What’s the Easiest Way to Clean an RV Awning?
RV awnings are notorious for getting moldy and dirty quickly. If you aren’t diligent about airing out the awning on your RV, trailer, van, or pop-up camper it will get moldy fast.
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When we bought our first travel trailer, the underside of its awning was black from mold. It required both RV awning cleaning and scrubbing to get it clean again.
Luckily for us it wasn’t so damaged from the mold that we needed to replace it, but it was a lot of work to clean it initially.
Now that the RV awning is clean we only need to soak it with RV awning cleaner when it starts to get dirty and then spray it off.
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In this review, I’m going to go over some of the best RV awning cleaners you can use to keep your awning looking fresh and clean. Including the one that we used.
I’ve also included some products you can spray on after cleaning that help stop mold to keep your camper’s canopy mold-free even longer.
Summary (Links to Amazon)
- Best Overall – Star Brite Mold & Mildew Remover
- Less Harsh Option – 30 Seconds Outdoor Multi Surface Cleaner
- Bleach Free – Wet & Forget Outdoor Cleaner
Best Overall
Less Harsh
Bleach Free Option
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best RV Awning Cleaner Reviews and Info
1. Star Brite Mold & Mildew Remover
The Star Brite Mold & Mildew Stain Remover + Cleaner is one of the most effective marine/outdoor upholstery, vinyl, and acrylic fabric cleaners on the market today.
If you have a nasty RV awning, tent, boat, or pop-up tent that needs some serious help, Star Brite is your best choice.
Its formula is powerful. For most mold and mildew stains you only need to spray on the RV awning cleaner and let it sit until the mold and stains start to disappear.
Once the stains have faded, just spray it off.
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You don’t get these kinds of results without some heavy-duty chemicals. Star Brite RV awning cleaner is not going to be safe to use on your lawn or around plants.
It’s recommended to wear safety glasses, gloves, and protective clothing when using it. I would especially wear safety glasses because you will be spraying upwards when cleaning your camper’s awning.
Some of the chemicals in Star Brite include buffered-bleach (stain removal), chelating agents (for dirt removal), and surfactants (grease removal).
Star Brite is safe to use as an RV awning cleaner or on fiberglass, wood, concrete, drywall, siding, tile, grout, roofs, vinyl upholstery, most acrylic fabrics, and other moldy surfaces.
Because there is some bleach in it, make sure you test a small area of fabric to see if any discoloration happens before applying over the entire surface.
Star Brite Mold & Mildew Remover is made in America and is one of the best mold and mildew cleaners on the market today.
PROS
- Cleans & Removes Stains Simultaneously
- Easy Spray-On & Rinse Off
- Multi-Surface Cleaner
- Indoor & Outdoor Use
CONS
- Harmful to Plants
- May Discolor
- Safety Gear Required
- Strong Chemical Smell
2. MiracleMist Multipurpose RV Awning Cleaner
Miracle-Mist RV awning cleaner is another powerful mold and mildew remover made to revive and clean even the moldiest of camper awnings.
All you have to do is spray it on, wait for 30 seconds, then rinse off.
This cleaner uses strong chemicals. Don’t let it sit longer than 2 minutes at a time as it may begin to break down stitching on the RV awning.
You can spray and rinse multiple times until the mold, dirt, and mildew are gone. For extra tough spots, you can use a brush or sponge to remove deep stains.
Because this contains bleach and strong surfactants, use eye protection, gloves, and protective clothing when using it.
It may damage plants and kill grass so don’t use it on the front lawn, backyard, or near water like rivers, lakes, and streams.
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MiracleMist Multipurpose RV Awning Cleaner is another great option for surfaces that get moldy and stained often.
You can use it during your yearly RV maintenance to keep your camper awning looking new.
It will also work to keep away mold on pop-up campers inside and outside.
PROS
- Cleans & Removes Stains Simultaneously
- Easy Spray-On & Rinse Off
- Multi-Surface Safe
- Indoor & Outdoor Use
- 30 Second Clean Time
- Also Prevents Mold
CONS
- Harmful to Plants
- May Discolor
- Safety Gear Required
- Strong Chemical Smell
3. Camco RV Awning Cleaner
The Camco RV awning cleaner is a great option for those who have a camper awning that is a little moldy but not so much that they need super strong chemicals to get the job done.
This RV awning cleaner contains hazardous chemicals and safety glasses, gloves, and protective clothing should be worn when using it.
Also, make sure you are using it away from any grass or plants.
Unlike some of the other cleaners in this review, the Camco RV awning cleaner does not have a mildew stain remover and black streak remover mixed in.
If you want those you need to apply Camco black streak remover (click to view on Amazon) or mildew stain remover (click to view on Amazon) separately.
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To apply you first need to spray off your camper’s awning to remove any dirt.
Mix 4 oz of the RV awning cleaner with 1 gallon of water and use a sponge or soft brush (click to view on Amazon) to apply the cleaner.
Do small sections of the camper awning at a time and rinse immediately after. Do not allow the product to dry.
Sometimes you need to scrub your camper awning no matter how strong the chemicals are and the Camco RV Awning Cleaner is a fantastic option for that.
It also works great on pop-up campers and even tents.
It’s a more basic option compared to other kinds of RV awning cleaners and a good, less harsh cleaning product to include in your regular RV or trailer cleaning schedule.
PROS
- RV Awning Specific Cleaner
- More Basic Option
- Not Too Harsh for Tent Fabric
- No Strong Chemical Smells
CONS
- Harmful to Plants
- Doesn’t Remove Stains
- May Require Scrubbing
4. 30 Seconds Outdoor Multi-Surface Cleaner
The 30 Second Cleaner is known for its fast results and ability to clean more surfaces than other mold and mildew cleaning products.
It’s also specially designed to hold better on suspended surfaces like camper awnings.
There are a few 30 Second Cleaner product you could use to clean an RV awning, but the Outdoor Multi-Surface is the most effective and easiest to use.
Simply spray in on, wait up to 3 minutes, the rinse if off.
You can reapply and brush extra-tough mold and mildew stains as needed.
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30 Second Cleaner contains a small amount of bleach but there are no VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) and it will be safer to use than other harsher RV awning cleaners.
When it says multi-surface it means it. The 30 Second Outdoor cleaner can be used on almost anything.
From metal, plastic, cloth, painted, and fiberglass surfaces, to wood, composite, concrete, bricks, tile, and asphalt.
It’s great for RV and home use. It not only eliminates but also removes stains from algae, mold, and mildew.
The 30 Seconds Outdoor Multi-Surface Cleaner is a perfect choice for those who don’t want to use harsh, hazardous chemicals when cleaning their camper’s awning.
If it’s an extra moldy dirty surface, it may take a little more scrubbing than the stronger cleaners, but it’s not going to be as irritating which is a definite pro.
For mold and mildew prevention after cleaning, 30 Seconds also made a “spray and walk away” cleaner/prevention (click to view on Amazon).
Spray onto your RV awning to help keep mold away.
It can even be used as a fast cleaner for slightly dirty surfaces that just have a little bit of mold growth starting.
PROS
- Less Harmful to Plants
- No VOC’s
- Multi-Surface Safe
- Easy Spray-On & Rinse-Off
CONS
- Contains Bleach
- Strong Chemical Smell
5. 303 Products Multi-Surface Cleaner
The 303 Products Multi-Surface Cleaner is for making RV awning fabrics and surfaces look shiny and new again.
If your camper awing has old, deeply rooted mold growing on it, you will need a stronger cleaner like the Shine Brite reviewed above.
But if you have some new mold growing or are maintaining your awning, this less harsh RV awning cleaner is going to be an excellent choice.
For RV or travel trailer owners this is the ultimate multipurpose cleaner. It can be used on lots of different materials like fabrics, vinyl, and even metal.
It also helps guard against UV rays. You can clean your awning, camping chairs, grill, and the outside of your camper with one product.
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To use, simply spray it on and gently scrub with a brush or sponge. Once the cleaner has dried spray it off with a hose and you will be left with a better looking and mold free surface.
The 303 Products Multi-Surface Cleaner is multi-purpose and makes RV awnings look new again.
303 Products also makes a good fabric guard (click to view on Amazon) you can spray on both sides of the camper awning after cleaning to help it keep its water resistance.
This in turn will help prevent mold and keep the fabric looking fresh and clean longer.
PROS
- Protects Against UV Rays
- Won’t Dull Metal
- Brightens Awning Fabric
- Multipurpose Cleaner
CONS
- May Require Scrubbing
- Harmful to Plants
6. Wet & Forget Outdoor Cleaner
Wet & Forget is a little different than your standard RV awning cleaner.
Like the name states, all you are required to do is spray it on the dirty moldy surface and you’re done. No rinsing required.
It contains no bleach and is biodegradable, which is very uncommon in mold and mildew removers.
I love the idea of being able to spray on an awning cleaner and leave it, but if your camper awning is dirty and moldy, you should rinse it off at least once to remove surface dirt and grime.
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The Wet & Forget cleaner is perfect for maintaining already clean or new RV awnings.
If you spray it on once or twice a year you won’t have problems with mold. Which means no more scrubbing or heavily cleaning your camper awning.
If you are looking for a mild cleaner free from harsh chemicals and bleaches then the Wet & Forget Outdoor Cleaner (click to view on Amazon) is your best option.
Just spray this on every once in a while and your RV awning will be worry-free and just like new for years to come.
PROS
- Biodegradable
- Bleach-Free
- Perfect Awning Maintainer
- No Rinse Required
- Comes Ready to Spray
CONS
- Not a Powerful Cleaner
My Recommendations For Best RV Awning Cleaner
RV awnings seem to be the number one RV accessory people forget to clean.
It’s easy to not look up while you’re enjoying your beautiful campsite, but if you do, you might notice mold and algae growing on the RV awning.
Luckily there are some amazing RV awning cleaners, like the ones in this review, that can make getting rid of mold and dirt easy.
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Here are my recommendations:
Strongest Cleaner – Star Brite Mold & Mildew Remover
There is nothing more frustrating than buying an RV awning mold remover that just doesn’t work.
You spend all day scrubbing mold and getting the awning sparkling clean, just to have it quickly grow back because the RV awning cleaner didn’t kill the mold.
Star Brite is a strong RV awning cleaner that works. It’s so powerful it requires minimal to no scrubbing and brushing.
Star Brite is my number one choice because I’m guessing your RV awning is looking pretty bleak like mine did when I bought my travel trailer.
This RV awning cleaner will not only kill the mold and help remove the dirt and grime it will also get rid of stains.
Best Medium Strength Cleaner – 30 Seconds Outdoor Multi Surface Cleaner
While extra strong RV awning cleaners can be effective and fairly easy to use, some people don’t enjoy working with the strong fumes and harsh chemicals.
A less harsh alternative is the 30 Seconds outdoor multi-surface cleaner.
It’s not as strong as the Star Brite or Miracle-Mist RV awning cleaners, but it’s still an effective mold killer and dirt remover.
For extra dirty RV awnings, it may take some scrubbing.
If you clean your camper canopy every year this medium strength RV awning cleaner may be all you need.
30 Seconds RV awning cleaner does contain some bleach, but it is advertised to be safe to use around lawns and other plants.
I suggest still being careful and you should wear safety gear when using it.
Bleach Free RV Awning Cleaner – Wet & Forget Outdoor Cleaner
The most mild and chemical free RV awning cleaner in this review is the Wet & Forget Outdoor Cleaner.
Instead of using bleach, they use a combination of biodegradable surfactants that help remove dirt and mold on any surface including RV awnings.
This is a more environmentally friendly RV awning cleaner that won’t kill your lawn.
It’s not the best option for extra moldy and dirty awnings, but for regularly maintaining clean awnings, it doesn’t get much better than Wet & Forget.
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Frequently Asked Questions About RV Awning Cleaner
What is an RV awning?
RV awnings are the vinyl or canvas shade structures that are normally placed over the passenger’s side of an RV and sometimes even the slides.
Almost every travel trailer and RV has one and they are used to create a large shaded area outside the door of the camper.
Awnings that extend over slide-outs are becoming more popular and large trailers and RV’s will often have multiple awnings that cover the entire door side of the camper.
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How do I use RV awning cleaner?
The best camper awning cleaners are the kind you spray on, let sit for a minute or two, and spray off.
Many people don’t know you need to regularly maintain RV awnings to prevent mold growth which damages the fabric.
Many used RVs will have extra dirty awnings from years of moisture and heat which causes mold growth.
For super moldy and dirty RV awnings like these, you may need to do some scrubbing with a soft brush or sponge no matter how strong the awning cleaner is.
Always read the instructions for the specific cleaner and wear safety glasses, gloves, and protective clothing when dealing with harsh chemicals like the ones used in RV awning cleaners.
It’s also suggested to test the cleaner on a small part of the awning first to make sure it doesn’t discolor or break down the fabric.
What do I do if my camper’s awning is cracked and has holes in it?
Sometimes a camper’s awning has been neglected so long the mold has eaten through the vinyl and it is beyond repair.
The good news is replacing and awnings fabric can be done at home with common tools and a little know how.
To replace your RV awning make sure you measure and buy the correct length.
For more detailed information and a video on how to replace an RV awning check out this article.
What cleaner won’t damage an RV awning?
Most RV awnings are made with thick fabric and vinyl.
You want to get a cleaner that is strong enough to kill mold but not so harsh that it will ruin the fabric.
Any of the RV awning cleaners in this review are safe for RV awning use and many can even be used to clean fabric camping chairs, shade tents, and more.
Can I repair small tears or damage to my RV awning after cleaning it?
If the damage is minimal you can repair and RV awning. Especially if it’s just a few tears or holes.
You can use a durable vinyl tape, or get a repair kit like this one from Camco (click to view on Amazon).
How to make homemade RV awning cleaner.
If you’re in a pinch and don’t have time to get an RV awning cleaner, you can make some yourself at home with just a few household chemicals.
Homemade awning cleaner won’t have the polishing effects some of the store bought kinds have, but it’s still better than nothing for getting rid of destructive mold.
Bleach Free Homemade RV Awning Cleaner
Mix 1 Gallon Water + 32 oz. White Vinegar (can add dish soap for extra cleaning power if scrubbing is necessary)
This is a good recipe to use as an RV awning maintainer as well.
If you spray the water vinegar mixture on a few times a year and let it dry it will help prevent mold growth and make next year’s RV awning cleaning much easier.
Bleach Homemade RV Awning Cleaner
Mix 1 Gallon Water + 8 oz Bleach + 2 oz Dish Soap
Be extra careful with the bleach mixture.
Bleach is a harsh chemical that will most likely kill any grass it lands on and stain the clothes you are wearing while cleaning.
Make sure you wear eye protection. Bleach RV awning cleaners are recommended to use only once a year for deep cleaning.
How to clean the underside of a camper awning.
RV awnings are notoriously hard to clean, that’s why many people just ignore them and they end up getting moldy and eventually weaken and tear.
If you start taking care of your RV awning from day one it actually doesn’t have to be that bad.
If you regularly spray an anti-mold RV awning cleaner like the Wet & Forget Outdoor Cleaner (click to view on Amazon) you may never have to get up on a ladder and start scrubbing.
If your camper’s canopy or awning is already too far gone the easiest way to clean the underside is to get a strong RV awning cleaner like the ones at the beginning of this review.
With that kind you simply just spray the chemical on the underside of the awning, wait for the recommended time and then rinse it off with a hose.
Extra dirty RV awnings usually do require a little bit of scrubbing though.
If the spray and rinse method just isn’t working you may have to get either a ladder and a scrub brush or a long handled brush and start scrubbing to remove stubborn mold and dirt.
It’s hard work but there’s really no way around it if the entire RV awning is covered in mold.
Is it necessary to treat my camper awning after cleaning it?
One extra step you can take to further protect an RV awning from mold is to spray on some chemicals that help stop mold from growing.
I personally spray a little on my RV awning when I know I won’t be using it for awhile, but during the camping season when I regularly unroll it I don’t usually spray anything extra on it.
Can I clean my camper awning without removing it?
Yes! That’ the best way to do it. The only time you will need to fully remove an RV awning is when you are replacing the fabric.
For cleaning just unroll it all the way, spray on the cleaning of your choice, do a little scrubbing if necessary, rinse it off, let it dry, then roll it back up.
What should I do if my awning starts to fade or discolor?
Since a camper awning is out in the sun a lot, it will eventually start to fade and even get some damage from the sun and weather.
One thing you can do is apply a UV protector. RV awning cleaners like 303 Products Multi-Surface Cleaner actually add UV protection.
They also make a UV Protectant (click to view on Amazon) that’s highly rated and comes in a bulk size you can put into a sprayer for easy application.
Have any more questions about RV awning cleaner? Leave a comment below.
I use Camco Awning Cleaner. My RV awning had developed mold while stored outdoors and was looking pretty bad. I thought I would try this but did not expect much improvement from a product priced around 6 bucks. I took the trailer to a coin operated car wash that had one RV bay. I applied the cleaner after wetting the awning and then gave it a good spray with the pressure washer and repeated the process one more time and the awning looks white again. Great!
Well, this is an awesome post and written very well. Your point of view is very good.
Appreciated your thorough review. Now to see if it works!