How To Clean An RV Awning – Easy No Scrub Method

Here we’re going to look at how to clean an RV awning the easy way.

There’s no way round it unfortunately, camper awnings go moldy, and they need cleaning. 

It’s normally on the list of things to do before the first trip of the year, or after being stored or stood for a while.

A quick web search and you’ll find a few variations of this method. This is how I do it, and it’s always worked pretty well for me.

You’re not going to need a great deal, but there are a few essential items you’ll need for this method to work.

Pressure Washer

A pressure washer is the main essential item you’ll need for this task.

Big or small, it doesn’t really matter. As long as it has a ¼” quick connect for the foam cannon.

If you don’t have a pressure washer, just borrow one, you’ll only need it for about an hour.

Foam Cannon

A foam cannon is the only thing you may have to invest in.

The one in the photo is pretty cheap on Amazon, but they are readily available in Walmart or Home Depot etc.

The cannon clicks on in place of the pressure washer wand.

Dish Soap (Dawn or similar)

Good old dish soap. Any will do really.

There’s a lot of debate about dish soap affecting wax coatings and finishes on RV exteriors with this method, I wouldn’t worry too much.

The dish soap is going on the awning, any overspray isn’t going to do much. Plus, I always spray the camper side with water first (see method).

Bleach

Bleach is the main agent for removing the mold and staining on your awning.

Any type of bleach will do.

Old Clothes

We’re going to be messing around with bleach, so old clothes are a must.

This is one of those jobs, you are going to get a bit damp..

If I remember to pick one up at the store, I find disposable poncho is helpful.

Safety Glasses

Again, you’ll be using bleach, so protecting your eyes is a good idea.

These are mine, I prefer the goggle type instead of specs.

I wear a baseball cap as well, for extra protection.

Optional: Step ladder, Disposable Poncho, Willing Helper..

As mentioned before, a disposable plastic poncho is helpful.

As is a step ladder if you need to scrub any stubborn areas.

A helper for retracting the awning is good, or you may have a fob for the electric awning.

Method

Pre-Cleaning Prep

1. Get some old clothes on or a disposable poncho (or both).
2. Set up your pressure washer.
3. Extend the awning.
4. Wet down the side of the RV under the awning.

The bleach and dish soap won’t have any effect on your RV exterior, but wetting down the RV wall first is an extra precaution.

Mix The Solution

1. Pour about 10 oz of dish soap into your foam cannon bottle.
2. Add about 10 oz of bleach.
3. Fill the rest of the bottle with water and shake gently to mix.
   

In most foam cannon bottles the mixture is roughly ⅓ of each – ⅓ dish soap, ⅓ bleach, ⅓ water. 

You’ll probably find this ratio works pretty well in most situations. It’s worked plenty of times for me (and fellow RVers I know). I wouldn’t go a great deal more bleach than this, and if there is any staining after you’ve finished, just repeat the process.

Apply the Foam

1. Attach your foam cannon and spray a thick layer of foam on the underside of the extended awning.
2. Now roll up your awning. (This will coat both sides).
3. Let it sit for about 15 minutes.

You could probably leave it for longer, but it’s better to be cautious with the bleach. You can always do the process again.

Rinse The Awning

1. Unroll the awning.
2. Rinse the underside of your awning thoroughly with your pressure washer.
3. Rinse the top by: Getting someone to roll the awning (electric) and you rinse as it’s rolling in.

If you have a manual awning you can rinse the top by just dropping the awning to its lowest setting. (still extended).

If you still have any really stubborn stains left on the awning, a little light scrub with a good ole Magic Eraser will do the trick.

Dry The Awning

After you’ve finished rinsing, extend your awning and allow it to air dry completely before rolling it back up.

Hopefully you should end up with a nice mold and stain free awning.

Don’t be tempted to use too much bleach in one attempt, give the whole process a couple of goes if necessary.

Cleaning your RV awning doesn’t have to be a hassle. This method is easy, fast and effective, with little to no scubbing.

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