Clean your RV awning with mild dish soap and water, using a soft brush to scrub both sides, then rinse thoroughly and let it dry completely before retracting. This simple process prevents mold, extends fabric life, and keeps your outdoor space looking great. Regular cleaning with dish soap and water is the most recommended method by RV manufacturers like Lippert (2025), while full-time RVers should clean their awnings 3-4 times per year, and part-time users need thorough cleaning 1-2 times annually.
Keeping your awning clean isn't just about looks—it's about protecting a significant investment. Replacing an RV awning runs anywhere from $500 to $2,000, making regular maintenance a smart money move. Plus, nobody wants to sit under a moldy, smelly awning that attracts bugs and poses health risks.
Whether you're a weekend warrior or full-time RVer, this guide walks you through everything you need to know about safely cleaning your awning without damaging the fabric or voiding your warranty.
Identify your awning material first—vinyl feels like plastic and shines, while acrylic has a textured, woven feel. Different awning fabrics need different care, and using the wrong cleaner can cause vinyl to crack or acrylic to bleed color. According to Lippert's official awning operation guide, understanding your fabric type is crucial before beginning any maintenance.
Most RV awnings are made from one of these materials:
Vinyl Awnings are non-porous, water-resistant, and shine like plastic. Vinyl is more mildew-resistant and low-maintenance, making it excellent for humid climates. They can handle mild chemicals but will crack with harsh cleaners.
Acrylic Awnings are breathable, woven materials with a textured feel. Acrylic allows better airflow and keeps shade cooler than vinyl, but is more prone to mold and mildew in wet conditions. They're sensitive to abrasives and can lose color if scrubbed too hard.
If you're not sure, check your RV manual for manufacturer tags or conduct a small test patch before cleaning. Test a small area first—if nothing changes, you're probably good to go.
Clean your RV awning every 2-3 months if you're a full-timer, or 1-2 times per year for weekend camping. Full-time RVers should clean their awning at least three or four times per year, while part-time vacationers need a thorough cleaning once or twice annually.
Open your awning completely at least once a month to prevent moisture accumulation, especially if stored in humid climates. At season's end, always clean both sides and let dry completely before storage.
Regular cleaning frequency depends on your camping style:
Gather these essential supplies: mild dish soap, a 5-gallon bucket, a soft-bristle brush with an extension handle, a garden hose, and a sturdy A-frame ladder. The best homemade RV awning cleaner is everyday dish soap and water—use 1/4 cup per 5-gallon bucket.
Never lean on or place weight on your awning—use the long-handle brush to reach difficult spots.
Follow this proven 6-step process: extend awning fully, rinse both sides, apply soap solution, scrub gently, rinse thoroughly, and air dry completely before retracting.
Extend your awning completely and position your A-frame ladder safely. Clear any obvious debris like leaves or twigs by hand.
Spray both the top and bottom with clean water using a garden hose and spray nozzle to remove loose dirt and prepare the surface.
Mix your cleaning solution—1/4 cup dish soap per 5-gallon bucket of water. Apply generously to both sides using your soft brush.
Use a soft-bristle brush to gently scrub the top and bottom. Work in sections, paying attention to stained areas. Don't scrub too hard—let the soap do the work.
Rinse thoroughly until the awning drips clear, clean water with no soap residue remaining. Don't forget the underside!
Allow the awning to dry completely in the extended position before retracting for storage. This prevents mold and mildew growth.
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For tough stains, use specific treatments: isopropyl alcohol for tree sap, diluted vinegar for mold, and enzyme cleaners for bird droppings. Different stains require targeted approaches—act quickly because bird droppings cause "etching" and permanent damage.
Isopropyl alcohol or sap remover like Goo Gone (diluted) works well for tree sap—spot treat and avoid rubbing too hard.
RV mold remover or diluted vinegar solution is often effective—scrub gently, rinse thoroughly, and dry fully. For vinyl awnings, you can use a diluted bleach solution.
Diluted Dawn dish soap or enzyme-based cleaner usually produces good results, but act quickly before the acid causes permanent etching.
Use Magic Eraser sponges on wet awnings—the mold and algae release easily with gentle wiping and frequent rinsing. This $1 hack works surprisingly well for stubborn stains.
Use bleach only on vinyl awnings in diluted form—never on acrylic fabrics, which can discolor or weaken. Choose cleaners without bleach for acrylic awnings, as this chemical may cause discoloration and require fabric replacement.
For vinyl awnings, manufacturer manuals often recommend 1/4 cup bleach plus 1/4 cup dish soap in 5 gallons of water. Always test a small area first and rinse extremely thoroughly—leftover bleach can damage fabric threads.
Antimicrobial cleaners are a faster, more effective alternative to bleach for acrylic awnings without the discoloration risk.
Avoid pressure washers on awning fabric—they can damage the material and remove protective coatings. Pressure washers can damage your RV if not used correctly and may tear the awning fabric.
Stick with gentle methods:
The flexible nature of awning fabric means you can't apply enough pressure to clean effectively anyway—gentle scrubbing with proper cleaners works better.
Always let your awning dry completely in the extended position before retracting—this prevents mold, mildew, and fabric rot. Improper drying practices cause mold growth, fabric dry rot, and rust on mechanical components.
Drying best practices:
If you need to retract your awning while wet, extend it back out as conditions allow to let it dry completely.
Never use harsh chemicals, scrub too aggressively, or retract a wet awning—these mistakes cause expensive damage. Common pitfalls include using pressure washers, applying bleach to acrylic, and allowing wet awnings to stay retracted.
Test first and only use cleaners designed for your awning material to avoid costly mistakes.
Inspect monthly, clear debris immediately, and retract during bad weather to extend your awning's lifespan. Regular inspection and preventive care can catch issues before they become expensive problems.
Regular care prevents the need for expensive repairs or replacement. For electric awnings, consider learning about proper adjustment techniques to keep your motorized system running smoothly.
Don't let a dirty awning ruin your outdoor experience or force an expensive replacement. With the right approach—mild soap, gentle scrubbing, thorough rinsing, and complete drying—your awning will provide years of reliable shade and comfort.
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