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Awnings are an amazing piece of any outdoor RV setting. They provide shade, protection from the elements, and some even have screened in porches to keep your campsite free of bugs.

If you are new to RVing, you may not know yet how often your awnings should be cleaned and maintained. The answer may surprise you!

Awnings are notorious for needing regular and consistent cleaning, including specialty cleaning for mold, mildew, and moss. This can be difficult to do without a reliable awning cleaner.

I’ve compiled a list of some of the best awning cleaners for your RV here, along with some other helpful things you may not know yet about your RV. Cleaning your RV awning should be an easy chore, not a frustrating one!

We’re going to go over everything you could possibly need to know about picking out the perfect awning cleaner but if you want to skip ahead and see what made the list you can check out our favorites here: 

What is an RV Awning?

An RV awning is simple enough to understand. It is an umbrella-like accessory that comes standard on most any RV. Usually an RV awning is found rolled up along the roofline of RVs, on the same side as the RV door. 

There can be many different sizes and shapes of RV awnings. There can be multiple on one RV, and most all awnings roll up and lay flat against your rig when it comes time to hit the road.

Some awnings are battery powered and fully automatic. Others are manual, requiring the RV owner to pull it open and set it up properly. Many awnings come equipped with LED lighting strips so that you can enjoy them at night.

Awnings are usually made using metal poles or bars and durable, outdoor-safe fabric for the shade portion. They are usually not made to withstand high winds or inclement weather, so it is recommended that you don’t use them during these times.

Some awnings will come with additional shade or protective bug screens that drape down from the main overhead awning. These handy screens turn your awning into more of a protective shelter.

Where is my RV Awning Located?

Most of the time, you will find your rig’s main awning above your RV’s door. It will usually stretch the majority of the length of your RV on the same side as the door, potentially covering up some windows too.

Some RVs have awnings on the backside; some RVs have awnings over their slide out windows. It all depends on the make and model of your rig, but the awnings are usually designed to be useful to families entering and exiting their RV.

This means that most of the time, RV awnings are high up and may be difficult to clean without a ladder or other means of height. The exact height will depend on the height of your RV. Some extendable cleaning tools work really well, but you may be able to clean your awning just as easily with a ladder and simple sponge.

You can always add more awnings to your rig after you purchase it, or perhaps your manufacturer can even include a few more before you drive it off the lot. There are many aftermarket awning options, built for any size rig. They are worth checking out! If you’re not sure where to start, I’d suggest checking out this retractable awning from ALEKO which you can check out on Amazon. 

Types of RV Awnings

There are a few different types of RV awnings, though all of them should be able to be cleaned with the same cleaning product. Let’s take a look at some different awning varieties and how difficult they are to clean!

Manual Awnings

Manual awnings are exactly what they sound like: awnings that have to be manually adjusted and moved from their locked position into their fully extended position. These awnings are often very affordable and are most commonly installed as aftermarket additions.

Manual awnings can be made out of a variety of materials and cut into various sizes so that you can find your RV’s perfect fit! They can come in many different colors and patterns as well. Keep in mind that manual awnings don’t have any motors or expensive parts to repair, making them more cost effective for many RVers.

The main drawback to this style of awning is that you’ll need to manually retract it should there be high winds or inclement weather. It is a smart idea to always plan ahead with these awnings so that they don’t break or rip!

Manual awnings should be just as easy to clean as any other, depending on the material they are made out of. Many RVers enjoy the control they have over manual awnings when it comes to cleaning.

Automatic or Motorized Awnings

The latest and greatest in awning technology, electric powered awnings are most commonly found on newly manufactured RVs. These awnings are designed to automatically retract or roll out at the push of a button!

These awnings often have LED power running through them, capable of powering strips of lights and sometimes even speakers. There are varying degrees of automatic awnings, but no matter what, you won’t need to manually pull out or fold your awning back up when you are packing up or setting up camp!

Some electric awnings are even built with wind sensors so that they will automatically retract if there are high winds or other inclement weather. These awnings are some of the most expensive on the market, but they are becoming increasingly popular among RVers.

While the upfront cost is a factor for many RVers, you should also consider the long run cost of motorized awnings as well. Should your motor break and your RV is no longer covered by its warranty, you could have even more to pay for in the long run as well.

It is important to pay attention when you are cleaning your awnings so that you don’t get any harmful cleaner in your awning’s motor. Most RV awning motors should be kept safe in their waterproof housing, but it is important to keep in mind while you are cleaning your awning.

Fixed Window Awnings

Fixed window awnings are found above many RV windows, especially one that are looked out often, such as the kitchen window. They can also be found above your RV’s doors, especially if your travel trailer or fifth wheel has more than one door.

Fixed window awnings are nice in theory, as they protect you and your family from harsh sunshine or rain. However, these awnings are not adjustable in any way, hence the fixed name.

These awnings can also be a pain when it comes time to move your rig, as they will either need to be removed or properly secured so that they don’t break while you are on the road.

Slide Out Awnings

Sometimes there are further awnings found on your RV’s slide outs or pop outs. These awnings operate the same as any other, and can either be manual or motorized.

It is important to set up your slide out awnings last, once your rig is steady and level, and your slide outs are fully deployed. Slide out awnings can be tricky if your rig isn’t level.

What are RV Awnings Made Out Of?

When it comes to cleaning your RV awning, it is important to know what they are made out of should you be looking at purchasing a cleaning agent that could potentially harm the fabric or metals.

These are some of the most common RV awning materials, and how easy they are to clean!

Vinyl Awnings

Vinyl awnings are relatively inexpensive, and are a common material used in RV manufacturing. These awnings can be made in a variety of patterns and colors so that you can match your existing RV exterior with little trouble.

Vinyl awnings are a bit more reliable than acrylic awnings because they are entirely waterproof. These awnings aren’t the type to fail you in inclement weather! They are also UV resistant, which means that you are protected from the hot sun too.

Vinyl is scratch and fade resistant, and grime and pollution do not affect it. However, there is something that does affect it greatly: mold and mildew. These awnings are the most prone to molding, so this is something to keep in mind when you are looking at cleaners!

Acrylic Awnings

Acrylic awnings are affordable and durable, just like its vinyl counterpart. However, this material has its own pros and cons, just like vinyl. Besides being a bit more affordable, acrylic also dries much faster than vinyl does.

This means that acrylic awnings are naturally more mold and mildew resistant. They are also capable of withstanding most all weather, including harsh sun and snow. It can repel water, but it is not an entirely waterproof material.

Acrylic has a primary downfall and that is the fact that it can stretch and warp much easier than vinyl. This material is known for being stretched by the wind and warping with ease, leaving many RV owners with an unreliable awning!

Acrylic is also not entirely waterproof, and rain has been known to pool and seep through acrylic awnings. This is something to consider; while acrylic may be easier to clean, it is not as reliable an awning material when faced with the elements.

Aluminum or Other Metal

Lastly, RV awnings are made with some metal involved too. Their various poles and rolling mechanisms are made of lightweight aluminum or other metal materials so that you aren’t weighed down by the awning while unrolling or rolling it.

These metal pieces should be painted with waterproof and weather resistant coatings so that you can enjoy the great outdoors without ever having to worry about your awning breaking. 

However, everything wears down over time. You may wish to consider an awning cleaning product that can deal with rust and metals, should you notice your RV poles wearing down.

How Do I Clean My RV Awning?

Cleaning your RV awning can be an all day affair, depending on the size of your awning and if you have multiple. I only have a small manual awning on my 19 foot rig, so it only takes me a bit of time on a nice day! However, taking your time is always a good idea when cleaning your awnings.

If you have purchased an RV awning cleaner, it is important that you follow the instructions on it. Many products work differently than others; you may have one cleaner that needs to sit for some time before cleaning, and you may have a stronger solution that can be wiped away immediately.

I always like to have a few rags with me while I am cleaning my awning. This is so I can wipe away any grime or cleaner that has been applied to my awning. I also like to give it a bit of a polish at the end, as well as remove any excess moisture so that I can store it properly.

Allowing your awning fabric to dry is one of the most important steps to cleaning your RV awning. The last thing you should do is roll up your awning while it is wet! All of your hard work will no doubt be wasted, as mold and mildew are most likely to grow while your awning is rolled up.

Types of RV Awning Cleaners

There are various types of RV awning cleaners for you to consider, as well as application considerations. For example, you should keep in mind how much cleaner you can keep around at one time as well as how you plan to clean your RV

Let’s take a look at some different types of RV awning cleaners.

Concentrated Form

A popular and common form of RV awning cleaner is purchasing it in a bulk concentrate. This usually means that your cleaner will be in a large container and will require you to mix it with water or another product before applying to your rig.

Concentrates are useful for the RVer on a budget, as these cleaners are often the most cost effective option. However, it can take a few extra steps to figure out the proper dosing for your cleaner, and this form can also be a bit messier than many others.

You may also not like this form of RV awning cleaner should you be planning to store the cleaner onboard of your RV. The containers often take up a lot of space, and this may not be worth it to full timers or other RVers who need the extra storage.

Ready to Go Spray Bottle

Looking for an easy and efficient awning cleaner? You should definitely look for products that are found in a ready to go spray bottle. These products don’t need mixing, and you can simply spray the contents of the bottle onto your awning.

These are probably the most popular form of RV awning cleaners, as it is a compact and easy to use option. However, they are not always the most cost effective. This is definitely something to keep in mind should your budget be an issue.

Bleach Based

Some RV awning cleaners are bleach based or have bleach in them. These cleaners are useful for any awnings suffering from mold or mildew damage, as bleach will kill most mold spores on contact. 

However, a bleach based spray may not be the best choice if you don’t have mold and mildew present; you don’t really need a bleach based spray for simply dirty awnings. You may also not like bleach based spray if your awning is not treated for bleach. You could end up staining it!

No Rinsing Required

Some RV awning cleaners are formulated so that you don’t have to rinse them away. You simply apply the cleaner, let it sit, and you are done! Some products may need you to wipe it away, but no matter what you won’t need to rinse off your awning with products like these!

This can be useful if you are looking for a bit less mess and an easier chore. Spray on cleaners that don’t require rinsing often cut your cleaning time in half. However, there could be some products that don’t work as well as products that you need to rinse away.

Multi Surface

If you are hoping to clean multiple parts of your RV in the same day, you may wish to consider a multi surface awning cleaner. Cleaners like this can be used on your awning fabric, poles, sides of your rig, and much more!

These cleaners are useful if you don’t want to keep a bunch of extra cleaning supplies around. However, multi surface cleaners may not clean your awning as well as other products, due to the fact that they are designed to clean many other things as well. 

What Other Tools Do I Need to Clean my Awning?

When it comes time to clean my awning, I find a few tools to be very useful. Here are some of my go to items when RV awning cleaning day rolls around!

Ladder

Most RV awnings are too high up to clean from the ground. I have a sturdy and reliable ladder that I keep with my RV. I use this to clean both my RV’s roof as well as my awning, both the top and undersides of it!

It is nice to purchase a ladder with surface area to set things down on. I like having a ladder that I can hang my bucket of water from so that I can have my hands free for awning cleaning! It all depends on your personal preferences, of course.

If you don’t have a ladder for your RV yet, I highly recommend purchasing one. You can check out my list of favorite RV ladders here!

Bucket

Keeping a bucket around while you’re camping may seem like a silly tool to have. However, I find that a reliable and sturdy bucket can be invaluable while you are camping! From lugging water to holding kindling to using it as an outdoor trash can, buckets are great!

I keep a bucket around for cleaning my awnings. I usually fill it with water or my cleaning concentrate, and haul it up the ladder with me. It really does come in handy, especially when I need to was the awnings and the rest of the rig!

Scrub Brush

If my awnings have had a lot of dirt and grime on them lately, I find that a reliable scrub brush on a handle or pole can be valuable. Choosing a scrub brush that is firm but not too scratchy is key; that way you can remove any stuck on debris without scratching away your exterior paint.

Finding a scrub brush that is on a telescoping pole can also be useful, especially if you don’t want to buy a ladder for your RV. If you get one with a long enough pole, there’s no doubt that you can bypass purchasing a ladder entirely! This handy scrub bush on Amazon can make things a lot easier!

Cleaning Sponge

If you are worried about a heavy duty scrub brush damaging your awning fabric, sometimes a large and reliable cleaning sponge can do the trick. I find that wiping away any grime or dust with a softer sponge can really make my awning fabric shine!

How Often Should I Clean my RV Awning?

It can be tricky to know how often you should clean your RV awning. It also depends on how often you use your RV and your awning. There have been many camping trips that I have taken where I haven’t used my awning at all!

I tend to clean my awnings once a month if I am using them regularly, or whenever they look visibly dirty. However, if you are planning on not using your RV for some time, I always think it’s a good idea to give your awnings a good clean before storing your rig.

If you are camping in the winter and then bring your RV home, it is important to treat your awnings for mold and mildew before storing. Allow your awning to dry fully as well before rolling it back up. This will help your awning remain clean and mold free!

How Do I Know if a Product is Safe for my Awning?

You may be curious if there are any products on the market that can damage your RV awning. All of the products on this list should be safe for your awning materials, but it is always worth it to double check the labels.

Since RV awnings are exposed to a lot of sun, water, and other elements, it is a good idea to only clean them with cleaners that are guaranteed safe for an awning. These RV accessories are more delicate than you think!

Alternative RV Awning Cleaning Options

If you are unsure if an RV cleaning product is the right choice for you, there are other RV cleaning options out there. Let’s take a look at some of them!

Proper Aeration

Sometimes your RV awning will be clean and dry if you are able to simply leave it out to dry before storing it. A properly dried and aerated awning is a happy awning! If you have been camping anywhere that is damp, definitely keep this in mind.

Living in the Pacific Northwest has made me a master of mold prevention. If you don’t want to use any harsh chemicals on your RV awning, that’s okay. Just make sure it is fully dried before you roll it up. 

Homemade Solutions

There are many homemade awning cleaners out there, and it is up to you to determine the one that is right for you. Some people use a vinegar based cleaner, others use a simple soap and water mixture.

Homemade solutions can be cost effective and useful for the average RVer. Definitely experiment and try to find the best homemade cleaner for your needs!

Power Washing

While power washing can be a bit extreme, you may be able to safely power wash your awnings. I would exercise caution, especially when it comes to power washing the fabric portion of your awning.

Power washing is more beneficial for the sides of your rig and your wheels rather than your awnings. The pressure may be too much for it and could damage it far worse than any chemical. 

However, this method could be done safely and economically should you already own a power washer. If you think you can regulate the pressure enough to safely clean your awning fabric, I say go for it!

Professional Detailing

One of the best ways to clean your RV awnings is to take your rig to a professional RV detailer or cleaner. These people are used to cleaning RV awnings, and they will take the utmost care to ensure that your rig is safely and efficiently cleaned.

However, professional detailing is never cheap. If you are hoping to have your awnings cleaned but on a budget, I can’t exactly recommend professional cleaning. 

The Best Awning Cleaner for Your RV

Are you feeling confident about what you’re looking for out of an RV awning cleaner? Do you know the different types of cleaner you are looking for, including purchasing any additional cleaning accessories? Great! Let’s take a look at some of the best awning cleaners for your RV.

Best Overall: Camco 41024 Pro-Strength Awning Cleaner

Whether you’re brand new to RVing, or have been in the game for some time, you’ve probably heard of Camco. Camco makes everything RV related, from cleaning products to sewer hoses to stabilizers. Camco gets RVs, and they also get how best to clean an awning!

The Camco Pro-Strength Awning Cleaner safely removes mold stains, dirt, tree sap and road grime from your RV awning. It is specially formulated to clean vinyl, nylon, acrylic and fabrics awnings and is also great for use on tents or pop-up campers. Breathe new life into your RV awning or tent and help restore a like-new appearance.

This product has been a fan favorite for some time, both for its affordable cost as well as its efficient cleaning abilities. It also comes in a conveniently sized 32 ounce bottle so that you can properly store it anywhere in your RV!

You can read all the reviews and check out the latest price on Amazon by clicking here. 

 

Most Eco Friendly: Oxy Solve Total Outdoor Pressure Washer Cleaner

Looking for a product that can be safely washed away and no natural ecosystems will be affected? Check out this Simple Green product that is perfectly formulated for your RV awning! You’re safe to wash your RV in the woods with this product!

The Oxy Solve Pressure Washer Cleaner cleans a wide variety of surfaces such as wood, composite, vinyl, metal, fabric, plastic, wicker, concrete, stone, brick and asphalt. It is designed to lift dirt, grime and stains from mold, mildew, moss and algae. 

It uses the power of peroxide to lift grime without harsh chemicals. It is safe for direct-release into oceans, lakes and streams. This pressure washer is a concentrate, capable of cleaning up to 6,400 sq. ft.! It is also Climate Pledge Friendly and certified by the U.S. EPA Safer Choice, containing safer ingredients for human health and the environment.

If you have a pressure washer, you can follow these instructions. Drop the siphon tube into the bottle or fill the soap reservoir. Wet your surface with plain water at low pressure. Apply Oxy Solve at a low pressure setting. Allow the cleaner to sit for 3-5 minutes, then rinse at high pressure. 

If you’re like me and only have a bucket, these are the instructions for you! Mix one part Oxy Solve with 20 parts water in a bucket. Wet surface and scrub with a soft-bristle brush or sponge. Rinse with a garden hose at high pressure. Easy as that!

You can check out more reviews and see the latest price on Amazon by clicking here. 

 

Best No-Rinse Cleaner: Wet & Forget No Scrub Outdoor Cleaner

Struggling with moss and mildew and hoping for an easy set and forget solution? Check out this product from Wet and Forget; they have literally based their entire brand on the ability to spray a cleaner and forget about it! Sounds perfect for the average RV awning!

Wet and Forget Outdoor ready-to-use is the easy way to eliminate tough moss, mold, mildew and algae stains from your smaller outdoor surfaces. Use on porch steps, fountains, landscape stones, boat seats, or virtually any other small outdoor job including RV awnings! Simply spray the contaminated surface and you’re done! 

Wet and Forget goes to work with the wind and rain to gently break down the growth and wash it away over the next few weeks or months. There’s no scrubbing, no rinsing and no power washing. Wet and Forget’s gentle formula contains no bleach or acidic chemicals so it won’t harm the surfaces being cleaned.

Bleach-free, biodegradable, and with unlimited shelf life, this is a product you’ll want to keep around. It cleans moss, mold, mildew and algae stains, anything that may be found on your RV. It comes as a convenient ready-to-use formula with an attached sprayer. Plus it is designed to cover 60-180 square feet!

Check out the latest price on Amazon and read more reviews by clicking here. 

 

Safest for Plants, Animals, and Kids: Thetford Premium RV Awning Cleaner for RV or Home Awnings

Another big name in the RV game is Thetford. These guys are making useful RV accessories, everything from toilets to wheel chocks. The Thetford Premium RV Awning Cleaner is a biodegradable cleaner which can be used on your RV or house awning, and that’s only the beginning. 

The Awning Cleaner cleans awnings, shower stalls, rubber, vinyl, and plastic, removing tough stains, bugs, bird droppings and also offers UV protection. Chlorine-free and color-safe, the product can be used to clean showers, awnings, rubber moldings, canvas, vinyl, upholstery, carpets, and more.

This premium RV Awning Cleaner can be used on any awning, cleaning and protecting against UV rays. Chlorine-free and color safe, the cleaner can be used on fabric, vinyl, and plastic and is tested safe for RV accessories. This cleaner is perfect for the whole family, as it is non-toxic, non-flammable, biodegradable and has a pleasant fragrance

This particular product is available in a 32 ounce spray bottle as well as larger half gallon options. It is easy to use and store, and the awning cleaner can be sprayed directly on the surface of your RV! See the latest price and more reviews on Amazon by clicking here. 

 

Most Budget Friendly: Camco 41028 Pro-Strength Awning Cleaner – 1 Gallon

We’ve already gone over this amazing product. In fact, this Camco product took our top choice slot, and it is also taking the most budget friendly spot, but in an even larger size! This pro strength cleaner comes in an affordable gallon size for your budget seekers out there!

The Camco Pro-Strength Awning Cleaner safely removes mold stains, dirt, tree sap and road grime from your RV awning. It is specially formulated to clean vinyl, nylon, acrylic and fabrics awnings and is also great for use on tents or pop-up campers. Breathe new life into your RV awning or tent and help restore a like-new appearance.

While this size may be the most cost effective option on this list, it may be too large of a container for the average RVer to carry around. It is definitely something to consider before making your final purchase. You can learn more along with checking the latest price on Amazon by clicking here. 

 

Heaviest Duty Cleaner: Duragloss 542 Marine and RV Cleaner

• Great reviews for RV awning cleaning
• Powerful and heavy duty
• Easy to use and clean with

• Large size may not suit all rigs

Searching for something with a bit more power and cleaning abilities? Check out this heavy duty marine and RV cleaner from Duragloss. It is designed to get through those caked on or tough stains, on many surfaces!

The specially formulated blend of surfactants penetrate and emulsify to help remove mildew and stains on vinyl, fiberglass, tiles and other non-porous surfaces on your boat or RV. It is perfect for use on the inside or outside of your boat or recreational vehicle. 

This product helps remove mildew, oil and grease from exterior fiberglass, or use on any interior vinyl seats or countertops. This could make it a useful heavy duty cleaner for use in multiple places on your RV! It does contain bleach, so that is something to keep in mind.

While it isn’t recommended for use in your routine awning cleaning, this cleaner can be perfect for the project RV that hasn’t been cleaned in a while. However, it does come in a large size, which may not suit everyone’s storage solutions. You can read more reviews and check the latest price on Amazon by clicking here. 

 

Best for Routine Cleaning: Star Brite RV Awning Cleaner

Looking for a convenient spray bottle option that you can apply and clean with regularly? Check out this bottle from Star Brite. While the brand is not the most well known, this product has been receiving raving reviews from RV owners everywhere!

Star brite Premium RV Awning Cleaner & Protectant with PTEF is specifically formulated to loosen and remove tough stains and dirt from RV awnings and all RV fabrics. The formula utilizes a blend of high-tech cleaning agents that work quickly without the need for heavy scrubbing. The PTEF polymers create a durable barrier against staining and UV rays that can weaken and fade fabric.

To spot clean with this product, spray directly onto the stain and allow it to penetrate for 30 seconds. Use a cloth, sponge or soft brush to gently rub the area. Rinse thoroughly with fresh water. Easy as that!

To clean large areas of your awning, spray evenly over the entire section to be cleaned and allow to penetrate for 30 seconds. Using a cloth, sponge or soft brush, gently rub the area to lift dirt before rinsing the entire area thoroughly. 

Stubborn stains may require a repeat application and longer penetration time. The brand also recommends that you test for color fastness in an inconspicuous area. For ultimate stain-repelling and UV protection of RV awnings and other outdoor fabrics, apply Star Brite Waterproofing at the beginning of each season. Read more and check the latest price on Amazon by clicking here. 

 

Editor’s Choice: B.E.S.T. PROPACK Awning Cleaner

I went searching for an easy to use and powerful awning cleaner. When I found this BEST brand cleaner, I was a bit skeptical. I had never used this brand before, however, I was not disappointed in this product!

Using quality and powerful cleaning agents, I was able to use this spray bottle to clean my awnings no problem. It cut through the mold and mildew that had built up over the last few Pacific Northwest months. All I had to do was spray and scrub, then rinse away!

It is specially formulated to cut through any damage or staining caused by salt, mold, mildew, or other plants and animals. It also has built in protection against the sun’s harmful UV rays and other potential pollutants.

While this is indeed a premium product, I find it convenient to use, easy to clean with, and easy to store. What else do you need out of an RV awning cleaner!? You can read more reviews and see the latest price on Amazon by clicking here. 

 

Conclusion

Purchasing an awning cleaner for your RV is a great idea for extending the life of your awning for years to come. Whether it is just a monthly cleaning or a deep cleaning before putting your RV into storage, there’s no doubt in my mind that your awning will thank you for it!

Do you have any other reliable awning cleaning methods or supplies that I might’ve missed? Sound off in the comments below!