A Guide to Cleaning and Eliminating Mould from an RV Awning

There are many advantages to installing an awning on a caravan or RV. Awnings shield the vehicle from the elements, including the sun, rain, and wind. They protect your RV from dirt and residues from trees, bugs, rain, and other natural sources of pollution. Fortunately, your awning will not be retired as a result of this incident. The fabric of RV awnings is usually treated to resist mould. Still, even if it is what it is, any material exposed to the outdoors for an extended period of time will need to be cleaned and maintained correctly. In this article, we will discuss our guide to cleaning and eliminating mould from an RV awning to extend its lifespan and help yourself save money!

How do I clean my RV Awnings and prevent mould?

Mould is a common problem for RV awnings, particularly those that get rolled in and stored while they are still wet. Mould tends to be more on the surface of the awning and can spread to the inside of the fabric. Mould can do a lot of damage to your RV and your awnings, and a slight growth can become a big problem if it isn’t addressed quickly. We listed down helpful tips to help you thoroughly clean your weathered awnings.

• Set up the awning and expose the fabric to sunlight 

This is a vital part of caravan awning cleaning and maintenance. You can't get to it for cleaning if it's folded up. Setting it up so that the material stretches and every region is exposed is the only way to clean an awning properly. In order to prevent the growth of moulds and fungi, you should never clean an awning while it is closed. If there is any water or other fluid left on the awning, it must be dried and scrubbed clean. Select a day when the sun is out, and you'll be able to do most of the job yourself. The sun's heat will speed up the drying of the fluids.

• Make a cleaning mixture for your awnings

The first thing you need is to obtain a spray bottle or sprayer. Ensure that it is thoroughly cleaned, and combine two parts cleanser with eight parts water. You may use any cleaning you choose. Additionally, you can produce a DIY cleaning solution. Some individuals prefer to use dish soap to clean their awnings. 

They feel more comfortable using this gentler soap around the paint on their RV. Bleach is also frequently used in homemade cleaning products. However, you should consult the owner's manual for your awning before starting. Some manufacturers advocate using bleach and water, while others strongly prohibit it. The awning of your RV should be cleaned with a product made specifically for it. 

• Spray your awnings with the cleaning mixture

Now that you have your cleaning solution and sprayer prepared, it is time to learn how to spray the cleaner onto your awnings properly. Essentially, it would be ideal for completely covering the underside of the awning. If you are cleaning them while they are hanging, use a little stool to avoid back strain. Automatic sprayers will reduce your workload by fifty per cent. Ensure that no other substances have been used in the sprayer previously.

• Use a soft cloth the clean the surface of your awnings

The most effective cleaning equipment is often the simplest. A damp soft cloth, water and some elbow grease can work wonders when it comes to cleaning RV awnings. Canvas, the primary material used in awnings, is impervious to water. This material's waterproofing properties are unaffected by soft cloth or water in any way whatsoever.

Use a gentle touch and avoid strong strokes if you want to avoid damaging the materials. Scratches can be easily made if the cloth is clogged with fluids or moisture. It's time to roll up your awning after cleaning the underside with your cleaner of choice. Cleaning other areas of your RV is much easier when your awning is covered with soap and water. 

As the awning soaks up the cleaner, many RV owners prefer to clean their interiors and exteriors while camping. It should take about an hour before you unwind your awning so that you may clean the underside and top of it thoroughly with a yard hose once you've finished your other household duties. Rinsing should take a few minutes if you've followed the previous instructions for soap to water ratio. The process may take longer if you use a lot of soap.

• Air out your awning for the final time

For the final step, it is all about making sure your awning is ready to be opened on the next road trip. RV awnings can be dried simply by letting them out in the sun to dry. This procedure is the simplest yet the most time-consuming portion of the cleanup. Awnings might take up to a day or more to dry. Close your caravan awnings when it's entirely dry, and you're done!