove & Prevent Mold

What’s the Easiest Way to Clean an RV Awning?

RV awnings are notorious for getting moldy and dirty quickly. If you aren’t diligent about airing out the awning on your RV, trailer, van, or pop-up camper it will get moldy fast.

Related Product: Lrimauix RV Awining Lights (click to view on Amazon)

When we bought our first travel trailer, the underside of its awning was black from mold. It required both RV awning cleaning and scrubbing to get it clean again.

Luckily for us it wasn’t so damaged from the mold that we needed to replace it, but it was a lot of work to clean it initially.

Now that the RV awning is clean we only need to soak it with RV awning cleaner when it starts to get dirty and then spray it off.

See Also:  Best RV Awning Replacement Fabric (Electric or Manual)

In this review, I’m going to go over some of the best RV awning cleaners you can use to keep your awning looking fresh and clean. Including the one that we used.

I’ve also included some products you can spray on after cleaning that help stop mold to keep your camper’s canopy mold-free even longer.

Summary (Links to Amazon)

• Best Overall – Star Brite Mold & Mildew Remover
• Less Harsh Option – 30 Seconds Outdoor Multi Surface Cleaner
• Bleach Free – Wet & Forget Outdoor Cleaner

Table of Contents show What’s the Easiest Way to Clean an RV Awning? Best RV Awning Cleaner Reviews and Info 1. Star Brite Mold & Mildew Remover 2. MiracleMist Multipurpose RV Awning Cleaner 3. Camco RV Awning Cleaner 4. 30 Seconds Outdoor Multi-Surface Cleaner 5. 303 Products Multi-Surface Cleaner 6. Wet & Forget Outdoor Cleaner My Recommendations For Best RV Awning Cleaner Frequently Asked Questions About RV Awning Cleaner What is an RV awning? How do I use RV awning cleaner? What do I do if my camper’s awning is cracked and has holes in it? What cleaner won’t damage an RV awning? Can I repair small tears or damage to my RV awning after cleaning it? How to make homemade RV awning cleaner. How to clean the underside of a camper awning. Is it necessary to treat my camper awning after cleaning it? Can I clean my camper awning without removing it? What should I do if my awning starts to fade or discolor?

Best Overall

Bleach Free Option

Last update on 2024-04-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Best RV Awning Cleaner Reviews and Info

1. star brite mold & mildew remover.

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The Star Brite Mold & Mildew Stain Remover + Cleaner is one of the most effective marine/outdoor upholstery, vinyl, and acrylic fabric cleaners on the market today.

If you have a nasty RV awning, tent, boat, or pop-up tent that needs some serious help, Star Brite is your best choice.

Its formula is powerful. For most mold and mildew stains you only need to spray on the RV awning cleaner and let it sit until the mold and stains start to disappear.

Once the stains have faded, just spray it off.

See Also:  RV Condensation And 14 Ways To Prevent Mold In Your Trailer

You don’t get these kinds of results without some heavy-duty chemicals. Star Brite RV awning cleaner is not going to be safe to use on your lawn or around plants.

It’s recommended to wear safety glasses, gloves, and protective clothing when using it. I would especially wear safety glasses because you will be spraying upwards when cleaning your camper’s awning.

Some of the chemicals in Star Brite include buffered-bleach (stain removal), chelating agents (for dirt removal), and surfactants (grease removal).

Star Brite is safe to use as an RV awning cleaner or on fiberglass, wood, concrete, drywall, siding, tile, grout, roofs, vinyl upholstery, most acrylic fabrics, and other moldy surfaces.

Because there is some bleach in it, make sure you test a small area of fabric to see if any discoloration happens before applying over the entire surface.

Star Brite Mold & Mildew Remover is made in America and is one of the best mold and mildew cleaners on the market today.

• Cleans & Removes Stains Simultaneously
• Easy Spray-On & Rinse Off
• Multi-Surface Cleaner
• Indoor & Outdoor Use
• Harmful to Plants
• May Discolor
• Safety Gear Required
• Strong Chemical Smell

2. MiracleMist Multipurpose RV Awning Cleaner

Miracle-Mist RV awning cleaner is another powerful mold and mildew remover made to revive and clean even the moldiest of camper awnings.

All you have to do is spray it on, wait for 30 seconds, then rinse off.

This cleaner uses strong chemicals. Don’t let it sit longer than 2 minutes at a time as it may begin to break down stitching on the RV awning.

You can spray and rinse multiple times until the mold, dirt, and mildew are gone. For extra tough spots, you can use a brush or sponge to remove deep stains.

Because this contains bleach and strong surfactants, use eye protection, gloves, and protective clothing when using it.

It may damage plants and kill grass so don’t use it on the front lawn, backyard, or near water like rivers, lakes, and streams.

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MiracleMist Multipurpose RV Awning Cleaner is another great option for surfaces that get moldy and stained often.

You can use it during your yearly RV maintenance to keep your camper awning looking new.

It will also work to keep away mold on pop-up campers inside and outside.

• Multi-Surface Safe
• 30 Second Clean Time
• Also Prevents Mold

3. Camco RV Awning Cleaner

The Camco RV awning cleaner is a great option for those who have a camper awning that is a little moldy but not so much that they need super strong chemicals to get the job done.

This RV awning cleaner contains hazardous chemicals and safety glasses, gloves, and protective clothing should be worn when using it.

Also, make sure you are using it away from any grass or plants.

Unlike some of the other cleaners in this review, the Camco RV awning cleaner does not have a mildew stain remover and black streak remover mixed in.

If you want those you need to apply Camco black streak remover (click to view on Amazon) or mildew stain remover (click to view on Amazon) separately.

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To apply you first need to spray off your camper’s awning to remove any dirt.

Mix 4 oz of the RV awning cleaner with 1 gallon of water and use a sponge or soft brush (click to view on Amazon) to apply the cleaner.

Do small sections of the camper awning at a time and rinse immediately after. Do not allow the product to dry.

Sometimes you need to scrub your camper awning no matter how strong the chemicals are and the Camco RV Awning Cleaner is a fantastic option for that.

It also works great on pop-up campers and even tents.

It’s a more basic option compared to other kinds of RV awning cleaners and a good, less harsh cleaning product to include in your regular RV or trailer cleaning schedule.

• RV Awning Specific Cleaner
• More Basic Option
• Not Too Harsh for Tent Fabric
• No Strong Chemical Smells
• Doesn’t Remove Stains
• May Require Scrubbing

4. 30 Seconds Outdoor Multi-Surface Cleaner

The 30 Second Cleaner is known for its fast results and ability to clean more surfaces than other mold and mildew cleaning products.

It’s also specially designed to hold better on suspended surfaces like camper awnings.

There are a few 30 Second Cleaner product you could use to clean an RV awning, but the Outdoor Multi-Surface is the most effective and easiest to use.

Simply spray in on, wait up to 3 minutes, the rinse if off.

You can reapply and brush extra-tough mold and mildew stains as needed.

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30 Second Cleaner contains a small amount of bleach but there are no VOCs ( Volatile Organic Compounds ) and it will be safer to use than other harsher RV awning cleaners.

When it says multi-surface it means it. The 30 Second Outdoor cleaner can be used on almost anything.

From metal, plastic, cloth, painted, and fiberglass surfaces, to wood, composite, concrete, bricks, tile, and asphalt.

It’s great for RV and home use. It not only eliminates but also removes stains from algae, mold, and mildew.

The 30 Seconds Outdoor Multi-Surface Cleaner is a perfect choice for those who don’t want to use harsh, hazardous chemicals when cleaning their camper’s awning.

If it’s an extra moldy dirty surface, it may take a little more scrubbing than the stronger cleaners, but it’s not going to be as irritating which is a definite pro.

For mold and mildew prevention after cleaning, 30 Seconds also made a “spray and walk away” cleaner/prevention (click to view on Amazon) .

Spray onto your RV awning to help keep mold away.

It can even be used as a fast cleaner for slightly dirty surfaces that just have a little bit of mold growth starting.

• Less Harmful to Plants
• Easy Spray-On & Rinse-Off
• Contains Bleach

5. 303 Products Multi-Surface Cleaner

The 303 Products Multi-Surface Cleaner is for making RV awning fabrics and surfaces look shiny and new again.

If your camper awing has old, deeply rooted mold growing on it, you will need a stronger cleaner like the Shine Brite reviewed above.

But if you have some new mold growing or are maintaining your awning, this less harsh RV awning cleaner is going to be an excellent choice.

For RV or travel trailer owners this is the ultimate multipurpose cleaner. It can be used on lots of different materials like fabrics, vinyl, and even metal.

It also helps guard against UV rays. You can clean your awning, camping chairs, grill, and the outside of your camper with one product.

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To use, simply spray it on and gently scrub with a brush or sponge. Once the cleaner has dried spray it off with a hose and you will be left with a better looking and mold free surface.

The 303 Products Multi-Surface Cleaner is multi-purpose and makes RV awnings look new again.

303 Products also makes a good fabric guard (click to view on Amazon) you can spray on both sides of the camper awning after cleaning to help it keep its water resistance.

This in turn will help prevent mold and keep the fabric looking fresh and clean longer.

• Protects Against UV Rays
• Won’t Dull Metal
• Brightens Awning Fabric
• Multipurpose Cleaner

6. Wet & Forget Outdoor Cleaner

Wet & Forget is a little different than your standard RV awning cleaner.

Like the name states, all you are required to do is spray it on the dirty moldy surface and you’re done. No rinsing required.

It contains no bleach and is biodegradable, which is very uncommon in mold and mildew removers.

I love the idea of being able to spray on an awning cleaner and leave it, but if your camper awning is dirty and moldy, you should rinse it off at least once to remove surface dirt and grime.

See Also: Best Indoor & Outdoor Weather Stations For Home and RV

The Wet & Forget cleaner is perfect for maintaining already clean or new RV awnings.

If you spray it on once or twice a year you won’t have problems with mold. Which means no more scrubbing or heavily cleaning your camper awning.

If you are looking for a mild cleaner free from harsh chemicals and bleaches then the Wet & Forget Outdoor Cleaner (click to view on Amazon) is your best option.

Just spray this on every once in a while and your RV awning will be worry-free and just like new for years to come.

• Biodegradable
• Bleach-Free
• Perfect Awning Maintainer
• No Rinse Required
• Comes Ready to Spray
• Not a Powerful Cleaner

My Recommendations For Best RV Awning Cleaner

RV awnings seem to be the number one RV accessory people forget to clean.

It’s easy to not look up while you’re enjoying your beautiful campsite, but if you do, you might notice mold and algae growing on the RV awning.

Luckily there are some amazing RV awning cleaners, like the ones in this review, that can make getting rid of mold and dirt easy.

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Here are my recommendations:

Strongest Cleaner – Star Brite Mold & Mildew Remover

There is nothing more frustrating than buying an RV awning mold remover that just doesn’t work.

You spend all day scrubbing mold and getting the awning sparkling clean, just to have it quickly grow back because the RV awning cleaner didn’t kill the mold.

Star Brite is a strong RV awning cleaner that works. It’s so powerful it requires minimal to no scrubbing and brushing.

Star Brite is my number one choice because I’m guessing your RV awning is looking pretty bleak like mine did when I bought my travel trailer.

This RV awning cleaner will not only kill the mold and help remove the dirt and grime it will also get rid of stains.

Best Medium Strength Cleaner – 30 Seconds Outdoor Multi Surface Cleaner

While extra strong RV awning cleaners can be effective and fairly easy to use, some people don’t enjoy working with the strong fumes and harsh chemicals.

A less harsh alternative is the 30 Seconds outdoor multi-surface cleaner.

It’s not as strong as the Star Brite or Miracle-Mist RV awning cleaners, but it’s still an effective mold killer and dirt remover.

For extra dirty RV awnings, it may take some scrubbing.

If you clean your camper canopy every year this medium strength RV awning cleaner may be all you need.

30 Seconds RV awning cleaner does contain some bleach, but it is advertised to be safe to use around lawns and other plants.

I suggest still being careful and you should wear safety gear when using it.

Bleach Free RV Awning Cleaner – Wet & Forget Outdoor Cleaner

The most mild and chemical free RV awning cleaner in this review is the Wet & Forget Outdoor Cleaner.

Instead of using bleach, they use a combination of biodegradable surfactants that help remove dirt and mold on any surface including RV awnings.

This is a more environmentally friendly RV awning cleaner that won’t kill your lawn.

It’s not the best option for extra moldy and dirty awnings, but for regularly maintaining clean awnings, it doesn’t get much better than Wet & Forget.

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Frequently Asked Questions About RV Awning Cleaner

What is an rv awning.

RV awnings are the vinyl or canvas shade structures that are normally placed over the passenger’s side of an RV and sometimes even the slides.

Almost every travel trailer and RV has one and they are used to create a large shaded area outside the door of the camper.

Awnings that extend over slide-outs are becoming more popular and large trailers and RV’s will often have multiple awnings that cover the entire door side of the camper.

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How do I use RV awning cleaner?

The best camper awning cleaners are the kind you spray on, let sit for a minute or two, and spray off.

Many people don’t know you need to regularly maintain RV awnings to prevent mold growth which damages the fabric.

Many used RVs will have extra dirty awnings from years of moisture and heat which causes mold growth.

For super moldy and dirty RV awnings like these, you may need to do some scrubbing with a soft brush or sponge no matter how strong the awning cleaner is.

Always read the instructions for the specific cleaner and wear safety glasses, gloves, and protective clothing when dealing with harsh chemicals like the ones used in RV awning cleaners.

It’s also suggested to test the cleaner on a small part of the awning first to make sure it doesn’t discolor or break down the fabric.

What do I do if my camper’s awning is cracked and has holes in it?

Sometimes a camper’s awning has been neglected so long the mold has eaten through the vinyl and it is beyond repair.

The good news is replacing and awnings fabric can be done at home with common tools and a little know how.

To replace your RV awning make sure you measure and buy the correct length.

For more detailed information and a video on how to replace an RV awning check out this article.

What cleaner won’t damage an RV awning?

Most RV awnings are made with thick fabric and vinyl.

You want to get a cleaner that is strong enough to kill mold but not so harsh that it will ruin the fabric.

Any of the RV awning cleaners in this review are safe for RV awning use and many can even be used to clean fabric camping chairs, shade tents, and more.

Can I repair small tears or damage to my RV awning after cleaning it?

If the damage is minimal you can repair and RV awning. Especially if it’s just a few tears or holes.

You can use a durable vinyl tape, or get a repair kit like this one from Camco (click to view on Amazon) .

How to make homemade RV awning cleaner.

If you’re in a pinch and don’t have time to get an RV awning cleaner, you can make some yourself at home with just a few household chemicals.

Homemade awning cleaner won’t have the polishing effects some of the store bought kinds have, but it’s still better than nothing for getting rid of destructive mold.

Bleach Free Homemade RV Awning Cleaner

Mix 1 Gallon Water + 32 oz. White Vinegar (can add dish soap for extra cleaning power if scrubbing is necessary)

This is a good recipe to use as an RV awning maintainer as well.

If you spray the water vinegar mixture on a few times a year and let it dry it will help prevent mold growth and make next year’s RV awning cleaning much easier.

Bleach Homemade RV Awning Cleaner

Mix 1 Gallon Water + 8 oz Bleach + 2 oz Dish Soap

Be extra careful with the bleach mixture.

Bleach is a harsh chemical that will most likely kill any grass it lands on and stain the clothes you are wearing while cleaning.

Make sure you wear eye protection. Bleach RV awning cleaners are recommended to use only once a year for deep cleaning.

How to clean the underside of a camper awning.

RV awnings are notoriously hard to clean, that’s why many people just ignore them and they end up getting moldy and eventually weaken and tear.

If you start taking care of your RV awning from day one it actually doesn’t have to be that bad.

If you regularly spray an anti-mold RV awning cleaner like the Wet & Forget Outdoor Cleaner (click to view on Amazon) you may never have to get up on a ladder and start scrubbing.

If your camper’s canopy or awning is already too far gone the easiest way to clean the underside is to get a strong RV awning cleaner like the ones at the beginning of this review.

With that kind you simply just spray the chemical on the underside of the awning, wait for the recommended time and then rinse it off with a hose.

Extra dirty RV awnings usually do require a little bit of scrubbing though.

If the spray and rinse method just isn’t working you may have to get either a ladder and a scrub brush or a long handled brush and start scrubbing to remove stubborn mold and dirt.

It’s hard work but there’s really no way around it if the entire RV awning is covered in mold.

Is it necessary to treat my camper awning after cleaning it?

One extra step you can take to further protect an RV awning from mold is to spray on some chemicals that help stop mold from growing.

I personally spray a little on my RV awning when I know I won’t be using it for awhile, but during the camping season when I regularly unroll it I don’t usually spray anything extra on it.

Can I clean my camper awning without removing it?

Yes! That’ the best way to do it. The only time you will need to fully remove an RV awning is when you are replacing the fabric.

For cleaning just unroll it all the way, spray on the cleaning of your choice, do a little scrubbing if necessary, rinse it off, let it dry, then roll it back up.

What should I do if my awning starts to fade or discolor?

Since a camper awning is out in the sun a lot, it will eventually start to fade and even get some damage from the sun and weather.

One thing you can do is apply a UV protector. RV awning cleaners like 303 Products Multi-Surface Cleaner actually add UV protection.

They also make a UV Protectant (click to view on Amazon) that’s highly rated and comes in a bulk size you can put into a sprayer for easy application.

Have any more questions about RV awning cleaner? Leave a comment below.

3 thoughts on “Easy To Use RV Awning Cleaners That Remove & Prevent Mold”

I use Camco Awning Cleaner. My RV awning had developed mold while stored outdoors and was looking pretty bad. I thought I would try this but did not expect much improvement from a product priced around 6 bucks. I took the trailer to a coin operated car wash that had one RV bay. I applied the cleaner after wetting the awning and then gave it a good spray with the pressure washer and repeated the process one more time and the awning looks white again. Great!

Well, this is an awesome post and written very well. Your point of view is very good.

Appreciated your thorough review. Now to see if it works!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Last updated on: November 27, 2021

How to Clean RV Awning: The Easiest Way

by Peter Wade

www.rvtalk.net is reader supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

What’s the first thing comes to your mind after setting up everything for camping? Taking a break and relax awhile, right? So, you pull out the awning over the head, but oh no…there’s mold on it! Suddenly you remember that last time when it rained, you rolled the awning without drying it off. To nip that mold in the bud, you need to learn how to clean RV awning .

Though RV awning fabrics are usually mold resistant, leaving it in a wet and humid condition for too long means the fungus will find a way to grow. To avoid this situation, keep the awning dry and clean it regularly.

Apart from taking care of mud and dirt, clean mold off RV awning for its longer lifespan.

Prepare the cleaning solution

Spray the rv awning, roll up and wait, unroll the awning to rinse it off, let the awning dry out, how often should you clean your rv awning, how to clean rv awning in less than 30 minutes.

The whole cleaning process may take around an hour, but it needs your labor for about 30 minutes. It means you can also clean a camper awning while playing with your kids or relaxing on your own. The whole process consists of 5 simple steps that anyone can perform without any professional help.

Pick a sunny day to clean RV awning because the awning needs to be dried out under the sun post-cleaning. The best way to clean RV awning is to rinse and dry it before starting the process but you can also start the task straight away.

Here is the step-by-step process for how to clean RV awning .

Check if you have an old sprayer (pump sprayer) in your home. Insect or weed sprayers will also work great, but you need to make sure those are properly cleaned or never used before.

Make a solution of RV awning cleaner by mixing cleaner and water at a 20% and 80% ratio. You can use any cleaner, but most people prefer using dish soap because it is soft and does not harm the RV paints . However, hydrogen peroxide, car soap, green soap, or bleach can also work as a cleaning agent in the RV awning cleaning solution .

After preparing the solution, put it in the sprayer. Remember that bleach will reduce the awning’s life. So, use it only when you have to remove some hard stains.

Spraying the awning comes next in the list. Spray the entire underside of the using the spray bottle. Cover the whole Camper awning and be liberal while spraying. If you are using a manual spray bottle, it is better to get a step stool. It will save you from straining your back and help you reach all parts of the RV awning.

It’s possible to cut the spraying time in half just by using a sprayer. A sprayer works quicker than a spray bottle. Just remember that you have to spray the entire awning underside without a miss.

It is the most time-consuming part. However, you have to put the least effort here. Roll up the awning and wait for 1 hour for the mixture to sit. Whether you have a manual/retractable awning or an automated one, this step is mandatory for both.

If you choose to do the cleaning at the beginning of the seasons, enjoy the sun when the awning cleans itself. You can spend this one hour just chilling, listening to music, or playing with your kids.

After waiting for an hour, it is time to unroll the awning and rinse it. Use a hose to rinse off its top and backside. Washing the awning should not take much of your time. Nevertheless, do a thorough wash to make sure that no soap particles remain in the RV awning .

In this step also, you may need to use a step stool if you are not so tall or do not want to hurt your back. The target here is to rinse the top part of the awning properly. Do not hesitate to use a step stool if you have to.

Again comes the stage when you do not have to do anything. After washing the awning, dry it completely in the sun by keeping it open.

The drying process may take a few hours, depending on the awning material and the heat of the sun. After drying, roll it back. Now, it is ready for the next ride.

This is how to remove stains from RV awning . If you follow the recommended steps, you can finish the cleaning process in a few hours. The good news is that the task does not involve much labor.

Besides knowing how to clean RV awning , you should also have a clear concept about how often to perform the cleaning task. The general practice is to do it once in a few months, or even more often, depending on the frequency of RV use.

At a minimum, you have to clean the motorhome awning once a year, preferably before storing the RV for the winter . Also, cleaning is necessary whenever you spot molding or stains on it.

Apart from these, you should also clean a camper awning in the following situations if:

• The awning appears to be dirty
• It gets stained due to bird droppings
• Tree sap gets stuck to the awning
• It gets mud stains due to driving in the rain

Owning a camper means you have to keep it clean like your home. This work of cleaning the awning may seem time-consuming, but it keeps the RV safe against all types of molds. Also, this is not something that you have to do every week. The cleaning process becomes effortless when you know how to clean RV awning . Follow this guide to do the cleaning in the easiest way possible and ensure the prolonged and functional life of your RV awning.

About Peter Wade

Peter Wade is a co-ordinator and writer at www.RVTalk.net. His hobbies are coffee, RV camping and photography. He now enjoys exploring the U.S. by RV with his two dogs. After obtaining a MA degree in Public Relations and Journalism, he had 8 years of experience working for the R&D Department of Outdoorsy. Peter provides a unique look and insightful knowledge about the RV lifestyle, and fills his blog with everything from RV camping guides to reviews about necessary RV accessories. If you are an RV enthusiast and want to get the most-updated trends of the RV industry, Peter’s articles are the must-visit contents.

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The Best RV Awning Cleaners (Mold Removers & Cleaners)

Writen by Tom Hank

Fact checked by Joseph Varney

When it comes to cleaning the awnings of your RV, the use of just any detergent is not advisable. Depending on the type of awning you have installed on your vehicle, being careless at cleaning it will result in costly repairs.

You need to use the best RV awning cleaner to make sure that your RV accessory is always in the best condition. Awning cleaners have special formulations that can effectively clean vinyl, canvas, and other kinds of awning materials without damaging them and ruining their waterproof coatings.

In this article, you will notice the different kinds of awning cleaners that are available, along with some helpful buying guides. To start with, here are some of the most highly recommended products:

Table of Contents

Best RV Awning Cleaner Reviews

1. camco 41024 awning cleaner.

One thing I find so impressive about the Camco Pro-strength cleaning product is that it is tested to be safe for generally all kinds of awning fabrics.

It does not matter if your RV awning is made of vinyl or canvas, this cleanser can handle it without causing any unsightly discoloration. The good news is that even if this product can deeply clean the surface, it will not wash away the waterproofing treatment on the surface of the awning.

It is a highly concentrated cleaning produc t, so you need to dilute it in some water for regular cleaning purposes. Just 4 ounces of this cleaner mixed into a gallon of water is strong enough to clean even the largest RV awning thoroughly.

This cleanser was formulated to clean all sorts of dirt and grime that you RV might encounter during one of your trips. It is a heavy-duty cleaning solution that can safely remove stains caused by moss, tree sap, bird droppings, and any kinds of dirt.

It is worth mentioning that this multi-purpose product also restores and reinvigorates their colors and designs. If you think that there is no hope left for your years’ old and quite dull-looking awning, you will be surprised at how this product can breathe new life into it.

• A versatile solution for use on any awning fabric
• Can thoroughly clean the awning without causing damage or discoloration
• Highly concentrated, hence a small bit can go a long way
• Deals with tough dirt and stains like tree sap, bird droppings, and the like
• Restores and brightens up the color of the awning, making it look like new again
• Needs to be diluted in water before use

2. Thetford RV Awning Cleaner

The next product from Thetford is indeed a functional yet safe solution for RV cleaning. Even though this cleaner does not contain any chlorine, it can still deal with tough dirt and stains. Best of all, after being cleaned, your RV is left with a protective coating against the harmful UV rays of the sun.

This product is also versatile. Aside from cleaning my awnings, I have used Thetford Premium awning cleaner on the RV shower, the tires, and on all the plastic and rubber parts of the RV. It is a wonder that this cleaner can be so delicate on the material and yet so tough when dealing with dirt and stains.

Besides, this cleaner is non-toxic and biodegradable. Hence, it is safer for both users, their kids and their pets. I also appreciate that it is biodegradable and safe for plants and grass. Therefore, you can rest assured that no harmful effect is done to the environment due to the use of this product.

Plus, just like me, you are going to love how easy it is to use. When using the solution, I pour it into a spray bottle and spritz a bit of the stuff onto the awning surface. After letting it stand a bit, I can scrub it a bit using a wash brush, then rinsing the surface with water. Notably, you do not have to do any preparation work whatsoever.

• Versatile in use for cleaning RV awnings, bathrooms, and rubber or plastic components
• Non-toxic and biodegradable, hence safe for the environment
• Easy to use – just spray it on, scrub then rinse.
• Can do wonders on the common things that usually stain your awnings
• Does not contain any chlorine or ruin the awning’s waterproofing
• Does not do quite a good job against mold and mildew stains

3. B.E.S.T. Awning Cleaner

This product from B.E.S.T. is an excellent awning cleaner working on both acrylic and vinyl without damaging either. The versatile model also promises deep cleaning on all surfaces of your RV.

You can use this stuff to clean the countertop inside the R.V., and stubborn stains will go away. Aside from dirt and grime, black streaks, and the occasional bird droppings and other debris, this RV awning cleaning product can also remove mold and mildew with relative ease.

It is also ideal for cleaning your bathroom and kitchen, or wherever mold and mildew would usually rear their ugly heads.

There is no difficulty using this solution. For light stains, you do not even need to scrub. You just have to spray a bit of the cleaner onto the offending stain. It should be just enough to saturate the area. Wait for a minute or two, and then rinse the spot with cold water. The stain should come right off. For tougher stains, you may need to scrub the area a bit with a soft wash brush.

Aside from cleaning the awning fabric, the awning may earn a protective layer that prevents further stains while also providing U.V. protection. If you like to camp near the beach or frequent coastal camping spots, you will surely love how it can protect your awning against the corrosive effects of saltwater.

• Cleanser works equally well on acrylic and vinyl
• Can be used to remove mildew and mold
• Breezy application with light dirt and stains
• Versatile since you can use it on different surfaces and materials
• Provides a protective layer against saltwater, U.V. rays, and weathering
• One bottle is not enough to clean larger awnings

4. Korkay Awning Cleaner

This product is one of the most cost-effective RV awning cleaners that you will find in the market these days.

It is ideal if you have an RV cleaning business, or just like to keep your RV awning looking like new. You will be getting a gallon of concentrated cleaner, so this one bottle will last quite a long time.

Remarkably, this camper awning cleaner can deal with a lot of different kinds of dirt and grime. If you live in an area that is full of trees, then you probably have a problem with pollen sticking onto your camper awning. You will be glad to know that this cleaning product will have no problem whatsoever getting rid of green pollen.

Additionally, it can effectively clean mold off RV awning. As long as you have not let the mold stick onto the surface for too long, it will not cause any problem removing all traces of these unsightly fungal growths on your awning. If the mold stains have been there for a while, it might not be able to get rid of the stains completely.

However, it can remove enough that it will be hardly visible at all. I am also delighted to say that this cleaning product can be used on all awning materials. Regardless if it is made of vinyl, acrylic, or even canvas, this solution can clean them all without causing any damage whatsoever. However, if you are a bit apprehensive, you can test this canvas awning cleaner on a small inconspicuous spot first.

• A gallon of concentrated awning cleaner for a reasonable price.
• Safe for use on all awning materials
• Does not contain any bleach/chlorine
• Colour-safe and non-toxic
• An acrylic awning cleaner kills and removes mold and mildew
• Easy applying and wiping off; no rinsing required.
• When diluted, the solution tends to get too weak for deep cleaning purposes.

5. Star Brite Mildew Stain Remover

One thing that leaves a great impression on me regarding this surface cleaner spray is that it can quickly remove dirt and stains.

The best thing about this Star Brite model is that it immediately works upon contact. Just spray it onto the stain directly then watch and wait as the stain goes away. Once the stubborn dirt is gone, rinse off the excess cleanser.

This solution is a complete cleaning product. It contains a buffered bleach for getting rid of mold and mildew, chelating agents that effectively lift even deep-seated dirt and stains, and surfactants that cut through grease and grime. It means that whatever kind of dirt that you are tackling, you will only need this product. Also, even though it is a “mildew stain remover”, you can use it on any kind of stain.

As mentioned earlier, this cleaning product contains a buffered bleach agent. It is different from chlorine bleach as it does not damage the fabric, nor does it cause colors to fade. It means that you can also use it on upholstery without worrying about damaging it. I have even tested it using its full strength, and it did not harm the fabric at all.

I also notice that this cleaning solution is a very versatile product. It does not just work for awnings as well as for those items made of vinyl. You will also find this product useful on different materials and surfaces.

I have used this cleaner to get the dirt and stains out of a wooden deck, and it worked perfectly. Other surfaces that you can safely use it on include, but are not limited to, tiles and grout, concrete, drywall, fiberglass, and others.

• Works immediately upon contact
• No need to do any diluting or preparation to use
• Useful in cleaning a wide range of dirt and stains
• Does not contain any chlorine – a safe acrylic and vinyl awning cleaner
• Works effectively in cleaning different surfaces and materials
• Can cause slight chemical burns on your skin, so it is advisable to use protective gloves

6. Star Brite 071332 RV Awning Cleaner

This Star Brite awning cleaner is a budget-friendly model specifically formulated for cleaning cloth and vinyl awnings.

I highly appreciate its efficacy in removing different kinds of dirt and grime that usually get stuck onto the surface of my RV awning. These include tree sap, bird droppings, rotting leaves, and many more.

I also like how this product was able to remove the leaf stains left behind by the other awning cleaners used before. It can handle even those several-month-old stains. In fact, they completely disappear after I use this product on them.

The best part is that it does not cause any damage to the fabric. Furthermore, this canvas awning cleaner leaves a protective layer on the surface of the awning. It contains additives left behind on the surface of the awning material. It also actively repels dirt and grime, thus preventing stains from developing in the future.

This protective layer also protects against the UV rays of the sun, thus extending the service lifespan of the awning. Although it is marketed as an awning cleaner, it is quite versatile as you can use it on other outdoor fabrics.

For instance, among the patio furniture I have at home is a vinyl cloth hammock, and I regularly use this product to keep it clean and looking like new. I also use this product to clean and restore the color of my car and boat covers. After using it on them, they no longer look dusty and dingy. It somewhat restored the covers to almost brand-new condition.

• Comes as a multi-purpose cleaning RV awning bleach at an affordable price
• Can remove stains left on the awning for months
• Easily removes tree sap, bird droppings, and many other kinds of dirt on your RV
• Does not cause discoloration or damage the fabric
• Ideal for use in cleaning and maintaining many outdoor fabrics and surfaces
• Does not do a remarkable job at cleaning mold off camper awning

7. Camco 41022 Awning Cleaner

The next entry, the Camco 41022, is another safe yet versatile cleaning agent for use on any awning material.

Unlike other multi-purpose cleaners out there, this one from Camco can also kill and remove any trace of mold and mildew. I have been guilty of rolling up my awning without letting it dry completely, so mold and mildew have always been a problem of mine. Thanks to this cleaning product, those unsightly black and brown splotches have become a thing of the past.

Notably, this best awning cleaner for RV boasts of professional strength. In truth, it is so potent that it will start cleaning right on contact. Just spray a bit of the product on the offending stain and watch as the powerful surfactants in the cleaning product immediately lift the dirt off of the surface of the fabric.

Another amazing thing about it is that even though it can clean awning surfaces quite well, it does not contain any chlorine bleach.

It contains surfactants that effectively lift dirt and stains off of the top of the fabric, but without harming the fabric itself. Hence, you do not need to worry about the threads getting faded or weakened by this awning cleaner.

• Ideal for use on all awning materials
• Highly versatile to clean all types of outdoor upholstery
• Can effectively clean bird droppings, tree sap, leaf stains, and other types of dirt
• Works immediately upon contact y needs minimal scrubbing.
• Does not contain any chlorine so it will not cause color fading
• Can cause chemical burns on your hand if you are not careful

8. Valterra LLC V88542 Awning Cleaner

The Valterra LLC V88542 Awning Cleaner is specifically designed for removing all kinds of dirt from your RV awning.

I have tried it on the usual things that get stuck on the awnings, like dirt and dust, mold and mildew, tree sap, and many more, and I am happy to report that it provided exceptional results.

The Valterra awning cleaner is highly concentrated, so one bottle will go a long way. Just half a cup of this cleaner in a gallon of water will produce a potent cleaning product. It will be more than enough to clean a large 18-foot wide awning thoroughly. You can even load it into a spray bottle for a more accurate application of the product.

Best of all, we can use this product on all types of awning fabrics. It does not matter if you have a vinyl or canvas awning. The Valterra awning cleaner will be able to clean it thoroughly. Moreover, since it does not contain any chlorine bleach, using this cleaner will not cause the fabric on your awning to fade.

Apart from all the other benefits that this product provides, it also leaves behind a protective layer on top of the awning. This layer protects the fabric against stains, keeps dirt and grime from getting absorbed by the awning, and protects it from the dangerous UV rays of the sun. It means that it will not only clean your awning but also prevent it from getting damaged even further.

• Highly concentrated awning cleaner
• Can get rid of a variety of dirt and stains
• Can be used on different kinds of awning fabrics
• Does not cause discoloration nor damage the fabric itself
• Leaves a layer of protection against stains and harmful UV sun rays
• Has some trouble getting rid of deep-seated mold and mildew stains

9. Dometic D1205002 RV Awning Cleaner

Dometic is known for making some of the best RV accessories and cleaning products, and this awning cleaner is not an exception.

This premium-grade solution can help you deal with all sorts of dirt and grime, including bird droppings, bug splatters, and even mold and mildew.

Just spray it all over the awning, scrub with a soft brush then rinse. It can then restore the awning to its former glory. It does not also contain any chlorine bleach, so it is safe to use on colored awnings. Instead of bleach, this remover contains heavy-duty surfactants that chip away at, and lift off dirt and dust.

Apart from that, using this clean helo further protects the surface of the awning. This product also contains additives that leave a protective layer designed to prevent stains from happening. The protective layer cleans and moisturizes the surface of the awning fabric even.

• Strong enough to effectively treat different kinds of stains and dirt
• Immediately cleans upon contact of the dirt
• Does not contain chlorine or cause discoloration nor damage the stitches
• Ideal for use in cleaning both vinyl and or acrylic awnings
• Leaves a protective film that prevents further damage and stains
• Needs quite a lot of elbow grease to produce the best results

10. Duragloss 542 RV Cleaner

If you want professional-grade results, then you will need to use a professional-grade cleaning product, too and that is exactly what Duragloss marine and RV cleaner can provide. If you have a vinyl awning, and you are adamant about keeping it clean and spotless, then it is one of the best investments you will ever make for your RV.

Aside from the vinyl awnings, it can also work wonders on all the non-porous surfaces on the RV. You can use this cleaner on fiberglass, plastic, and tiles. Even if the stain has penetrated deep inside the material, this professional-grade cleaner will get rid of it completely, or at the very least, make it fade so much that it is hardly visible.

I am pleased to find out there is no chlorine or any other highly caustic materials in this cleaner that can damage your awning. It does the job relying on a specially blended combination of surfactants that work similarly to chlorine bleach. Hence, no sign of color becomes faded, or the stitches get weakened.

Another thing that I truly love about this product is how effectively it works against mold and mildew. Even for ones left on the surface and allowed to dry and stain for a long time, just one application of Duragloss cleaner can eliminate all. For tough stains, you can also use it at full-strength and scrub it into the offending stain.

• A cleaning product used by professionals
• Can work wonders on even the dirtiest vinyl RV awning
• Highly versatile with its effectiveness on fiberglass, plastic, and tiled surfaces
• Does not contain any chlorine bleach, so there is no risk of discoloration
• Completely kills and removes mold and mildew
• Not durable package

Best RV Awning Cleaners Buying Guide

As mentioned earlier, there are lots of different RV awning cleaners available in the market today, and not all of them can do a good job. Some may even cause severe damage to your awning. To find out which product will get the job done, here are some of the things you need to keep an eye out for:

The material of your awning – The very first thing that you need to consider when shopping for an awning cleaning product is the actual material used in your awning. Your awning is likely made of either vinyl or acrylic fabric material. It is best to look for a cleaning product specifically formulated to clean either one of these materials.

Using a vinyl awning cleaner on acrylic awnings may cause serious damage on the fabric, or at the very least, unsightly discolored patches on the awning. There is also the issue of using the wrong cleaning product. It may cause damage to the waterproof coating, making the awning relatively useless.

On the other hand, you can find certain brands of awning cleaners that are relatively safe to use on both vinyl and acrylic materials. Take care when choosing this type of product as choosing the wrong one may lead to you spending a couple of hundred dollars or more on a replacement awning fabric.

Price – Another thing you should seriously consider is the amount of money you are willing to pay for the product. When it comes to awning cleaning products, having a higher price does not necessarily mean that the item is automatically better than the cheaper ones.

However, that does not mean that you should just get the most affordable one. You may not like how the product is watered down to reduce costs. One tip before shopping is to set a reasonable budget. Do not set the limit too low, though, or you will have no other choice but to buy the cheapest and usually the least effective cleaner.

You do not need to buy the most expensive one too. You should try to stick to the average price as much as you can. To make it easier to choose, it is advisable to look for customer reviews online so that you will have an idea of how effective a certain product truly is.

Effectiveness – The only real way to test how effective a certain product is at cleaning your RV’s awning is to buy a small amount of it and test it out on a small, hidden portion of the awning fabric. It is a big help in finding out how effective it is at cleaning.

If it causes any damage or discoloration, at least you did not waste money on a large container of the stuff. A good product is one that can clean without the need for any extra effort in your part. You can find some good and reliable brands of awning cleaners in the market right now that you just need to spray them onto the surface and wipe off.

You do not need to scrub it in and rinse. Also, if you still need to scrub, it should not be so thorough that it leaves your shoulder extremely sore afterward. If it is not possible to get just a small container or even just a small packet of the said RV cleaner, another way to get important information is to search for online customer reviews.

You can usually find reliable firsthand customer experience stories in online retail sites.

Ease of use – You should get an RV awning cleaner that is ready to use. If possible, it should be in a convenient spray bottle so that you can immediately use it once opened. Some cleaners still need to be diluted and used like normal detergent, which is not that much of a bother.

However, if you want to do a spot cleaning treatment, then it would be best for you to go for a ready-to-use product. You can also find some solutions that are so potent that you just need to spray them onto the stain, and you can watch them lift the dirt and stain away.

You only need to wipe away the excess cleaner. It does not even require you to rinse it off. Moreover, the cleaner should at least be potent enough that it can thoroughly clean surfaces in just one pass.

It means that there is no need for a second or third application. You can choose professional-grade products that are so effective that they only take a bit of the stuff to get rid of dirt and grime.

Versatility – Although it is best to get a dedicated awning cleaner, it is more cost-effective to get a cleaning product that you can use to clean the other surfaces in your RV as well. For instance, you should go for a vinyl awning cleaner that can also be used to clean the plastic dashboard, door panels, and other plastic or vinyl parts of the RV.

However, even if the packaging states that the product is safe for certain materials, you should always do a test application on a hidden part of the thing that you will be cleaning first. You have to do the test just to be on the safe side. If there will be any staining, it will at least be somewhere that is not visible.

Composition – The composition is yet another important factor to consider. You need to check the label to find out if the cleaning product you intend to buy contains any harsh ingredients that might cause the awning fabric to fade or get discolored. Stay away from cleaners that contain acids, abrasive particles, and chlorine.

It is because these substances can potentially damage your awning. Also, look for cleaners that have additives capable of leaving a protective layer on top of the awning. This protective layer should be able to prevent further stains from getting in the awning material. It should be like wax and polish for cars.

Safety – It is also important to consider the level of safety provided by the product, especially if you have pets and/or young children in the family. Choose a product that is not only non-toxic but also biodegradable.

If you ever misplace the container of awning cleaner, and your kids somehow got a hold of it, you can at least breathe easy that they will not get poisoned or become seriously ill. It should also be biodegradable so in case you ever spill any of the stuff on the ground, grass, or plants, they will not suffer from any negative effects because of its chemicals.

Brand Name – Of course, you can almost guarantee that an awning cleaning product that came from a well-known brand will be more effective than one made by a smaller, lesser-known brand. The great thing about choosing based on brand names is that the company making the cleaner cannot afford to put out a sub-par product.

It is because doing so can ruin the reputation they have worked long and hard to establish. On the other hand, there will always be some up-and-coming brands that can give the more popular brands a run for their money. Finding them takes a bit more effort, though, so you have to be patient.

How Many Types of Awning Cleaners for RV Are There?

When shopping for this type of cleaning solution, you will discover that it does not have that many different types. It is the reason why you can see this product being categorized only based on final packaging. In that case, some common options are the following:

Gallon Bottles – These types of awning cleaners are ideal for those who like to buy in bulk, like those who run their own car wash business, or just someone who likes to keep their RV clean and sparkling.

You need to pour the cleaner out and into a spray bottle before you can use it. In some cases, you might even need to dilute the substance by adding water.

Spray Bottles – These RV awning cleaners are the most convenient choices as you can already use them immediately once you take off the seal. These solutions are already prepared and ready to spray onto the surface that needs cleaning. You just need to work a bit of this solution into the surface and wipe it away.

Hose Connectors – These products refer to those cleaners with nozzles that can attach to any regular garden hose. It will automatically dilute the cleaner and spray it onto the surface that needs cleaning. It is great for detailed cleaning of large awnings, like the ones that are 18-feet or wider.

How do RV awning cleaners work?

The reason why RV awning cleaners can do such a good job in cleaning, even though they do not contain any bleach, is that they use natural chemicals that bind onto the dirt and grime and lift them from the surface of the fabric material. RV cleaning products work better than water because they have lower surface tension.

It makes them attract dirt even better. Aside from that, it promotes ease in getting off with just minimal scrubbing. These cleaners do not have any harsh detergents that can dry up and ruin the waterproof coating applied on the awning fabric. It even adds more protection when applied.

The reason why these cleaners can do such a good job at cleaning even though they do not contain harsh bleaches is that they come with efficient surfactants. These surfactants refer to those substances that lower the surface tension of the water. With that, expect these substances to get in and under the dirt and stains, lift them, and wash them away.

Who Makes the Best Awning Cleaner for RV?

A lot of different brands sell RV awning cleaners, but in my experience, only a few of them can be trusted. Among those brands that deserve the trust of the public are Camco, Thetford, B.E.S.T., Korkay, Star Brite, Valterra, Dometic, and Duragloss.

What Should I Use to Clean My Awning?

As previously mentioned, you will need the right kinds of awning cleaner for the material. Also, keep in mind that depending on how dirty or stained your awning is, you will either need a microfiber rag (or any clean rag you might have around). You may also need a soft scrub brush to get the cleaner deep into the dirt and knock it loose.

If your awning has deep-seated dirt, then you might need to make two or three more passes to get most of it out. If even after a couple of passes you still find plenty of stubborn stains on your awning, it means you have taken too long to clean it and it is now permanently stained.

You should just take your loss and do not force yourself to remove the stains as you would most likely create more damage and possibly completely ruin the awning.

How Do I Get Mold Off My RV Awning?

The most likely reason why mold formed on your awning fabric is that you rolled it up while it was still wet with rain and you did not let it dry properly. Most people’s first reaction to it is to use vinegar to get rid of the mold, but that is not a good idea. Vinegar contains acid, which will damage the weatherproof coating of the awning.

Fortunately, you can find several brands of RV awning cleaner that can handle mold and mildew just as good as vinegar or bleach, but with the added benefit of not damaging the awning fabric.

Moreover, most awning cleaners come with additives that leave a protective layer on the surface of the awning that prevents stains from happening. You can also expect it to offer adequate protection from the UV rays.

Can I Use Bleach on My RV Awning?

It is generally advised that one should not use chlorine bleach when cleaning fabric awnings because it can cause discoloration while also washing away the protective coating that makes it waterproof. If there are tough stains on the awning, you can use non-chlorine bleach.

It would be best for you to choose the one, which is color-safe, but use it sparingly. Aside from causing discoloration, if the chlorine concentration in the cleaner is high enough, it can eat through the material. Usually, the first thing to go is the cotton stitching at the hem of the awning. When that goes, everything else will start to unravel.

It would be best for you to use dedicated RV awning cleaning products to ensure that your awning will look like new for many more years to come.

Care and Maintenance

If there is still a lot of RV awning cleaner that is left over, then you can rest assured that you can still keep the product for a couple of years before it goes bad. Make sure that the bottle is closed up tightly. You should also keep it in a cool and dark area and make sure that it is not exposed to direct sunlight.

Other Awning Cleaners We Reviewed

Thetford 32822 32-oz. Premium RV Awning Cleaner

This awning cleaning product is specifically formulated for cleaning vinyl awnings, but you will also find it useful for other cleaning purposes that you might have.

Key Features:

• Does not contain any chlorine – It will not damage nor discolor the awning.
• Can be used to clean vinyl, rubber, and even plastic without causing any damage
• This product is very safe – It is non-toxic, non-flammable, and biodegradable.

303 (30313CSR) Products Aerospace Protectant

This product will provide a protective layer on your RV awning to keep it looking new and damage-free for many years to come.

• Safe for use on vinyl, rubber, fiberglass, and many other parts of your RV
• Protects your awning against discoloration while also repelling dirt and dust, thus preventing stains
• Does not need to be rinsed off – It can leave a non-greasy, matte finish.

TR Industries Gel-Gloss RV Wash and Wax

This solution is a wash and wax cleaning product that you can use on all parts of your RV. Aside from cleaning the surface, it also does a pretty good job of protecting it with the aid of a protective coating.

• Single-step cleaner and wax
• Comes with carnauba wax additives to provide extra protection and a deep shine
• Completely biodegradable and safe for the environment

PROSOL Bugs N All All-Purpose Interior & Exterior RV Cleaner

The Bugs N All professional cleaning product can handle a wide variety of different stains and dirt, not just on the RV awning, but also the other parts. It can even clean the interior.

• A concentrated product – It can make a total of two quarts of cleaning products.
• Can work well on a wide variety of dirt and stains that might occur on your RV
• Ideal for use on both the exterior and the interior of the RV
• Does not contain any chlorine bleach as it will not damage or discolor your RV awning

Korkay 1-quart Awning Cleaner and Black Streak Remover

This product is a multi-purpose cleaner, but it is mainly made for cleaning RV awnings. It does not contain any chlorine or acids, so it will not cause any discoloration.

• Highly convenient as it already comes in a handy spray bottle while also being ready to use
• Can thoroughly clean vinyl awnings without causing any discoloration – It can even protect the awning against potential damage and stains
• Cleans the rubber tires, painted surfaces, and fiberglass components of the RV

Star Brite RV Wash & Wax

This product is an all-purpose RV cleaner that you can use to clean the exterior of your RV, including the awning.

• One step clean and shine process – The product comes with a polish to keep the surface shiny.
• Highly concentrated cleaning product – A couple of capfuls of it mixed in an equal number of buckets of water is enough to clean an entire RV.
• Won’t remove any existing wax on the gel coat nor harm the waterproof coating of the awning

303 Products 30570 1-gal. Marine & Recreation Multi-Surface Cleaner

This solution is an all-purpose surface cleaner that you can use, not just on the RV awning, but also on all parts of the RV where tough stains might present themselves.

• Can clean virtually all kinds of surfaces and will not leave any unsightly residue
• Can be used to treat any parts of the RV
• Ideal for use on household purposes as it will not cause any sort of discoloration whatsoever

30 SECONDS Outdoor Cleaner

If you need a quick and easy way to clean your RV awning without the need for any sort of scrubbing, then you need to get a bottle of the 30 Seconds Outdoor Cleaner and try it out for yourself.

• Comes in a bottle that can be directly connected to any regular garden hose
• Simple application – You just need to spray this stuff onto the awning, and rinse it off right after; no scrubbing required.
• Readily biodegradable as it will break down once rinsed away

IOSSO Mold & Mildew Stain Remover

This product is a highly concentrated cleaner specially formulated for RV awnings and the like.

• Can remove stains left behind by tree sap, black streaks, bird droppings, and even rotting leaves
• Does not contain any chlorine bleach, which ensures that it will not damage fabrics nor cause discoloration
• Can be used to clean awnings, vehicle covers, tents, and the like

Scotts 32-oz. Outdoor Cleaner

This product is another quick and easy way to make your RV awning sparkling clean. It is tough on dirt and stains, but gentle on the fabric.

• The bottle attaches to any regular garden hose for easy and efficient application.
• Immediately foams and works upon contact with the surface
• Needs very minimal scrubbing to lift any deep-seated stains

RV owners like yourself need to take better care of your RV awning. Maybe the next time you wash your RV, you should also include the awning fabric. Just like the other components of your vehicle, the awning also needs proper care and maintenance so that it can last for as long as possible.

For that, you will need to use the best RV awning cleaner. Hopefully, you can gather all the necessary information to find and purchase an awning cleaner that can thoroughly clean and protect the material.

Hi, I am Tom Hank, an RV-er since 2014. Back then, I started without much help. As you can imagine, the struggles are endless. But now, you do not have to begin your adventures knowing next to nothing about RV lives.

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Best RV Awning Cleaner Guide

A high-quality cleaner can make cleaning easier and extend the lifespan of your awning, so here's a guide to the best rv awning cleaning products..

• 1 A high-quality cleaner can make cleaning easier and extend the lifespan of your awning, so here's a guide to the best RV awning cleaning products.
• 2.1 1. B.E.S.T. Awning Cleaner
• 2.2 2. Camco Pro-Strength Awning Cleaner
• 2.3 3. Thetford Premium Awning Cleaner
• 2.4 4. Star Brite Mildew Stain Remover
• 2.5 5. 303 Multi-Surface Cleaner
• 3 What Do You Recommend?
• 4 Curious about the gear, gadgets, accessories, and RV products Mike & Jennifer use and recommend?

Jennifer and I rarely use our awning if we are staying only one night at a place. But when we stay longer, our awning becomes an extension of our living space. As we like to say, we have a small house, BIG yard !

Proper care is essential and can extend the life of your awning. A big part of proper maintenance of your RV's awning is cleaning it.

5 Best Awning Cleaners for RVs

We've narrowed it down to the top 5 so you can decide which is the best RV awning cleaner for you!

1. B.E.S.T. Awning Cleaner    

This cleaner got its name for a reason– it’s consistently listed as the best RV awning cleaner. 

It’s known for its ease of use. For regular cleaning, all you have to do is spray it on your awning and rinse it off. No need for a scrub brush and elbow grease!

BEST Awning Cleaner removes mold, mildew, and other stains or adherents quickly. It also has UV protective coating against powerful UV rays that would otherwise cause sun damage and fade your awning.

This product is also extremely affordable and works on any awning fabric. 

As great a cleaner as this is, there are a couple of drawbacks. It might not be as effective as other products at removing extreme cases of black streaks. To treat highly soiled awnings, you might look at some of my other recommendations. 

2. Camco Pro-Strength Awning Cleaner  

This Camco awning cleaner is a popular choice among RV owners due to its reasonable price and high cleaning efficacy. That makes it a strong candidate for the best RV awning cleaner in my book!

To use the product, you mix four ounces of the concentrated formula into one gallon of water. Or, you may choose to use the concentrate directly on stubborn stains. This is a great product for general awning maintenance and for eliminating built-up grime.

This product is okay to use on acrylic fabric, nylon, and vinyl awnings. It will be gentle on your awning material but is an effective cleaner for removing bugs, tree sap, dirt, bird droppings, and road grime. 

You can also use this to remove mildew, mold, and black streaks, depending on their intensity. Apply the product with a soft brush or sponge. If stains are deep, you will want to apply it with pressure (and maybe a couple of times). 

One slight drawback of this Camco product is that it does not provide UV protection for your awning. 

While it does not have a strong chemical odor, it does contain chemicals that may irritate your skin. Be sure to wear gloves while using the product.

Overall, some consider this the best RV awning cleaner. It will clean your awning well and help keep it in great condition on a budget.

3. Thetford Premium Awning Cleaner  

Thetford Premium RV Awning Cleaner is my third choice for the best RV awning cleaner. It is biodegradable and very effective at removing dirt and grime from your awning. 

It is simple to use. Just pour the product into a spray bottle, spray onto the awning and wipe with a cloth. 

It can be used on any type of awning material, including fabric, vinyl, and plastic. 

Another great benefit of this cleaner is the added protection it provides for your awning. There is UV ray protection included in the product. This helps prevent your awning from discoloring and deteriorating. 

In addition, the product has a nice odor. Many current cleaners on the market can have a noxious odor. This Thetford cleaner provides a nice odor that won’t linger. 

One drawback of this cleaner is that it might need more than one application to remove heavy stains or particularly dirty RV awnings. 

4. Star Brite Mildew Stain Remover

The fourth best RV awning cleaner on my list is Star Brite Mold and Mildew Stain Remover. This product was designed to remove mildew. It was specially developed to remove up to a year's worth of mildew. 

It is safe for most awning materials, including fiberglass, vinyl, and plastic. However, it may not be safe for all, since it uses a buffered-bleach formula. When used on the right material, that formula provides excellent cleaning power. 

Star Brite’s special formula is easy to use and does not require heavy scrubbing. Spray it on and leave it for a while, only giving tough stains a light brushing. Then rinse it off. 

For a “like new” clean, provide a few applications of the product to the heavily soiled areas. 

This product does smell strongly like bleach. It is also recommended to use gloves when applying it since it contains sodium hypochlorite. In addition, be mindful of the product run-off and avoid plants and other water sources. 

While this product is a leading pick to treat mildew, be sure to test it on an inconspicuous area the first time you use it. That way you can see if it will discolor your awning material. 

Overall, this is one of the best products out there for mold or mildew removal. 

5. 303 Multi-Surface Cleaner  

303 Multi-Surface Cleaner is one of the most user-friendly products on the market. It has excellent multi-purpose abilities, while offered at an affordable price. 

This product is solvent and dye-free, making it a suitable choice for even the most delicate and synthetic fabric awnings. 

Easy-to-use, simply spray the product on your awning, give it a scrub with a stiff brush, and rinse off. Once sprayed, the cleaning solution loosens grime well. 

For hard stains, you may need more than one application. Or, leave the product on longer and scrub a little more. 

While this is an excellent general use product, it is not designed to treat mildew growth or mold stains. It may not work effectively to do so. 

Overall, is not the most cost-effective brand on the market. 

It does a great job cleaning general dirt and grime, easily. Plus, it can also be used on delicate materials. For that, we listed it in the number five spot for the best RV awning cleaner.

Be sure to check out our other article on RV Awning Tips and Tricks!

What Do You Recommend?

We'd love to hear if you've discovered any other RV awning cleaner that works like a charm. Please share in the comments!

Curious about the gear, gadgets, accessories, and RV products Mike & Jennifer use and recommend?

On this  RV Lifestyle Travel blog , our  RV Podcast  and our  RV Lifestyle YouTube Channel,  we mention all sorts of RV-related products and gear that we use, So we created a special page that links to them. We update this all the time.   CLICK HERE to go to it directly. Have you caught one of our Amazon LIVE events yet? Just  go here and Follow us  – to be notified every time we go live.

Published on 2021-04-18

Mike Wendland is a multiple Emmy-award-winning Journalist, Podcaster, YouTuber, and Blogger, who has traveled with his wife, Jennifer, all over North America in an RV, sharing adventures and reviewing RV, Camping, Outdoor, Travel and Tech Gear for the past 12 years. They are leading industry experts in RV living and have written 18 travel books.

5 Responses to “Best RV Awning Cleaner Guide”

December 22, 2021at9:27 pm , Dalton Bourne said:

I love the B.E.S.T. awning cleaner. I had an RV awning with stains and mildew spots caused by winter rains. I used this awning cleaner, and it did a quick and easy clean-up. The underside of the awning is now shiny white once again. I love how easy this cleaner is to use. All that I need to do is spray and hose it off. Also, I wouldn’t have to worry about my awning falling victim to sun damage either, as this cleaner offers protection against those dangerous UV rays.

October 22, 2021at2:28 am , Elijah Ackhurst said:

Well, this is an awesome post and written very well. Your point of view is very good.

June 06, 2021at9:29 am , Best RV Awning Cleaner Guide (Our 2021 Reviews) - 2boomersandababy said:

[…] Source link […]

May 30, 2021at3:17 am , Juliet Cyrus said:

We use Camco awning cleaner and are very pleased with it. One thing I find so impressive about the Camco Pro-strength cleaning product is that it is tested to be safe for all kinds of awning fabrics. Deals with tough dirt and stains like tree sap, bird droppings, and the like.

April 18, 2021at3:15 pm , brian j richards said:

When I need to clean my underside of my RV awning, I found this product at Walmart in the RV section near the automotive section, It’s called “Miracle Mist” Instant Mold and Mildew Cleaner, specifically for RV’s and boats. All you do is spray on liberally all the affected areas and after a couple of minutes to allow it to do it’s job, just rinse off thoroughly with a water hose. Repeat if necessary for the more grungier spots, no scrubbing required! I first discovered it about 3 years ago when we had our first RV and it cost $5.99 for a 32oz. bottle. It’s now up to $7.99, EEEEK! but I’ll continue to use it as when needed. Precaution… wear an old white shirt and a ratty old ballcap when using as it does contain bleach, as i learned the hard way ruining a good pair of shorts the first time I used the product! You should allow commenters to post pictures with their comments.

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5 Ways to Clean Your RV Awning (+DIY awning cleaner!)

If you’re like me and have rolled out your RV awning only to look up and see gross black marks or mold, you’re not alone – so let me show you some of the best ways to clean it!

The marks usually come from moisture left in the awning (such as after a rain) or just after a long time in storage as moisture builds up.

It can seem pretty intimidating to do since it’s hard to actually scrub it (on a ladder, looking up and scrubbing… ugh!) but luckily there are some easy ways to do it.

Let’s go!

I’m going to start with the least abrasive/damaging to the vinyl awning first…

Ask this question in any group, and you’ll get alot of reccommendations AND opinions. Many people feel some of the stronger cleaners can strip the protective layer off of the awning and cause it to age or become brittle faster than normal.

It seems people have alot of success with most methods, but some are pretty intense and most agree they should be avoided. For example, Simple Green and other strong cleaners can actually dry rot the glue and stitching!

I’ll leave it up to you though to make the best choice for your situation.

Here’s the methods we’ll go over to best clean your RV awning

• Dometic DIY Awning Mix!

Dawn + Baking Soda

Magic eraser mop.

• Starbrite/409/30 second cleaner (pre packaged cleaners)
• LA Awesome Spray (use with caution!)
• 303 Sealant to finish the job!

Dometic DIY RV Awning Recommendation Mix!

This method does include bleach, but since it’s coming from Dometic (a major manufacturer of all things campers/RVs) I wanted to include it at the top for sure!

Dometics DIY Awning Cleaning Mixture

• 1/4 cup of Dawn dish detergent
• 1/2 cup Clorox
• 1 gallon water

Spray on the mixture and scrub with a brush. Then roll up your awning, and wait 20-30 mins. Unroll and spray it clean!

Mix up some dawn in a bucket of warm water and use a mop handle (I have a swiffer mop handle I use!) with an old rag on it. Sprinkle some baking soda and scrub!

It’s a bit more intense than other ways, but it’s not as harsh as some chemicals that can break down the awning material. I also love that it uses something I already have around the house!

Make sure to rinse and dry completely before rolling it up!

This is the easiest go to (and I’m quite a fan of it for almost everything else!) and is great for an initial easy to moderate clean or upkeep.

Just open up your awning and wipe! If the buildup hasn’t been there long (meaning you didn’t buy a used camper and the stains have been sitting there for some unkown amount of time) then it will come off easy and leave a fresh smell.

You can pick one up almost anywhere (I see them in Home Depot and Walmart), but I did include an Amazon link below if you’re the type who prefers that!

StarBrite, CAMCO Awning Cleaner, etc (non DIY options)

When it comes to buying something premade, there’s quite a selection! They do basically the same thing – quickly remove mold and mildew stains.

For these, after applying to your awning, you only need to let a sit for a couple of minutes! Always check the specific directions on the packaging, but these cleaners are the go to if you prefer something “professional” and don’t want to DIY

• Starbrite – It specifically mentions that it’s for use on RVs and other outdoor things as well as being very good at getting rid of mildew stains!
• Camco awning cleane r – Camco is a brand everyone knows, so it can feel pretty reassuring to use something from their brand on your RV. You do need to dilute it, but I like that it says it’s safe to use on even fabric awnings and that it removes things like sap!

LA/Totally Awesome Spray from the Dollar Tree

If you’re on a budget and absolutely cannot afford anything else, this might be an option. Being from the dollar tree, it’s of course filled with a ton of really crazy chemicals and many people on RV forums seem to agree that it can destory the integrity of your awning.

If you do choose to use this, make sure to dilute it and wear proper PPE (goggles, gloves, clothes you don’t care about etc).

I’m only putting this on the list because I know it’s so popular, but I wanted to address the possible effects of it’s use long term!

Don’t forget to RESEAL your awning after cleaning!

Many forget to do this, but if you’re someone who cleans your awning often or opt for the quicker but more abbrasive cleaners, put some 303 on to really finish the job!

As well as being recommended by some awning pros in some of my fav RV groups I’m in, the product info page itself says this:

“303 Aerospace Protectant also repels dust, dirt, lint, soiling, staining, water spots, salt water and mildew. Safe and effective for vinyl, gel-coat, fiberglass, carbon fiber, synthetic/natural rubber, plastics and finished leather. It’s great for use on vinyl awnings to keep them from fading and cracking”

I hope you found the best choice to clean your awning! Here are some more articles to help keep your camper clean and tidy!

• 61 ways to kick the clutter in your camper !
• Here are the spots your probably missed while cleaning your camper (EW!)
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• Get these four free camp log pages to keep your camp trip memories organized!
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2 thoughts on “5 Ways to Clean Your RV Awning (+DIY awning cleaner!)”

Thank you for sharing your tips, this is very helpful for me. I’ll keep reading your post.

You’re welcome Cyrus! I’m happy these helped you clean your RV Awning! – Stacy

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HI! I'm Stacy, AKA “The Crazy Outdoor Mama”

I'm the voice behind the website, and I hope you've found what you needed! I'm an outdoorsy married mother of three from Wyoming, and I LOVE creating resources that make camping and other outdoor activities easier!

How To Clean Your RV Awning (5 Simple Steps)

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Your RV’s awning protects you from the weather, sun, and other outside elements. Because of this, it collects dirt and debris brought on by trees, bugs, rain, and so on.

Cleaning your awning is essential to extend its lifespan and keep it looking new.

So, let’s look at how to clean RV awnings in 5 simple steps, how to remove mold and mildew, and more.

Quick Cleaning Guide

In a nutshell, cleaning your RV’s awning will require just five steps and will only take about 5 minutes (of actual work).

• Mix soap and water in a bucket and put it in a garden sprayer or a trigger sprayer.
• Spray the mixture on the underside of your awning — the part that’s not directly exposed to sunlight.
• Roll up your awning and let it sit with the mixture for at least one hour.
• Open your awning again and rinse it with water using a hose.
• Let your awning dry completely before closing it again.

This is arguably one of the quickest and easiest ways to get your awning back to its original state (or as close to the original as possible).

Now, let’s go into a little more detail about each step.

Cleaning Your RV Awning Step-by-Step

Cleaning your RV awning should take no more than an hour, but the time you’re going to spend physically working on it should only be around 5 minutes.

Tip : I like to wash my RV between steps 3 and 4 (while the cleaner is sitting on the rolled-up awning) and then finish cleaning my awning when rinsing off the RV.

Here are the five steps enumerated above but in a little more detail so you know what other things to look out for.

Step 1: How To Make An RV Awning Cleaner (DIY)

Your RV awning cleaner can include any household soap that isn’t too harsh. Many RV owners like using dish soap because they’re softer on the hands than many laundry detergents. But there are a plethora of cleaners you can use.

Hydrogen peroxide is a popular cleaner because it kills bacteria and viruses more effectively than dishwashing soaps. You can also use car soaps, window cleaners, and even bleach if you have especially hard-to-remove stains.

Just know that bleach, if not properly diluted and left on your awning too long, may reduce its life span. We are not part of the camp that says absolutely no bleach. We’ve used it with success ourselves. But be sure to use it properly and test it on a small part of your awning first to ensure it doesn’t cause any discoloration issues.

What Do We Recommend?

I recommend you use a simple and effective household dish soap like Dawn Ultra Dish Soap . Your mixture should consist of eight parts water for every two parts cleaner.

If you need some extra cleaning power or you’ve noticed a little mold and mildew on your awning, I recommend you use Star Brite Mold & Mildew Stain Remover + Cleaner.

Star Brite Mold & Mildew Stain Remover + Cleaner

Clicking this link to make a purchase may earn us a commission at no additional cost to you.

Step 2: Spray Your Awning

Now that you’ve mixed your solution and have your sprayer ready to go, it’s time to learn how to spray the cleaner onto your awnings correctly.

Essentially, you need to cover the underside of the awning completely. If you’re cleaning them while they’re hanging, use a small stool so that you don’t strain your back.

An automatic sprayer will cut your workload in half. Just be sure that no other chemicals have been used in the sprayer before.

Step 3: Roll Up The Awning

When you’ve completely covered the underside of your awning with your cleaner of choice, it’s time to roll it up.

Letting your awning sit with soap and water is an excellent motivator for cleaning other parts of your RV. Many RV owners, myself included like to clean their interior and/or exterior as the awning soaks up the cleaner.

Side note : If you need help working your awning, check out our guide on how to open and close an RV awning .

Step 4: Open & Rinse Your Awning

After an hour, and hopefully, after you’ve done some more chores, you can unspool your awning and use a garden hose to rinse the underside and top.

If you’ve followed the soap-to-water ratio outlined above, it shouldn’t take you very long to rinse it off. But, if you went a little heavy on the soap, it might take a bit longer.

You can use a step stool if you’re washing awnings that are permanently attached to their frames.

Step 5: Let The Awning Dry Completely

Letting your awning dry is as simple as leaving it open and letting it dry in the sun. This method is the easiest but the longest part of the clean-up process. Drying an awning can take several hours.

Once completely dry, close the awning, and you’re done!

Awning Cleaning & Maintenance Tips

Awnings come in many different fabrics, but the two most mainstream materials are acrylic and vinyl.

Acrylic is not as waterproof as vinyl but can survive short showers without water penetration. However, if you pinch an acrylic awning on its underside while the top is wet, water will begin seeping through. It’s preferable to hose dirt, dead bugs, and other debris off your acrylic awning instead of scrubbing it, or you might reduce its water protection.

Vinyl is waterproof, but it has trouble adjusting to high humidity. While vinyl awnings themselves are highly resistant to mildew, fungus still grows on the dirt and dust that can accumulate as you use them outdoors. Make sure to regularly clean your vinyl awnings, especially when pulling them out of storage after a long time.

When using an awning after it’s been in storage for a while, you need to inspect it for stains and mildew. I recommend making it part of your camper winterization and de-winterization processes. You will have a more difficult time removing mildew from an acrylic awning, but most commercial cleaners, like Star Brite Mold & Mildew Stain Remover, can quickly kill and clear it away from both vinyl and acrylic material.

Do not use wire brushes or other abrasive materials, as they can tear through or poke small holes in your awning.

After cleaning, you should always allow your awning to dry completely in the sun, or mildew might start forming on it again.

Can You Pressure Wash an RV Awning?

Power washing an awning may seem like a great idea, but it’s not recommended. You need to be careful when using high pressure to wash your awning as you could potentially damage it and/or shorten its lifespan. Only use a power washer if you’ve power washed before and are familiar with the pressure settings.

Can I Use Bleach on My RV Awning?

Yes, you can use bleach to clean your awning. But be sure to properly dilute the bleach and do not leave it on your awning fabric for too long, as it may reduce the lifespan of your awning. Also, it’s a good idea to test it on a small part of your awning first to ensure it doesn’t cause any discoloration issues.

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Here’s How To Clean RV Awning & How Often You Should Do It

• Last Updated: February 20, 2024
• 11 minutes read

One of the best parts about having an RV is the opportunity to enjoy an outdoor living space fully. The awning on your RV is an essential part of that outdoor space.

The awning can protect you and your gear from the rain and, more often, give you some much-needed relief from the sun. 

If you’ve camped anywhere with your RV and utilized the awning, then you know full well that the awning picks up a lot of dirt and grime.

Maybe you’ve travelled through the Adirondacks and after parking under trees for a week, your awning is left covered in sticky sap stains.

Or even worse, mold and mildew have grown from extended use in a humid climate. That’s why proper upkeep and maintenance should be a primary concern for all RV owners. 

Now, we know that we want to keep our RV in tip-top shape, so that means knowing how to clean your awning correctly and how often to clean your awning. Ideally, awning cleaning should become a regular part of your RV care regimen. 

Follow these 7 simple steps to clean your RV or camper awning:

• Hose both sides of your awning RV awning off
• Prepare your cleaning solution
• Spray awning cleaner on the underside
• Apply cleaning solution on the top of the awning with brush
• Gently Scrub the fabric at any mold or mildew stains
• Rinse the both sides of awning with your hose
• Let awning dry completely

Now that you know the process but listing them out like this comes off a little vague. But don’t worry! we go into great detail about this cleaning process in the rest of this article.

Keep reading and I’ll break down the steps of the process and offer up some professional tips and tricks to quickly and efficiently clean your RV awning. I’ll also answer a few other questions that might be rattling inside your mind. 

why you should clean your RV awning

Before I jump in to give you our “how-to” guide to cleaning your RV awning, let’s talk about why it is crucial to keep your awning clean. Like anything, with time and use, your awning can degrade.

However, there are protective measures you can take that will lengthen the lifespan of the awning. 

Consistent cleaning is one of the most accessible and most affordable ways to keep your awning at its best.

When we talk about cleaning, we don’t just mean dusting the awning off. We want to get a deep clean that rids the materials of dirt, grime, and protect it from the potential of mold or mildew.

While bird poop and dirt can be an issue, the bigger culprit of awning degradation is mold and mildew so avoiding those are a priority. 

Mold and mildew can usually be prevented by doing one thing: never rolling up your awning when it is wet.

This isn’t always possible, especially if you are on a specific travel schedule. Plus, there are always those instances when you think the awning has dried out completely, but there was a bit of damp material left.  

Whether or not you have mold or mildew, it is recommended that you clean your RV awning at least once per year.

Most RVers do this while winterizing their RV. If you are a full-time RVer, I personally recommend a quick clean every couple of months and then a deep clean once a year. 

Now, let’s talk about proper cleaning methods.

How to Clean Your RV Awning: Step by Step

There are a few ways to clean off your awning effectively. We will provide information and steps for two different cleaning methods below.

There is a lot of overlap in the process for both cleaning options, so they will be listed together. 

Materials Needed

The good news is that cleaning your RV awning doesn’t take all that long, and you don’t need a lot of materials to get the job done. 

Here’s what you need:

Cleaning Solution

Spray Bottle

Optional : Stiff-bristled brush (acrylic awning) or a soft-bristled brush (vinyl awning)

1: Hose Both Sides Of Your Awning RV Awning Off

The first thing that you need to do is set up your awning. Once the awning is appropriately set up, you’ll need to get your water hose.

Hose the awning off entirely before doing anything else. This will clean any loose debris and prep the material for the cleaning solution. 

You should spray both the top and the underside of the awning material. If you regularly use your RV and the awning or are a full-time RVer, hosing the awning off is an easy way to keep it clean. 

You should do this once or twice a month and then deep clean once a year. If you are doing this “quick clean” make sure that the awning is thoroughly dry before closing it. 

2: Prepare your cleaning solution

For the cleaning solution, you can choose to purchase a specialty cleaner for awnings. If you don’t feel like doing that, you can easily make your own. 

Optional Homemade Cleaning Solutions:

• Dish soap is a popular cleaner for awnings as it is soft and an item most people have on hand. Dawn dish soap does particularly well, but any dish soap will work. 
• Simple Green
• Hydrogen Peroxide

Best Cleaners for Tree Sap:

• Isopropyl Alcohol (works best)
• Clorox Clean-Up Spray
• Peanut Butter
• Formula 409

How to make a cleaning solution

• Make sure spray bottle is clean and rinsed or use a bucket if using a brush
• Mix two parts cleaning agent with eight parts water

Some people will choose to use a bleach solution when cleaning their RV awning. This is not recommended unless you have a particular stain or hard to kill mold.

Try to use the bleach solution in an isolated area, not across the entire awning. Prolonged and frequent use of bleach will lessen the life of the awning and cause it to deteriorate faster. 

You should also avoid using oil-based cleaning agents, anything causatic, and anything abrasive. All of these types of solutions can cause more harm than good.

If you’re unsure about the cleaner that you’ve chosen, test it on a small area of fabric to see how the awning reacts. If it discolors the awning or leaves residue behind, avoid using that substance. 

3: Spray Awning Cleaner On The Underside

Be sure that your awning is correctly stabilized for the next few steps, especially if you are cleaning with a brush.

The easiest way to clean underside of your camper awning is to spray the underside with the cleaning solution.

If you do not have a spray bottle, you can use a brush to dip it in the solution and spread the solution across the material.

If you are using a brush, make sure the bristle type is appropriate for the awning materials.

Acrylic awnings should be cleaned using a stiff-bristled brush, and vinyl awnings should be cleaned using a soft-bristled brush.

Whichever way you choose to apply the cleaning solution, be sure the fabric is completely saturated. 

4: Roll It Up or use Brush To  Apply Cleaning Solution On The Top 

For the next step, personally, I think it is much easier to simply roll the awning up and let the solution sit. Plan to let the solution sit on the awning for about one hour.

During that time, the cleaning solution will have had time to soak and penetrate both the top and the bottom parts of the material. 

If you prefer, you can also use a long-handled brush to apply the cleaning solution to the top of the awning.

When you clean the awning this way, you will only really be able to let the solution sit for about five minutes, or it will dry. 

Rolling the awning up and letting the cleaning solution sit on the fabric for longer will give the material a deeper clean. Plus, it is a lot easier than trying to reach all corners of the top of the awning with a brush. 

5: Rinse The Both Sides Of Awning With Your Hose

After you’ve let the solution sit for the appropriate time according to your chosen cleaning method, now it is time to hose the awning off.

If you chose the roll-up technique, then you’ll need to unroll the awning and then spray it down. 

Either way, be sure that you spray both the top and the underside or the awning materials. You want to make sure that you can wash away the cleaning solution completely.

If there are pesky stains or mold spots that aren’t coming off easily, then scrub these with your brush and spray again. 

6: Let your RV Awning Dry Completely

The final step is one of the most important ones. The camper awning needs time to fully dry before you roll it back up.

If you roll it up when it is even slightly damp, all your hard work will go to waste as you’ve created the perfect environment for your awning to grow mold and mildew. 

If you can, let your awning dry in a sunny area. The sun will further enforce the killing of mildew, and it can help speed up the drying process.

Also, keep in mind that if you live in a humid climate, it may take longer for the awning to dry. 

If the top is dry, but there are areas underneath that at taking too long, you can always point a fan at the bottom of the awning to help it dry faster. 

Does Awning Material Change How You Clean?

There are three different types of materials that your RV awning can be: vinyl, acrylic, or a general heavy-duty fabric.

The most common materials are acrylic or vinyl so we will focus on those.

How you clean your awning can be influenced by the type of material your awning is made from, but when it comes down to the bare bones of it, it is basically the same process. 

Cleaning Vinyl vs. Acrylic Fabric

Acrylic awning fabrics will be a bit more challenging to clean than vinyl. This is because the acrylic fabric is a woven material, so dirt and other things can hide between the threads.

Since it is a woven fabric, it will also often come with a waterproof finish. Most other heavy-duty fabrics that some RV companies use will be similar to acrylic material. 

Most waterproof finishes or coatings will not last forever, and they will end up coming off. When you are cleaning the awning, be sure not to scrub too aggressively, or you could wear this coating off much faster. You can reapply protective and waterproof sprays after you’re done cleaning as well. 

The vinyl material will be easier to clean because it isn’t a porous surface. Vinyl awnings are also much more resistant to mold and mildew, but they still need to be cleaned because they’re not mildew proof. 

When you are cleaning vinyl, you likely won’t have to let the cleaning solution sit as long as you would on acrylic.

The spray, roll, sit, and spray method is ideal for acrylic materials because you can avoid using a brush.

If you don’t want the process to take so long, and you have a vinyl awning, you can always use a brush instead of rolling up the awning. 

Should I pressure wash my RV awning?

We also get a lot of questions about if you should pressure wash your awning.

You can use pressure washer to clean your RV awning, but I don’t recommend it. The high pressure can easily damage your awning material and do more harm than good. If you decide to try it, monitor the progress often to be sure that you aren’t damaging the awning materials. 

How Often Should You Clean Your RV Awning?

As a general rule, you should plan on cleaning your RV awning at least once a year. Most RV owners choose to do this when they winterize their RV and put it into storage. You can also clean it after you’ve taken it out, and you are prepping it for the camping season.

If you are a full-time RVer or use your RV year-round, then you should stick to the “clean it if it looks dirty” method.

As stated earlier, you can keep your awning relatively clean by merely hosing it off with water every so often. Then, every couple of months, do a deep clean as described in this article. 

How Else Can I Protect My RV Awning?

If you are cleaning your RV awning as a way to help it last longer, there is more that you can do to further protect it.

There are plenty of protective sprays and coatings that you can apply to your awning to help protect the material from water, mold, and UV rays. 

Generally, after you clean your awning and you have let it fully dry, that is the best time to apply any kind of protective coating.

The cleaner the fabric is when you use the coating, the better it will adhere to the materials. 

You should plan to do this every time you do a deep clean. So, at a minimum, apply protective coatings once a year.

About Author / Aaron Richardson

Aaron Richardson is an expert RVer and the co-founder of RVing Know How. Aaron, along with his wife Evelyn, has been living and traveling in their Keystone Fuzion RV since 2017. Their adventures span across the country and beyond, including memorable RVing experiences in Mexico. Aaron's passion for the outdoors and RVing shines through in his writings, where he shares a blend of travel stories, practical tips, and insights to enhance the RV lifestyle.

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Brennen Thomas

Sometimes when the awning is rolled up, it creases and collects some water and moisture which may have caused mold to form. It happened quite often and it bothered me a lot. Your measurement catches my attention. I will use these to remove mold and barn stains from the trailer cover. A friend of mine also showed me how to clean quickly and effectively with Magic Eraser. I will try these remedies.

It’s too expensive when using cleaner but it can be highly achieved effectively. It can even restore its shine and color.

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Best Awning Cleaners – Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

The best awning cleaners.

Looking for an RV awning cleaner? Cleaning is an unfortunate job that we all have to carry out, and of course your awning can and does have to withstand the harsh elements of nature.

What you'll find...

Cleaning it and showing some regular TLC, will not only make your awning look more presentable, but it will also help prolong its life.

An awning is a drape attached to the outer walls of a building, or your RV in the case of any RV owner. Usually, it is a canvas of different woven or polyester materials spread tightly over a frame. The frame can be made up of lightweight aluminum, wood, steel, or iron. Add some columns for support, and you have a canopy: awning.

With exclusive outdoor usage, awnings are bound to get dirty. They require proper maintenance to keep them in their best condition. If you don’t take care of your awning, it will take its revenge by being a huge burden on your pocket for installing its replacement.

The good news is there are many great awning cleaners on the market, but here lies the problem: which to get? We've reviewed some of the best products on the market and can reassure you we recommend all of them.

After the review we look at awning cleaners in greater detail and discuss the main features/ingredients that make the best products stand out from the rest. We've included a guide and video on How to Clean your Awning, and with an FAQ section to round off the guide, you should have all your bases covered.

If you prefer, you can skip straight to the RV Awning Buyer's Guide by clicking the link...

Review of the Best Awning Cleaners

Let's get straight into the review of some of the best awning cleaning products available in the market...

Best Overall Awning Cleaner: Bugs N All – Best All-Purpose Interior and Exterior Cleaner

• Comes with a 100% money-back guarantee
• Tough on stains and gentle on paints and polish
• Gets the job done faster than any other product
• It is environmentally safe since it is biodegradable
• Free from harsh chemicals, toxins, and strong odors
• It is not a specialized awning cleaner
• Cannot be sprayed straight without diluting
• Guarantee time period is limited to 30 days only

What Recent Buyers Report   The people who have recently bought this product report that it is as good as it claims. This is one product that delivers everything it has advertised. It is tough on stains but does not damage paint or polish. It does all the hard work. You don’t have to scrub when you are using this product. It has certainly managed to impress buyers with its effectiveness. Why it Stands Out to Us This is a multipurpose cleaner that easily gets rids of the toughest stains without scrubbing. It can be used on any surface without worry because of its non-corrosive ability. It specializes in removing bug debris without any effort. For these reasons, it stands out as the best overall product. Who Will Use This Most This awning cleaner is most useful for RV owners. It can be used by any vehicle owner. Because of its multi-usage and non-corrosive tendency, it can be used to clean both the interior and exterior of any vehicle. People who have baked bug debris on their vehicles will put it to great use too. Bottom Line This is one cleaning product that is as effective as it was advertised. Backed with a money-back guarantee, it is the best choice for an awning cleaner. Its non-abrasive and non-corrosive qualities, along with no-odor, make it the safest cleaner. These features certainly qualify it as the best awning cleaner.

  303 (30207CSR) Multi-Surface Cleaner Spray

• Safe to use on any surface
• It is a solvent and dye-free product
• Perfectly suitable for everyday cleaning
• Effortlessly removes the toughest of stains
• Suitable for all-natural, synthetic and waterproof fabrics
• Lacks protection against UV radiations
• Can take more time to clean heavy grime
• Container does not have the list of ingredients

What Recent Buyers Report Recent buyers have reported it as an outstanding product. It is a versatile product that works great at removing the toughest stains. Its power grease cutting technology helps it rid of oils and grime without leaving any residue. It works great on any surface without damaging it. Why it Stands Out to Us Its versatility makes it stand out on our list of best awning cleaners. It is good to work on any surface, which means that it is suitable for cleaning any surface. You can surely use it to clean awnings made of any fabric material without risk of damage. Its tough action rids of any culprit that has been soiling the appearance of your awning. Who Will Use This Most Awning cleaners will most certainly benefit from using it. It works great on all synthetic and natural fabrics. It even works well with water-safe materials. So people who have either a fixed or retractable awning will put it to great use. Commercial setups that have canopy-style awnings will also find it a highly useful product. Bottom Line A multi-purpose cleaner that is tough on action and gentle in protection, this is definitely a great awning cleaning product. It saves you a lot of time and arm work by doing all the hard work itself. It’s gentle on delicate fabrics, so you don’t have to worry about it ruining your awning. We highly recommend this for your awning cleaning purposes.

Best Awning Cleaner for the Money: B.E.S.T. 52032 32 Ounce Awning Cleaner

• Comes in a spray bottle
• Quite easy to work with
• It is a non-abrasive product
• An economical awning cleaner option
• Highly effective in getting the job done
• No refund policy
• Requires multiple applications
• Fails at removing heavy mold build-up

What Recent Buyers Report Recent buyers have mixed reactions to this product. It is certainly great at cleaning the dirtiest of awnings. But some people have reported that it requires more than one application for it to do so. However, given its economical price, they don’t mind it. Why it Stands Out to Us This awning cleaner is surely the best buy for its price. It is specially designed to assist in the awning cleaning process. It protects your awning from environmental effects and discoloration. Its non-abrasiveness makes it a high-quality product that comes at a pocket-friendly price. These features surely make it stand out against all competition. Who Will Use This Most It is specially created to clean awnings, so people who have awnings installed over their houses would use this the most. It is also directed to use for cleaning RVs, so people who own recreational vehicles will also find it of great use for maintaining their retractable awnings in the best condition. Bottom Line It is an easy-to-use product. Being in a spray bottle, it is easy to apply and can be washed off with a water hose. A concentrated formula specially designed to target awning spoilers, it is a great product you should get for cleaning your awning. It is very economical with a good quantity for the price it is charged for. All in all, it’s one of the best awning cleaners that come with the benefit of low cost.

  Premium RV Awning Cleaner

• It has a pleasant fragrance
• Non-toxic and chlorine-free
• Biodegradable and eco-friendly
• Cleans and conditions at the same time
• Provides protection against UV radiations
• Needs scrubbing to work properly
• Does not have much effect on molds and mildew
• Requires multiple applications to remove tough stains

What Recent Buyers Report It has created a divide amongst recent buyers. People who had the dirtiest awnings reported it to have very little effect over tough stains. Of course, a chemical that works on months’ worth of dirt will take multiple applications to show results. For mild stains and dirt, it works fine. But people who have camper awning report it as the best awning cleaner.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This awning cleaner is chlorine-free and nonabrasive formula protects your awning during cleaning. It is a biodegradable cleaner, so you cannot doubt its quality. It provides protection against UV radiation, keeping it safe from discoloration. It is good at cleaning and conditioning the awning both at the same time. Who Will Use This Most People who have camper awnings installed around their houses will put it to great use. It comes in a large quantity so people who have huge awnings or those who clean their awning regularly will take great advantage of this product. It is a gentle product that is suitable for any type of fabric, so people who have RVs can use it to clean not just the awning but the entire inside and outside of their RV. Bottom Line It is a great awning cleaner. Not only is it good at cleaning awning, but its gentle formula also makes it suitable to use for cleaning other surfaces as well. It is perfect for cleaning, conditioning, and protecting your awning against harsh weather. You don’t have to worry much about maintaining it. To sum up, it is certainly the best awning cleaner for a camper awning.

Best Camco Awning Cleaner: Camco 41024 Awning Cleaner

• One of the top products for RVs
• Safe to use on all kinds of fabrics
• Works on pop-ups and camper as well
• Makes the awning look as good as new
• Special formula cleans acrylic, vinyl, nylon, and other fabric awnings
• Smells quite strange
• Does not work very effectively on black streaks
• Needs multiple application to remove deep-seated stains

What Recent Buyers Report Recent buyers are very impressed by the performance of this product. It cleans well and leaves behind a bit of shine. It is easy to apply, does not require much elbow grease, and is easy to wash off. It’s very effective in removing roadside grime and dirt accumulated by driving around. It is a professional strength product that is used in small amounts per cleaning session and a highly satisfactory cleaner. Why it Stands Out to Us The awning cleaner stands out to us for being the best from leading brand Camco awning cleaner. Manufactured by a top-rated RV brand, Camco has formulated it to provide better protection against environmental elements. It effectively removes outdoor pollutants and restores the fresh appearance of any awning. If you are in the market for a Camco product, this is the best for awning cleaning. Who Will Use This Most It is certainly a great product for cleaning an awning. People who are fans of Camco will surely find it a useful product. It is designed to protect against sun and rain, so awning owners living in very rainy or sunny regions will put it great usage. Also, RV owners who travel a lot will find this to be the best cleaner for their RV. Bottom Line Camco is a top-rated RV brand . So being a Camco product, there is no doubt about its quality. It is specially designed to combat harsh weather conditions. Suitable to work with all types of fabric materials, it effectively cleans without harming the surface of fabrics. You might need to apply it more than once and work it through scrubbing for very deep-seated stains. Otherwise, it works fine on its own on milder stains. All in all, it’s a great product from a great producer.

Best Mold Cleaner: Wet & Forget Outdoor Cleaner

• Safe to use
• It does not need rinsing
• Free of bleach, acids, and phosphates
• Ultra-concentrated product for higher efficiency
• Prepares 3 Gallons of cleaning solution when diluted completely
• Spray bottle is not included
• Partially effective on old stains
• Can take up to 6 months of regular application for perfect cleaning

What Recent Buyers Report This awning cleaning product has managed to turn heads with its cleanliness. Recent buyers report it to have an excellent effect against molds and moss. It delivers long-lasting results with effects lasting for years to come. It basically inhibits the growth of moss and stops it from coming back. Why it Stands Out to Us It stands out as the best cleaner to fight against molds. We all know mold is not easy to remove. This product manages to do just that. And you don’t even have to rinse it off. Just spray some cleaning solution on the moldy surface and wait for it to start working. You will notice a huge difference in the before and after application of this product. You should consider getting it if you have some moldy problems. Who Will Use This Most Molds and moss require wet, shady places to grow. Being best in mold elimination, this product will greatly facilitate people living in wetter regions. It is a versatile product, so people can use it on a variety of surfaces other than awnings. It also works great for people looking to cut down the cost of getting professional cleaners to de-mold their homes. Bottom Line This is one of the easiest awning cleaners to use. It has a leave-on option that does all your hard work for you. Free of bleach, acids, and phosphates, this is one of the safest products. It can target stain on its own without requiring water to rinse off.

Best Vinyl Awning Cleaner: Star Brite Mold & Mildew Stain Remover + Cleaner

• Easy to work with
• Effects are instantly noticeable
• Great for cleaning vinyl awnings
• Concentrated, professional strength formula
• Buffered formula is gentle on all sorts of fabrics
• It is a bit expensive
• It contains bleach
• Spray bottle has a tendency to leak

What Recent Buyers Report People who recently bought it report it as an effective product against most stains. They say that it starts working as soon as applied. It effectively rids of all sorts of stains. Recent buyers reported that it smells strongly of bleach, and you need to put on protective gloves when using it. Once that’s taken care of, it’s easy and effective. Why it Stands Out to Us This awning cleaner stands out as the best cleaner for vinyl awnings. It is an effective product that starts removing the toughest of stains as soon as it is applied. The product alone is enough to clean any deep-seated stain. You don’t have to scrub much. Just a gentle wiping is enough to take it off. If you have a vinyl awning, you should definitely consider this product as your reliable awning cleaner. Who Will Use This Most Vinyl is one of the most delicate fabrics. It needs tender loving care (TLC) to keep it in its top condition. People who have installed vinyl awnings will most certainly find this product of great use. Its buffered formula does not damage the threads or stitching. So people looking to clean their upholstery or similar surfaces will benefit from using it. Bottom Line This is one of the best products to clean your awning, especially if you have one composed of vinyl fabric. It is very easy to apply and doesn’t require a very thorough rinsing. However, because of bleach content, it is toxic, so always remember to wear protective gloves before using it.

Best Vinyl Cleaner: CarGuys Super Cleaner

• Free of harmful chemicals
• Gives a clean no-gloss finish
• It comes with a complete refund policy
• Works for all indoor and outdoor cleaning purposes
• Nano-technology gets rid of grime at a molecular level
• Not suitable for panel screens
• Can leave behind a white residue

What Recent Buyers Report Recent buyers are mostly satisfied with this product. It can effectively remove even year-old stains. It works on all sorts of materials, from plastic to leather. Especially on leather, it even removes the tiny crack-like marks. It is very gentle and perfect for vinyl surfaces. It smells good and is easy to use, bringing back the new-like appearance of any surface it is applied to. Why it Stands Out to Us This is the best cleaner for vinyl surfaces. It is an all-rounder product that can easily replace almost all other cleaners on your shelf. It truly cleans without leaving glossy marks behind. It is suitable for cleaning all interior and exterior surfaces. Being free of harmful chemicals, it stands out as the best vinyl cleaner. Who Will Use This Most People who are looking for an all-rounder product will certainly find great uses for it. It is especially effective for cleaning vinyl surfaces. So people who are fond of vinyl installation will find the benefits of using this product. It is an economical option, so people with low budgets will also find it a useful, pocket-friendly cleaning product. Bottom Line CarGuys Super Cleaner is designed after paying careful consideration to the requirements of RV owners. It is a great multipurpose cleaner that cleans not only the awning but also the exterior body and interior upholstery. Simple and easy to use; it is certainly one of the best vinyl cleaning products.

Buyer’s Guide

now for the buyer's guide. here we take a closer look at RV awning cleaners and pick out all the main information you need before buying some. We've also included a step-by-step guide and video on How to Clean your Awning,so you should be good to go by the end.

Are All Awning Cleaners The Same?

The one thing you must know about cleaning an awning is that not all cleaners are made the same. Awning cleaners are specially designed to deal with the elements that soil the awning fabric. There is a diverse range of cleaning products available in the market.

From expensive to cheap, multi-purpose to awning directed, professional strength or normal residential usage, some are even directed for use with specific awning materials. The huge variety of products is very confusing as it is, and to top it all, all of them claim to provide excellent awning cleaning service. Using the method of trial and error to determine one that works for you is a huge risk because if you don’t know what works for your awning, you can seriously damage it. Some points of difference between different awning cleaners are listed below. 

Spray Bottle/Container

Perhaps the most distinguishing feature is the packaging in which the product is manufactured. Some awning cleaners come in a spray bottle. Some are packed in containers. Container packaged products may or may not have a spray bottle enclosed with them.

Single/Multiple Usages

Some cleaners are good for multiple surface cleaning. Some are directed only to use on a specific surface. Similarly, there are different awning cleaners for different awning fabrics. 

Every company boasts of its product’s cleaning capability. Some of them follow through with their claims and offer a refund policy to back their products while others don’t. 

UV Protection

UV rays are a culprit that has the potential of spoiling your awning. Some cleaners have the ability to protect your awning from UV radiation damage. Others don’t have this feature. 

Biodegradable

One significant point of difference lies in the product’s biodegradability. Some products are environment-friendly and go-green in this aspect. 

Pricing is also a major cause of the difference between cleaners. Some awning earners are quite pocket-friendly. Some are over the top expensive. 

How to Clean an Awning

Awnings require proper maintenance for long showy life. This includes regular cleaning. There are professionals available who specialize in awning cleaning. But it is such a fun chore that we recommend you to DIY. All you need is a cleaner, scrubbing brush, ladder, sprayer/spray bottle, and water hose. Also, washed awnings need sunlight to dry. So be sure to choose a warm sunny day to clean your awning. Here is a step by step account of the easiest method to clean an awning.

• Roll out your awning to its full extent. 
• Scrub off loose dirt and other debris. 
• Using a water hose, thoroughly rinse it with water. 
• Allow extra water to dry.
• Prepare a cleaning solution by mixing 2 parts of your cleaner with 8 or 10 parts water.
• Use a spray bottle or sprayer to evenly spread this cleaning solution all over the underside of your awning. You can step on the ladder to reach the higher parts. 
• Now roll it back up and let it sit for about an hour for the cleaner to soak through and work its magic.
• After an hour, reopen it and scrub the dirtiest part with the scrubbing brush. One with a long stick will come handy for this job.
• Once you have completed scrubbing, rinse the cleaning solution off using a water hose.
• Leave your freshly cleaned awning to dry under sunlight. 

For a better understanding of the method given above, refer the video link given below 

So these are the best awning cleaners to help you find a suitable one for yourself. Awnings add to the beauty of any site. They provide shade and prevent the space from heating up. With their exclusive outdoor functioning, they are bound to get dirty. A dirty awning is surely an eyesore. To prevent it from becoming so, you should take proper care of it. Regular cleaning is the highest TLC you can give it. Doing so requires a trustworthy awning cleaner, one that not only works for your awning but also gets the job done effectively and easily. Add a cost-effective feature to the mix, and you have the recipe for the best awning cleaner.

People Also Ask

Now you know everything about the best awning cleaners. With such a treasure of knowledge also comes confusion. A few questions may have arisen and would be circulating your mind to search for their answers. We have rounded up some frequently asked questions and answered them for your ease. 

How Do I Keep My RV Awning From Molding?

Let’s face it; keeping mold off an RV awning is very difficult as awnings are exposed to the harsh outdoors. You can do so by cleaning it from time to time. A simple water ride can do wonders. But always be careful to let it dry completely before rolling it up; otherwise, it is at risk of molding. 

How Do You Clean a Moldy Awning?

If your awning has developed mold in it, you should clean it with a diluted awning bleach solution before going ahead with your usual cleaning ritual. Mold is hard to get off, so might need to scrub more. Remember to use a soft bristle brush for scrubbing the mold as a hard one might damage your awning. 

How Do You Clean a Metal Awning?

Metal awnings are usually made from aluminum. They are also prone to getting dirty. However, cleaning them does not require much effort. In most cases, a simple water hose rinse or a power wash might do. For more stubborn dirt, apply a diluted solution of a mold cleaner. Scrub with soft brush or cloth. Rinse and let it dry. 

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Hello, fellow wanderers! I’m Alyssia. Since 2008, my husband and I have called an RV our home, journeying through life one mile at a time. Our nomadic lifestyle has led us to over 70 countries, each with their unique tales that have shaped our own.

I share our stories and insights right here, hoping to inspire and guide you in your own adventures. Expect tips on RV living, our favorite camping spots, breathtaking hiking trails, and the joys and challenges of an ever-changing view from our window. Alongside, you’ll also find practical advice on outdoorsy stuff, designed to equip you for any journey. Join us as we continue to explore the vast, beautiful world on wheels!

This post may contain affiliate links or mention our own products, please check out our disclosure policy .

Best RV Awning Cleaners (Our Top 6 Picks)

Published on May 27th, 2022 by Ray & Tammy Roman This post was updated on July 21st, 2023

You have the camping chairs, the groceries put away, all the hookups connected, the kids are entertained, the dog is snoozing, and it is time to unroll that vinyl awning and enjoy some much-needed shade finally.

However, you find that last season the awning wasn’t as dry as you thought and has spent the last few months growing mold and mildew.

Not only does it look bad, but the smell is enough to wake the dog!  

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Cleaning up a moldy, mildew-covered awning can be tough, nasty work, and you may struggle to get rid of those stubborn stains if you don’t have the right cleaner.

Don’t worry; we’ve compiled a list of the best RV awning cleaners we think will do you most of the heavy cleaning.  All you need to do is spray and rinse the grime away!

Best RV Awning Cleaners

Star brite mildew stain remover.

Star Brite Mildew Stain Remover is made in America and comes in two sizes.  A 16oz spray bottle, which would be perfect for storing in your RV, or a gallon-sized bottle more suitable for storing in your garage.

• Quickly removes stains caused by mold and mildew on contact without heavy scrubbing; EASY TO USE - spray, wait until the stain disappears, then rinse
• STAIN REMOVER plus CLEANER: High-alkaline, triple-action formula contains; BUFFERED-BLEACH to remove mold stains and mildew stains; CHELATING AGENTS to lift ground-in dirt; SURFACTANTS...

Last update on 2024-04-08 / Paid Affiliate Link / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The stain remover can be sprayed directly on stains and should work without too much scrubbing.  It contains a buffered-bleach technology for outdoor use on things like acrylic fabrics or upholstery.

It will not harm thread or stitching, but it should not be used on wood or painted surfaces. 

Based on the reviews, this cleaner works exactly as advertised.  Most users say you just spray it on the mildew, wait until the stain disappears, and then rinse off whatever you’ve sprayed. Really tough stains may require a small amount of light scrubbing or a second application. 

Camco ProStrength Awning Cleaner

Camco ProStrength Cleaning Products are very popular, and the Camco Prostrength Awning Cleaner is no different.

• Restores the appearance of RV awnings
• Removes mold stains, dirt, tree sap and road grime

It’s a budget-friendly cleaner with the most affordable price of all the cleaners on our list, which comes in a 32-ounce or a gallon-sized bottle without a spray nozzle.

This professional strength cleaner is just what you need when removing mold stains, dirt, tree sap, and road grime.  It can even help restore the appearance of RV awnings. 

Some things to note, this cleaner is safe for all fabrics, but it may discolor darker-colored awnings and should not be used on rubber. 

Thetford Premium Awning Cleaner

Thetford’s Premium RV Awning Cleaner for RV or Home Awnings is a versatile cleaner that can be used on all vinyl and fabric awnings for cleaning and protecting against UV damage.

• Thetford Premium RV Awning Cleaner, 1 GALLON

Last update on 2024-04-09 / Paid Affiliate Link / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

It is chlorine-free and can be used on fabric, vinyl, and plastic.  Because it is bleach and bleach substitute free, it is also safe to use on colored fabrics. It comes in a 32 oz spray bottle or 64 oz and gallon-sized bottles.  

The cleaner is safe to use in many places, such as shower stalls, the outside of your RV, your boat, or on surfaces such as rubber, vinyl, and plastic.  Thetford’s is great for removing tough stains, bird droppings, and bugs.  Simply spray, wait a few minutes, then wipe off.  

In one review, a user notes that it works great on recent stains but not to let them stay too long because the cleaner has a harder time removing older stains, especially ones that have been in the sun for a while. 

RMR Instant Mold Mildew Stain Remover

RMR Instant Mold and Mildew Stain Remover are ready to use in a 32 oz spray bottle, 1 gallon, or 2.5 gallon-sized bottle. It is safe for indoor or outdoor use and claims to remove stains in as little as 10 seconds!

• TACKLES TOUGH MOLD STAINS INSTANTLY: RMR-86 PRO is our most powerful mold stain remover that utilizes special deep penetrating surfactants with a unique hybrid of pure sodium...
• CONTRACTOR GRADE: Our extra strength stain removal solution is specifically created for professional use and is 5x stronger than other stain removal products on the market

This cleaner removes not only deep-seated stains but also clears unwanted odors usually left behind by other cleaners.  All you have to do is spray the stains you want to be removed and then wipe them clean.  

Unlike some of the other mold and mildew stain removers on our list, this one is safe on many surfaces such as bathtubs, decks, wood, vinyl siding, drywall, concrete floors, brick, tile, and anywhere mold and mildew can grow, including your RV awning.  

This cleaner has over 35,000 product reviews and still maintains a 4.5-star average!

30 Seconds Outdoor Cleaner

30 Seconds Outdoor Cleaner cleans stains caused by organic growth such as algae, mold, mildew, and moss.

• REMOVES STAINS FROM ORGANIC GROWTH ON YOUR OUTDOOR SURFACES: 30 SECONDS Outdoor cleaner cleans stains from mold, mildew, dirt and grime
• POWERFUL CONCENTRATED FORMULA: Our concentrated formula is easy use. Simply mix a 1:1 ratio with water and you are ready for a rapid clean

It is meant for outdoor use only and, when used as directed, is safe to use near or on your lawn as it will not harm plants and works quickly and breaks down in the soil.  All you need to do is spray it on, let it sit for a few minutes, then hose it off.  

This made-in-America cleaner comes in a 32 oz container with a hose-end spray bottle, a 32 oz spray bottle, or a gallon of concentrate solution.  With 30 Seconds Outdoor Cleaner, you can say goodbye to power washing!

Some users report a strong bleach smell when using this product, so be sure you’re in a well-ventilated area before using.  

Korkay Awning Cleaner

Korkay Awning Cleaner comes in a 32 oz spray bottle or a gallon-sized jug.  It is made in America and is perfect for removing road grime and black streaks from your RV, trailer, or boat.  The cleaner is simple to use; just spray, brush clean, and rinse! 

• MADE IN THE USA * Family Motor Coach Approved
• Instantly eliminates road grime, black streaks on RVs, Trailers, Coaches, and Boats

It is safe on painted surfaces, gel coats, fiberglass, hard vinyl, soft vinyl, rubber, decals, and pinstriping.  It will clean the outside of your RV from top to bottom, including your awning. You could use it to clean your boat, trailer, or car.  

This product has a lot of really positive product reviews on amazon, but it also had the most negative reviews (still very few when compared to the positive ones), so it is worth noting that some customers felt they had to scrub more than the bottle lets on. 

Homemade RV Awning Cleaner

If you would rather not spend money buying one of the RV awning cleaners recommended above, then you are in luck. It’s not difficult at all to make your RV awning cleaner.

Mix 1 gallon of water with one quart of white vinegar, add one squeeze of Dawn dish soap, and there you have it. Your very own DIY RV awning cleaner.

To check out more recipes and for a thorough rundown of cleaning your RV awning, check out this article by RV Blogger .

Tips for Using RV Awning Cleaners

Remember that some of these cleaners come in concentrated form and must be diluted before use.  Cleaners bought in the concentrated form will require you to purchase a separate empty bottle for the diluted spray.

Be sure when cleaning with powerful cleaners like these that you read the instructions thoroughly and protect your skin, eyes, and surroundings as directed.  Don’t forget to be in a well-ventilated area before beginning. 

Now that we have all the safety measures covered, we know having to clean mold, mildew, bug splatters, black stains, or leaf stains isn’t exactly going to be the highlight of your trip. Still, with any of these fantastic products, you should be able to quickly clean off those annoying stains and get back to roasting marshmallows for s’mores in no time!

Best RV Awning Cleaner Final Thoughts

RV awning maintenance is an important task of owning an RV. It will prolong the life of the awning, keep it free from mold and milder, and keeps it looking great.

The recommended RV awning cleaners above are all excellent products that will do a great job for you if used as directed.

Here is an article I wrote on cleaning your pop-up camper canvas .

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You never know what will get rolled up in your RV awning when you stow it away. One day, we moved our RV from one campground to another and when we put our awning out at the new campground, a small frog dropped down on us. It seemed uninjured and hopped away. We hope it found a good life in its new home.

Most of the time, the things that get rolled up in your awning aren’t living stowaways, but they do make your awning dirty. If the awning is wet when it is rolled up and it isn’t unrolled again for a while, then mold and mildew are the natural results. Tree sap, pollen, and other debris are all a part of spending time in nature. Bird droppings smashed insects, and maybe the occasional frog is also a possibility. 

You want to keep your RV’s awning both functional and nice-looking for as long as possible, so regular cleaning is part of the expected RV maintenance . If you’re new to cleaning your awning, rest assured that it’s usually a quick and easy job. Read on for the who, what, when, where, why, and how of cleaning your RV awning.

Why Should You Clean Your RV Awning?

The awning of your RV takes a lot of abuse, so if you want it to last a long time, it requires routine maintenance. One of the most important ways to maintain your awning is to clean it regularly. 

Awnings are at risk for mold any time they are rolled up when they’re wet. Rolling them up while wet is not always avoidable, but even if it was, moisture still gets in while it is rolled. You should put out the awning as often as weather permits, especially on sunny days as the UV rays of the sun help kill and prevent mold. The underside of the awning naturally receives less sun exposure, however, and is, therefore, more prone to mold and mildew. 

In addition to moisture and mold issues, your awning can also be coated with pollen in the spring and dripping sap throughout the summer and fall. Sometimes insects can end up smashed in the awning as it is rolled up. Your awning is exposed to a lot. 

When Should You Clean Your RV Awning?

Your awning should be cleaned anytime it is showing signs of mold or mildew. You should also clean it if you notice it has gotten dirty, especially if you’ve camped under trees that have dropped a lot of pollen, sap, or debris. 

At a minimum, you should clean your awning once a year. A great time to do this is in the fall when you’re preparing your rig for winter storage. For those who use their RVs year-round, a spring cleaning (at the end of pollen season) is another great time to do it. 

What Should You Use to Clean Your RV Awning?

There is plenty of advice floating around about the best cleansers for your RV awning. The safest bet is always going to be a cleanser specifically made for that purpose. Camco makes an RV awning cleaner that is both inexpensive (under $10) and effective. There are also “premium” awning cleaners on the market that range in price from $10-30. Differences include concentration strength and the size of the bottle. 

When choosing which size package of RV cleanser to buy, consider the size of your awning and how many you have. If you have several awnings or a very large awning, a larger bottle may save you money. If not, choose a smaller amount. Leftover cleanser sitting in storage may not be as effective the next time you’re ready to clean your awning, especially if you only do it once a year. 

Another consideration is whether you should choose a concentrate or a pre-mixed cleanser. The advantage of a concentrate is that you can make adjustments to how much you dilute it, making it weaker for general cleaning and stronger for specific stubborn stains. The concentrate comes with the added steps of measuring and mixing, and many RV owners prefer the convenience of a pre-mixed cleanser. Pre-mixed cleansers can also be bought in a spray bottle for quick and easy application. 

There are many other solutions for cleaning your RV awning that is often recommended in RV forums. Some are worth trying, and others should definitely be avoided.

• Bleach: Bleach is often recommended because it is known for killing mold and mildew. It can also eliminate stains and restore the bright white appearance of a brand new awning. The problem with bleach is that it is also damaging to many common awning materials, and these effects can be magnified by the amount of intense sunlight that most awnings are regularly exposed to. Stains are preferable to the fabric of your awning breaking down and deteriorating quickly. Unless your owner’s manual recommends bleach for your specific awning, it is best to avoid it.
• Dish Soap: Was there ever an RV issue that couldn’t be solved with ordinary blue Dawn dish soap? Some RVers swear by it for everything, the way the dad in My Big Fat Greek Wedding used Windex for everything. Dish soap is really useful for some purposes, but what about awning cleaning? People have had mixed results. It does a good job of general cleaning and maybe especially effective against tree sap. It may not be as effective against mold and mildew, and it probably won’t help with any stains that have developed. If you have a lot of mold or stains to clean, you’re better off with another solution.
• Water Only: Just rinsing the awning with water and scrubbing with a brush is fine for clearing fresh pollen or other debris before rolling up your awning. Just make sure to let it dry thoroughly. Water-only washes will not help with tree sap or mold, although brushing and rinsing away most of the mold and exposing it to direct sunlight can help. 
• Vinegar: White vinegar is a mold and mildew killer that is less harsh to fabrics than bleach. It can be especially helpful for addressing small spots of mold before they grow and spread. Vinegar is less effective for removing stains, and won’t help much with tree sap. If you have issues with both sap and mold, you’ll need a cleaner that can deal with both.
• Power Washers: Power washing can be an effective way to clean your awning, but it may not be a good choice in many situations. Applying too much pressure to your awning can cause damage in the same way that leaving the awning out during a storm can. Depending on the materials your awning is made of, pressure washing can also damage the fibers and remove the protective coatings applied by the manufacturer. This will shorten the life of your awning considerably. If your awning has sensors that roll it up automatically during windy conditions , a power wash will probably trigger those sensors quickly and cause the awning to roll up before you’ve done much cleaning. While some people have had success with this method, it is generally not recommended.

A general rule is to test any new cleanser or product on a small test patch of your awning to see if it is effective and how your awning material reacts over time, especially in direct sunlight. Watch your test patch for a few days before applying the new cleanser to the whole awning.

Where Can you Clean Your RV Awning?

If you have space for your RV at home, in your driveway or yard, this is probably the easiest place to clean your RV’s awning. For the many people who do not have this opportunity, there are several options available.

Depending on the size of your RV, many self-serve car washes have bays that are large enough for RVs. When considering these, remember that they will need to be wide enough for you to extend your awning to wash it. There are also truck-washing stations for larger commercial trucks, and many of these will allow RVs as well. Call ahead to verify that the location you’re considering permits RV washing as well. 

Setting up in a campground and washing is also an option in some locations. We have stayed at campgrounds that have a designated washing area, usually along the perimeter of the park so that the water does not create puddles and muddy conditions for other guests at the campground. Others will allow you to wash your rig, including your awning, on your site. Many campgrounds require a permit with a small fee to wash, to offset the costs of the additional water being used.

How Do You Clean an RV Awning?

Once you have decided when to wash your awning, what to use to wash it, and where you will be when you do it, it’s time to clean your RV’s awning!

Cleaning your awning is a quick and easy process. Follow these step-by-step instructions, and you’ll be done in no time!

• Gather Your Supplies. You’ll need your chosen cleanser, a brush or sponge (preferably with a long handle), a water source and hose with a spray attachment, and a stepladder (optional). If your cleanser is concentrated and needs to be diluted, prepare this solution and put it in a bucket or spray bottle.
• Extend Your Awning. If you have an electric awning, this is as simple as pushing a button. If your awning is manual, it will take a few minutes to set up. Try to choose a sunny, wind-free day if possible. This is especially important if your awning retracts automatically if it senses wind since you won’t want the awning to retract while you’re washing it. Once extended, adjust your awning as low as possible to help you reach it. Manual awnings can typically be lowered so that you can reach and wash both sides easily. Electric awnings will be higher. You may want to have a stepladder handy to help reach the highest areas. 
• Clear Loose Debris. Use your brush to clear away any loose debris, like sticks or leaves. Then take the hose and spray the awning thoroughly with water to remove any dirt or debris that can rinse off easily.
• Apply the Cleaning Solution. Spray your awning thoroughly with the cleaning solution or apply it with a long-handled sponge from a bucket. Don’t wipe or scrub anything at this stage.
• Roll Up the Awning. Rolling up the awning while covered with a cleanser is equivalent to soaking stained laundry or a stubborn casserole dish. Again, with an electric awning, this is just the touch of a button. Manual awnings will take a little longer to roll up. Leave your awning rolled up for about 5 minutes (or the length of time recommended in the instructions on your awning cleaner). 
• Extend the Awning Again. After waiting for the appropriate length of time, you’ll need to put the awning out again. As described in Step 2, adjust the height as low as possible to help you reach it better.
• Wipe the Awning and Clean Visible Spots. Now it’s time to wipe down the awning. You can use a rag, a sponge, or a brush. A long-handled car wash brush will help you reach everywhere. Wipe down the whole awning, giving extra attention to dark spots and stains. If you have small stubborn spots of mold, mildew, or tree sap, a toothbrush might be helpful. Remember to be gentle and not to scrub, as you may inadvertently remove the fabric’s protective coating. 
• Rinse Thoroughly.  Be sure to rinse both sides of the awning and remove all traces of cleansers. Cleansers left on the awning for too long can damage the protective coating or the fabric itself, especially when reacting to direct sunlight. If you use bleach or a cleanser containing bleach, be especially careful when rinsing. Avoid getting bleach on your RV’s roof or other areas with water-tight seals. 
• Allow the Awning to Dry Completely. After washing, your awning should be allowed to air dry before storing it. Do not attempt to accelerate the process by applying heat. Drying with a towel is difficult, time-consuming, and unnecessary. 
• (Optional) Apply Protectant. There are different products on the market for vinyl or acrylic awnings that can help restore the fabric of the awning so it repels water and dirt, and resists mold and mildew stains. Some products can help protect against UV damage. Your owner’s manual may suggest specific products. Camco RV Awning Waterproofer is a budget-friendly choice if moisture protection is your main concern. For reliable UV protection, 303 Aerospace Protectant is a great choice that will also repel dust and stains. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: how do i get mold out of my rv awning.

Answer: If your RV awning is moldy, be sure to follow proper cleaning procedures using an RV awning cleanser. Most awning cleaners are designed to treat mold since mold is a common problem for RV awnings. Consult your owner’s manual for specific product recommendations or cleansers to avoid.

Different awnings are made with different fabrics and treated with different protective materials. Unless specifically recommended in your owner’s manual, avoid using bleach to clean your RV awning. Bleach will kill the mold, but it might just kill your whole awning along with it.

Question: Can you pressure wash an RV awning?

Answer: Some RV awnings can tolerate pressure washing, but it is not a good idea for most awnings. Pressure washing could damage the awning fabric or protective coatings. It could even damage the mechanical function of the awning, especially for electric awnings and awnings with automatic wind sensors. Some RV owners have successfully power-washed their awnings using the most gentle pressure setting, but in general, this is not recommended.

Question: What can I use to clean my RV awning?

Answer: Clean your RV awning using water and a cleanser designed for cleaning RV awnings. Some RV owners use dish soap to wash their awnings, but this is often less effective for cleaning mold, mildew, or stains. Avoid using bleach and other harsh chemicals, as this can damage your awning and other parts of your RV. Power washing is also not recommended. Most RV awnings can be cleaned and maintained by washing regularly with an awning cleaner. You’ll also need a brush or a sponge, preferably with a long handle. 

You’re All Set!

Congratulations! You’ve cleaned your RV awning and you’re ready to go on enjoying RV life! It may not be the most glamorous part of owning an RV, but properly cleaning and maintaining your awning will keep it looking great and working properly for a long time. Protect your awning from the elements and it will do the same for you!

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How to Clean RV Awning: Step-by-Step Guide

RVing is a fun and exciting way to experience the great outdoors, and RVs provide a comfortable and convenient way to do it. After a while your RV awnings can become dirty, moldy, and stained, detracting from the overall experience. Knowing how to clean an RV awning is a necessary RV maintenance task that can be done quickly and easily with the right tools and techniques.

There are several methods for cleaning an RV awning, but the most effective method depends on the type of awning material. For example, vinyl awnings are easier to clean than fabric awnings, but they still require proper care to maintain their appearance and functionality.

The key to cleaning an RV awning is to use the right cleaning solution and tools, avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage the material, and following a specific process that will make your RV awning look brand new.

We’ll go over everything you need to know about RV awning cleaning from supplies to technique in this guide.

How Often Should I Clean My RV Awning?

Cleaning your RV awning is an important part of maintaining your RV. But how often should you clean it?

According to most RV experts, you should plan on cleaning your RV awning at least once a year. This is typically done when you winterize or dewinterize your RV and put it into storage. 

It’s important to note that if you notice any mold or mildew on your awning, you should clean it right away. This is because mold and mildew can spread quickly and cause damage to your awning.

Additionally, if you’ve camped under trees that have dropped a lot of pollen, sap, or debris, you should clean your awning as soon as possible. This will help prevent any stains or long-term damage to your awning.

Overall, it’s important to clean your RV awning regularly to keep it in good condition and extend its lifespan.

Gathering RV Awning Cleaning Materials

Before beginning the process of cleaning an RV awning, it is important to gather all the necessary materials. This will ensure that the cleaning process goes smoothly and efficiently. The following materials are required:

• A ladder : A ladder is necessary to reach the top of the RV and the awning. It is important to make sure that the ladder is stable and secure before climbing it.
• A bucket : A bucket is needed to hold the cleaning solution and water. It is important to use a bucket that is large enough to hold the necessary amount of water and cleaning solution.
• A hose : A hose is needed to rinse the awning before and after cleaning. It is important to use a hose with a spray nozzle to control the water pressure.
• A soft bristled brus h: A bristle brush is necessary to scrub the awning and remove any dirt or stains. It is important to use a brush with soft bristles to avoid damaging the awning.
• Dish soap : Dish soap is needed to create the cleaning solution. It is important to use  dish soap that is gentle and does not contain any harsh chemicals. There are some special RV awning cleaning solutions out there that also work great, but you don’t need to spend extra money on them if you don’t want to.
• A pressure washer (optional) : A pressure washer can be used to clean the awning more efficiently. However, it is important to use a pressure washer with a low pressure setting to avoid damaging the awning.

Once all the necessary materials are gathered, it is important to set them up in a convenient location. This will make the cleaning process easier and faster.

It is also important to wear appropriate clothing and protective gear such as gloves and safety glasses to avoid any injuries.

Natural, Acrylic, Or Canvas Awnings

Most fabric, canvas, or acrylic awnings are manufactured by Sunbrella. Their awnings are UV resistant, dry quickly, and are very breathable.

Canvas awnings have a repellent finish that blocks out water stains and oil stains, but the finish can fade over time.

Vinyl Awnings

Vinyl awnings are good at resisting mildew, but are not mildew proof.

Cleaning the RV Awning

Keeping the RV awning clean is essential to ensure it lasts for years to come. Here are six simple steps to clean your RV awning:

• Mix Soap and Water: Mix a solution of RV awning cleaner by mixing cleaner and water at a 20% and 80% ratio. You can use any cleaner, but most people prefer using dish soap because it is soft and does not harm the RV paints. Hydrogen peroxide, car soap, green soap, or bleach can also work as a cleaning agent in the RV awning cleaning solution. Warm water will also boost your cleaning power.
• Fully Extend The RV Awning: To start cleaning the RV awning, extend it fully to expose the entire surface area.
• Brush On The Soapy Water: Cover your RV awning with your cleaning solution. You can use a spray bottle, a brush, or a pressure washer (just be sure not to tear the fabric!). Make sure to cover the top and bottom of the awning.
• Retract The Awning And Wait A Few Minutes: After you’ve brushed on the soapy solution set, roll up the awning and let it sit for anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes to allow the cleaning solution to penetrate the fabric and loosen any dirt or grime for a deep clean.
• Extend The Awning And Rinse: Extend the awning again and rinse it thoroughly with a hose. Make sure to rinse both sides of the awning to remove all traces of the cleaning solution.
• Dry And Repeat If Necessary: After rinsing, let the awning dry completely before retracting it. If you notice any remaining dirt or stains, repeat the cleaning process until the awning is completely clean.

By following these simple steps, you can keep your RV awning clean and in good condition for years to come.

Here’s a video of this process for you to see in action:

Maintenance Tips

Proper maintenance of an RV awning can extend its lifespan and keep it looking clean and new. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Regularly clean the awning with a soft brush and mild soap to prevent dirt and debris buildup.
• Inspect the awning for any signs of wear and tear, such as holes or tears, and repair them promptly to prevent further damage.
• When retracting the awning, make sure it is completely dry to prevent mold and mildew growth.
• Use caution when using harsh chemicals or pressure washers on the awning, as they can damage the fabric and finish.
• When storing the awning for an extended period of time, make sure it is completely dry and free of any debris to prevent damage and odors.

By following these simple maintenance tips, RV owners can keep their awnings in top condition and prevent costly repairs or replacements.

Keeping your RV awning clean is essential for its longevity and appearance. But how often should you clean it?

According to most RV experts, you should plan on cleaning your RV awning at least once a year. This is especially important if you are planning to store your RV during the winter months. Cleaning your awning before storing it away can help prevent mold and mildew growth, which can damage the fabric over time.

If you use your RV frequently, you may need to clean your awning more often. For example, if you camp under trees that drop a lot of pollen or sap, you may need to clean your awning after every trip. Similarly, if you live in an area with high humidity or rainfall, you may need to clean your awning more often to prevent mold and mildew growth.

It’s also important to note that regular cleaning can help extend the life of your RV awning. Over time, dirt and debris can build up on the fabric, which can cause it to deteriorate more quickly. By cleaning your awning regularly, you can help prevent this from happening and ensure that it lasts for many years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

To remove tree sap from your RV awning, you’ll want to use a mixture of liquid dish soap and turpentine for acrylic, canvas, or natural materials, or use rubbing alcohol or a grease remover on vinyl. Slowly work it into the tree sap to soften it, but not spread the sap around. Finish by washing with water and mild soap. You may need to repeat a few times to get the sap completely off of your RV awning.

Bird droppings are unsightly and a pain to clean, plus they usually have juices or pigments from berries mixed in, contributing to a bigger stain. Start cleaning off bird poop from your RV’s awning by scraping as much of the spot off as you can with something soft, like a soft-bristled brush or plastic spoon. Next, mix water and dish soap in a bowl, and dab the area with a soft cloth, follow that up by blotting the spot with a dry cloth. Repeat this process until the spot has vanished, and if you have a very stubborn spot you can treat it sparingly with a mixture of equal parts hydrogen peroxide and ammonia.

You can use a mixture of citric acid and water or oxalic acid and water to get rust and rust stains off your RV awning. Work the solution into the stain or spot, then rinse off.

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12 [Awesome] Awning cleaner for RV Trailer (And WORST)

12 awesome awning cleaner for rv trailer awning..

There are many things to consider before purchasing the best RV trailer awning cleaner. This article is a comprehensive guide about the best RV trailer awning cleaners on the market today.

These are all products that have been tried and tested by people who love to spend time in their trailers, but they also want to keep them clean.

There’s no sense in having an amazing rig with an old oven or broken air conditioner if you can’t enjoy it because of dirt and grime! Read on for our list of top picks below, including both manual-powered and electric options.

11 Best RV Trailer Awning Cleaner Reviews 2021

1. duragloss 542 rv cleaner.

Duragloss 542 RV Cleaner is a unique, non-acid formula developed specifically to clean RV Awnings without causing damage. The gentle water based emulsion lifts bugs, dirt, road grime and mildew stains from the surface of your RV.

Duragloss 542 RV Cleaner is also formulated with UV inhibitors that help prevent fading on white and light colored RVs.

Duragloss 542 RV Cleaner not only cleans the exterior of your vehicle, but it will safely clean the interior too!

Use Duragloss 542 RV Cleaner to remove smoke odor, cigarette tar and other undesirable odors in your cab by simply spraying down the interior surfaces and wiping dry .

2. Star Brite Mold & Mildew Stain Remover

I really like this product because it does an amazing job removing mold and mildew stains from my RV awning. It’s easy to use and doesn’t have a strong odor that discourages me from using it. It’s great to know that even if I neglect a stain, this product will still work and completely get rid of it.

I also like the fact that there is no scrubbing required; all you have to do is spray it on the area and let it sit for about 30 minutes before wiping away the mold with a clean cloth.

Star Brite Mold & Mildew Stain Remover is a biodegradable, water-based cleaner designed to instantly remove both mold and mildew stains from vinyl surfaces.

Star Brite Mold & Mildew Stain Remover contains three active ingredients; the first is organic chlorine derived from soda ash, the second is an alkyl dimethyl amine oxide surfactant (the primary ingredient), and the third is a foaming agent (to help penetrate hard to reach spaces).

3. Camco 41024 Awning Cleaner

Camco 41024 Awning Cleaner is a premium blend that cleans and preserves Sunbrella outdoor fabrics, vinyl and plastics. Removes dirt, grime, mildew and other stubborn stains from marine canvas surfaces of boats, campers, car tops or awnings.

Camco 41024 Awning Cleaner is safe to use on colorfast materials such as your picnic tablecloth as well as your boat’s upholstery. Camco 41024 Awning Cleaner may be used on fabric cushions to clean or freshen up the appearance. For outdoor use only.

4. Thetford Premium RV Awning Cleaner

Thetford 96017 RV Awning Cleaner is a high performance cleaner that eliminates dirt, grime and mildew on awnings, patio furniture covers, pool enclosures, vehicle tops and so much more. Thetford 96017 RV Awning Cleaner uses a powerful foaming action to lift away the toughest embedded stains. This non abrasive formula will not damage or leave behind any residue build up.

Once applied rinse areas briskly with water and allow to dry before storing for maximum results. Thetford 96017 RV Awning Cleaner is an excellent pre-treatment prior to using Thetford 96224 Tough Stain & Odor Remover .

5. Valterra LLC V88542 Awning RV Cleaner

Valterra LLC V88542 Awning RV Cleaner cleans and protects vinyl, plastic & rubber surfaces in one easy step. It restores faded colors to like-new condition.

This general purpose cleaner is ideal for use on awnings, slide outs, truck caps & tops, covers, tonneau covers, boat spoilers and all other plastic or vinyl outdoor surfaces.

Removes dirt; prevents mold and mildew growth; removes salt stains from snowmobiles; helps restore faded colors and leaves behind a protective coating that repels dust and dirt.

1 part cleaner to 20 parts water solution (Example: mix clean water with equal parts of Valterra V88542 Awning RV Cleaner until thoroughly mixed) 8 fl oz (236 ml) bottle treats up to 16 gallons of water.

6. Boater’s EDGE Mold & Mildew Stain Remover

Boater’s EDGE Mold & Mildew Stain Remover  is a natural, EPA registered mold and mildew stain remover that works by oxidizing the mold or mildew and breaking down the biological structure of its spores.  

The Boater’s EDGE Mold & Mildew Stain Remover currently comes in a powder form, about $10 or 1 quart (32oz) for around $25.  It can be mixed with water to create a 5% solution of sodium hypochlorite, which makes it an  effective disinfectant .

7. Korkay RV Awning Cleaner

Korkay RV Awning Cleane rr cleans, preserves and waterproofs vinyl or fabric awnings. It also protects from UV damage too!

Korkay RV Awning Cleaner is an all-in-one product that will protect your awning fabric for years to come; it cleans & waterproofs at the same time without scrubbing.

Built in shine agent restores water-repellency to make drying faster and easier.  Korkay’s exclusive anti-oxidation protection prevents discolouration caused by the sun – keeping your cover looking showroom new .

8. 303 Products Multi Surface Cleaner

Concentrated formula · Removes dirt, grease and grime · Biodegradable

303 Multi Surface Cleaner is a concentrated formula that removes dirt, grease, and grime from multiple surfaces. This biodegradable cleaner dissolves quickly with little or no rinsing required so it saves you time and effort when cleaning around the house.

It can also be used on windows, cars, boats, patio furniture, siding, brickwork and ceramics without streaks or streaking. Use this multi-surface cleaner on your home or office to keep the surfaces looking their best in between deep cleanings.

9. Star brite Ultimate Mildew Stain Remover

No stain is safe from this fast acting formula! As opposed to many mildew removers, Star brite Ultimate Mildew Stain Remover is not acidic or caustic.

Instead it uses natural active ingredients like citrus oils, lemon extract and a blend of enzymes that actually digest residue left by mildew.

10. EcoClean Solutions Mold, Mildew & Algae Remover

The green natural molds and mildew remover will take out mold that has grown into the wood, leaving no residue behind.

EcoClean Solutions Mold & Mildew Remover is a great all natural way to clean mold off surfaces without using nasty chemicals. They use all natural products, making it safe for your family while cleaning your home.

11. Wet and Forget 800003 Moss Mold Mildew Remover

Wet and Forget 800003 is a revolutionary new product that takes away mildew and mold. It is 100 percent non-toxic and safe for use around people and animals. Even if you are allergic to chlorine, this product will not bother you!

You can eliminate all traces of mildew and mold with just one application. No scrubbing or harmful chemicals required!

Wet and Forget 800003 retains its potency for up to 12 months once opened making it an excellent value as well. Eliminate unsightly mildew stains on your home’s walls, decks, concrete, lawn furniture, paving, wallpaper and siding in just minutes.

How To Choose The Right Awning Cleaner

There are many options when shopping for a product to clean your RV awnings (aka window coverings). There are soaps, detergents, and cleaners.

All of these different types will have their own pros and cons. The most important thing is to pick the right one depending on what you need it to do.

For example: if you want to use an all purpose cleaner that can be used on just about anything in the RV then Star brite Ultimate Mildew Stain Remover would probably be a good choice since it excels at cleaning more than just the fabric of the windows.

However if you want something specifically geared towards maintaining your RV awning then Camco 41024 Awning Cleaner is the way to go. This specific cleaner is ideal since it targets fabric and nothing else.

Things to know before buying an RV Trailer awning cleaner

We all know that RV’s come with a lot of decks, roofs and walls to clean. We want them to be clean and spotless all the time but nothing stays clean forever no matter how much we clean it.

Just like our house needs cleaning, so does an RV. Here are some major factors you need to consider before buying a good quality cleaner for your RV’s awning, or other surfaces of your RV.

1. Versatility

Washing of awnings should be done on regular basis. Most experts recommend washing them every week or two weeks in order to keep them clean and appealing.

If they are washed too often however, the fabric can become worn out quickly and may rip over time because excessive washing as well as exposure to harsh sunlight can cause deterioration of the properties used when manufacturing these items.Thats why you should always use recommended RV awning cleaners.

Most of us love finding affordable products; however, cheaper does not always mean better.

If you are going to be buying something to clean your RV with then chances are that you don’t want it to ruin the quality of its materials.

Be sure to check if an add-in called TSP is included before buying an RV Trailer Awning cleaner. It is a chemical found in many cleaners and it can damage roof vents, rubber seals and many other body parts of your vehicle.

3. Your Awning’s Material

Some cleaners work great on certain materials; however, there are still others which can only be used on specific parts of your RVs.

The first thing you should do is identify the material that you are going to use the cleaner on. For example, a fabric-based material requires a special brush or tool that would gently loosen dirt from the surface and without damaging it.

If you are planning to buy an RV trailer awning cleaner, make sure that they have brushes or tools that fit in different areas of your RV’s body such as tight corners and roof vents.

4. Effectiveness

Some cleaners will only remove dirt from an RV’s body but there are those that doesn’t just clean, it also protects!

A protective coating will be able to keep the surfaces of your RV looking like new all year round by protecting them from harsh UV rays and even bad weather conditions.

If you live in areas with extreme heat or cold temperatures, these coatings can definitely help preserve the quality of your RV for many years.

This is especially true if you are planning on reselling it in the future; a seller doing a cleaning before hand could mean thousands of dollars being added to its resale value! What solution do they use?

How to you clean an RV awning?

-If you have a small RV awning, take it down and use a hose to clean it down. You can also use soft soap or a plant-based cleaner, if it is safe for fabric.

-If you have large RV awnings, you will need to get someone to come up and do that for you. You can either get an RV awning company to come up or just call up a professional cleaner.

-If you do not want to take the awnings down, you can use soapy water with some soft cloths and clean it down that way. -You need to be careful if the sun is still out, as the fabric can still burn.

-You can use bleach to clean the awning, if it is safe for fabric.  If you are not sure, better check with someone first before using it.

-Once your RV awning is dry, you should fold up and roll it back onto the roof of the RV.

After reading all this information, you should have a good idea of what you’re looking for in these products. Now, it’s time to apply this knowledge into your search and find the best RV awning cleaner for your situation.

Once you do find this perfect product, issues like black streaks, mold, and mildew will no longer be such a nuisance in your life. You’ll instead have an awning that looks like it’s brand new for years to come.

The product that brings this experience into your life might even be one from our product review section. After all, these cleaners are the best on the market for this purpose, and all come from top-tier manufacturers.

But even if isn’t one mentioned in this article, make sure you find the option that fulfills all your needs for an affordable price. And if you have any more questions, please don’t hesitate to leave them in the comment section below. We’ll answer them as quickly as we possibly can.

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How to Clean an RV Awning

Last Updated: September 27, 2021

This article was co-authored by Dario Ragnolo . Dario Ragnolo is the Owner and Founder of Tidy Town Cleaning, a home cleaning service in Los Angeles, California. His business specializes in residential & commercial cleaning. He is a second generation home cleaning expert, who grew up around his parents cleaning business in Italy. This article has been viewed 32,371 times.

The awning on your RV provides you with shade and protection from the sun and rain when you are spending time just outside your camper. While retracted, mold and mildew can fester in the awning fabric, especially if it was rolled up wet. It is important to keep your RV awning clean to maintain your camper’s condition as long as possible. Even if there is no mold or mildew, it is recommended that your clean your awning every 2–3 years. [1] X Research source

Setting Up and Rinsing Your Awning

Cleaning the Awning

• Make sure you are not using an abrasive scrubbing brush with a vinyl awning. You do not want to scrub off any part of the awning’s coating, which is there to lessen mildew growth. [4] X Research source
• Acrylic awnings can handle a slightly more abrasive brush, but do not scrub so vigorously that you rip the awning. [5] X Research source

• To address very stubborn mold or mildew, use a ¼ cup of bleach to 2 ½ gallons of water. Do not clean with bleach more than once every few years, as consistently bleaching your awning will shorten how long it lasts. Only use bleach for very stubborn mold. [7] X Research source

Expert Q&A

• When purchasing an awning, choose one with an outer layer of aluminum, which will prevent damage and discoloration from UV rays. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• If you do not have an awning brush, spray your solution on the underside of your awning, retract the awning and let it sit for a few minutes. The solution will spread across both sides of the awning as it rolls up. Extend the awning and rinse both sides with a hose. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Extend the life of your awning, and prevent rips in windy weather with a stabilizing kit and De-Flapper clamps. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Things You’ll Need

• A water hose.
• A soft bristle brush for a vinyl awning, a stiff brush for an acrylic awning.
• A cleaning solution.

You Might Also Like

• ↑ http://www.carefreeofcolorado.com/blog/rv-awning-care-it-s-never-been-easier
• ↑ http://www.doityourselfrv.com/rv-awning-maintenance-everything-need-know/
• ↑ Dario Ragnolo. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview. 13 August 2019.
• ↑ https://www.goldeagle.com/tips-tools/how-clean-your-rv-awning-remove-stains-seal-and-protect/

About this article

If you want to clean your RV awning, first, hose down both sides to blast off any leaves and mildew. To give your awning a deep clean, scrub it with a stiff brush if it’s made of acrylic, and a softer brush for vinyl. No matter which type of brush you use, make sure to mount it to a long pole, as you’ll need to reach the top of the awning. Once your brush is ready, fill a bucket with warm water and mix in a few squeezes of dish soap. Then, use your brush to apply the cleaner to both sides of the awning and scrub away any stains or mold. Finally, rinse off your awning with the hose again and let it dry completely before retracting it. For more help, including how to use bleach on tough stains, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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