7 STEPS TO CLLEAN YOUR AWNING
STEP 3
Prepare the awning by clearing away any leaves or debris , then rinse both sides of the fabric with a hose to remove any loose dirt .
STEP 4
Cover your RV awning with your cleaning solution . You can use a spray bottle , a brush , or a pressure washer ( just be sure not to tear the fabric !). Make sure to cover the top and bottom of the awning . Then , roll up the awning so that the solution can soak . Let it sit for 5 minutes .
STEP 5
Expand the awning again and gently wipe the fabric with your rag , brush , or sponge . A car wash brush with a long handle is often helpful for reaching difficult spots .
For acrylic awnings , use a stiff brush . For vinyl awnings , use a soft brush . For stubborn small stains , mold spots , or tree sap , try a toothbrush .
NOTE : Wipe , don ’ t scrub . Hard scrubbing , especially on acrylic awnings , will remove the protective layer .
STEP 6
Rinse the awning thoroughly with your hose or pressure washer . Make sure all traces of your cleaning solution are removed , especially if you used a chemical such as bleach . Leaving behind traces of bleach or other such chemicals will damage your fabric .
STEP 7
Allow the awning to air-dry completely ( be patient ; never apply heat to dry the fabric ) before storing .
If desired , once the awning is dry , you can treat the fabric with a protectant such as 303 ® Aerospace ( for vinyl awnings , to repel dirt and provide UV protection ) or 303 ® Fabric Guard ( for acrylic awnings , to restore water repellency ).
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU CLEAN YOUR RV AWNING ?
At minimum you should clean your RV awning once a year prior to storing your motorhome for the winter . ( Read more about preparing your motorhome for winter storage here .) It ’ s also time to clean your awning if it appears dirty , if you park beneath trees and sap drips onto the fabric , or , of course , if it ’ s sporting mold or mildew . In general , it ’ s a good idea to clean your awning every few months , or more often if you use your RV frequently .
Essentially , if you ’ re wondering whether or not it ’ s time to clean your awning , it probably is .
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