How to Clean an RV Awning: Vinyl and Acrylic Fabric, Arms and Toppers

To clean a vinyl RV awning, extend it, wet it, apply a cleaner made for vinyl awnings to the top surface, then roll the awning up and leave it for about 10 to 15 minutes so the solution soaks both faces in the roll. Unroll it, scrub stubborn spots with a soft brush, and rinse both sides thoroughly with a garden hose. Acrylic RV awnings are cleaned more gently, with mild soap, lukewarm water and a soft brush, because harsh products strip their water repellent. Either way, let the fabric dry completely before it is rolled up for travel.

This guide covers what is specific to RV awnings: vinyl fabric, roof runoff streaks, working on a tall sidewall, slide-out toppers and the arms and rails. For the general method and mixing ratios used on home awnings, see how to clean an awning.

Identify your fabric first

Most RV patio awnings use vinyl (vinyl-coated or laminated polyester); some higher-end and aftermarket awnings use woven acrylic. The cleaning approach differs, so check before you start.

For how the two materials compare as a purchase, see RV awning fabric replacement.

Before you start

• Check the campground rules. Many campgrounds and RV parks restrict or prohibit washing rigs on site. Clean at home, at a wash facility that allows it, or ask the office.
• Pick a calm, overcast day or the shady part of the morning. Cleaner that dries in hot sun leaves streaks.
• Gather: a cleaner labeled for your fabric, a soft long-handled brush, a hose with a spray nozzle, a bucket, a sturdy step ladder and microfiber cloths.
• Protect the coach. Rinse the sidewall below the awning before and after, so runoff does not dry on paint or decals.
• Check the warranty. Some fabric warranties specify approved cleaners; using something else can complicate a claim.

Cleaning a vinyl RV awning: the roll-up method

Vinyl awnings get dirty on both faces, and the underside, which you see from the patio, is where mildew and dirt show most. The roll-up method lets the cleaner reach both sides at once without a ladder pass on each face. Some RV awning makers describe a version of this method in their care instructions.

1. Extend the awning fully and lower the front slightly so solution stays on top rather than running off.
2. Wet the top surface with the hose.
3. Apply the cleaner to the top surface, diluted as the label directs. A pump sprayer gives even coverage; brush it out from a ladder at each end.
4. Roll the awning up and leave it for about 10 to 15 minutes, or as the label directs. The solution contacts the underside of each layer in the roll.
5. Unroll the awning and scrub any remaining marks on both sides with a soft brush.
6. Rinse thoroughly, top first, then underside, until no suds remain. Residue attracts dirt and can promote mildew.
7. Leave it extended to dry completely before retracting.

Cleaning an acrylic RV awning

Woven acrylic has a factory water and stain repellent that harsh cleaners and hard scrubbing remove. Clean it like a residential acrylic awning:

1. Brush off loose dirt while dry.
2. Rinse with a gentle hose spray.
3. Wash with lukewarm water and a mild soap, such as the 1/4 cup per gallon mix used for home awnings, using a soft brush. Let it soak in for a few minutes.
4. Rinse thoroughly and air dry fully.
5. Re-treat with a fluoropolymer fabric protectant made for outdoor acrylic after any deep clean, once the fabric is dry.

Skip the roll-up soak with strong cleaners on acrylic, since prolonged contact with harsh products speeds loss of the repellent finish. For mildew on either fabric, follow awning mold and mildew; bleach is acceptable on some solution-dyed acrylics according to their makers, but can harm thread, vinyl coatings and the coach's finish.

Black streaks, sap and other RV-specific stains

• Black streaks from the roof. Rubber (EPDM) roofs shed a chalky residue, and dirt and oxidation from the roof edge wash onto the awning when it is rolled up. A cleaner made for black streaks or for RV exteriors, rated safe for vinyl awnings, usually lifts them. Cleaning and treating the roof reduces the problem at its source.
• Tree sap and bird droppings. Common at wooded campsites. Soften with warm soapy water and lift gently rather than scraping; see awning stain removal for specific stains.
• Rust spots. Usually from steel hardware, tie-down clips or a nearby rusting part. Remove the source first.
• Mildew spots on the inner roll. The result of rolling up wet. Treat early, before the stain sets.
• Grease and smoke. From cooking under the awning. Use a degreaser only if the label says it is safe for your fabric, and test on a hidden area.

What not to use on an RV awning

• Pressure washers at close range. They can delaminate vinyl, open seams and drive water into the roller. If you use one at all, keep it on the lowest setting and well back; see can you pressure wash an awning.
• Petroleum solvents and oil-based protectants. They can soften vinyl and attract dirt.
• Abrasive pads and stiff brushes. They scratch vinyl and roughen acrylic.
• Undiluted bleach. It can weaken thread, fade printed graphics and spot the coach's paint.
• Household products not labeled for awnings, unless you test on a hidden spot first.

Slide-out toppers and window awnings

Slide-out toppers collect leaves, twigs and pine needles that get trapped when the slide closes, which wears the fabric and the slide seals. Brush debris off before retracting the slide, from a ladder or a walkable roof. To clean them, extend the slide fully so the topper is out, and wash with the same method as the patio awning using a long-handled brush. Window and door awnings are small enough to clean from a step ladder; extend them, wash, rinse and dry before closing.

Arms, rails and hardware

While the awning is out, clean the parts that make it work:

• Wipe the arms with soapy water and a cloth, and rinse grit from pivots and sliding sections.
• Clean the awning rail where the fabric welt sits, and check it is seated along its full length.
• Inspect the roller tube ends and motor area on power awnings, keeping water spray away from connectors.
• Lubricate sliding sections and pivots only with a product the manufacturer recommends, typically a dry silicone spray. Oily lubricants hold grit; see awning lubrication.
• Check bracket screws and sealant at the sidewall.

Drying, and how often to clean

The single most important step is drying. Vinyl rolled up wet can show mildew within a day or two in warm weather. If you must leave before the awning is dry, unroll it at the next dry stop. Cleaning frequency depends on use:

Before storing the RV for the season, clean and dry the awning fully. For more on storage and travel habits, see RV awning care and wind safety. If the fabric is cracking, delaminating or stained beyond cleaning, compare replacement fabric at about $150 to $500 against professional cleaning.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best way to clean a vinyl RV awning?

Extend it, wet the top, apply a cleaner labeled for vinyl awnings, then roll it up for about 10 to 15 minutes so the solution soaks both faces. Unroll, scrub lightly with a soft brush, rinse both sides thoroughly and let it dry completely before retracting. Avoid petroleum solvents, abrasive pads and close-range pressure washing.

Can I use bleach on my RV awning?

Avoid it on vinyl unless the awning maker approves a specific diluted mix, because bleach can weaken thread, fade graphics and spot the coach's paint. Some solution-dyed acrylic fabric makers allow a diluted bleach and soap solution for mildew. Rinse very thoroughly and protect the RV's finish from runoff whichever product you use.

How do I get black streaks off my RV awning?

Black streaks usually come from roof residue and dirt washing onto the fabric. Use a black streak remover or RV exterior cleaner labeled safe for vinyl awnings, apply it with a soft brush, and rinse thoroughly. Cleaning and treating the roof, especially rubber roofs that chalk, reduces how quickly the streaks return.

How often should I clean my RV awning?

Most owners do a full clean two to four times a season, plus a rinse after dusty, sappy or coastal stays. Full-timers may need a full clean every one to three months. Always clean and dry the awning before storing the RV for winter, since dirt and moisture in the roll lead to mildew and stains.

Can I clean my RV awning at a campground?

Check first. Many campgrounds and RV parks restrict or prohibit washing rigs on site because of water use and runoff. A quick rinse may be allowed where a full wash is not. If washing is banned, clean the awning at home or at a wash facility that permits RVs, and simply keep it dry and brushed off while camping.

Sources and further reading

• Dometic: patio awning care and cleaning instructions
• Carefree of Colorado: awning fabric care and cleaning guidance
• Lippert: Solera awning care and maintenance documentation
• Sunbrella (Glen Raven): cleaning and care guidance for acrylic fabrics