Is your caravan awning getting dirty? Here are expert tips on How to Clean A Caravan Awning.
Many caravanners have awnings attached to provide an extra room, whether that’s to socialise in, as an additional sleeping area, or to store extra items in; it’s always handy to have the bonus space of an awning.
But from time to time, that caravan awning is going to get dirty, and so you are going to need to know the best way to clean it!
Let’s take a look at what you need to clean your awning, as well as the best steps to take – it’ll be sparkling clean in no time at all!
It’s well worth making an effort to maintain your awning; it’ll increase its longevity, ensuring you get your money’s worth from the investment.
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Get The Right Tools For The Job
- Bucket
- Cleaning brush (soft)
- Sponge
- Cleaning soap/chemicals (see notes below before using)
- Warm water
- Step and/or ladder
Bucket
A bucket is needed to, of course, store the water in for cleaning unless you are using a telescopic brush, in which case you can attach a hosepipe. Any bucket will be suitable, and if you are touring, chances are you will have one with you anyway.
Cleaning Brush
Like when you clean a caravan roof, using a telescopic brush is ideal for cleaning a caravan awning. They can be extended to different lengths and can be stored at a smaller compact size.
Try to use a soft brush to avoid damaging the fabric. Brush off any dry dirt and dust with it first.
Awning Cleaning Soap
Always check the instructions and care guide that came with the caravan awning before you apply any cleaning fluids to the fabric.
If in doubt, check directly with the manufacturer whether your awning material might get damaged by the chemicals you are using.
It might also reduce the effectiveness of the waterproofing, meaning a potentially leaky awning tent!
Some awning manufacturers, such as Isabella, recommend only using water and a brush and not any household detergents.
Water
We all naturally want to use warm or hot water to clean dirt from something, but in the case of awning fabric, it might not always be a good idea.
Definitely don’t use hot water from the kettle; stick to warm water from the tap or just water straight from the hose.
If in doubt, check the manufacturer’s instructions.
How To Clean A Caravan Awning In Sections
Cleaning An Erect Awning
The easiest and most efficient way to clean one is when the awning is up and erect.
You can also use this opportunity to inspect the awning up close to ensure there is no damage – pay particular attention to the seams and check for any strain or coming away from the fabric.
Remove The Caravan Awning Curtains
These can be removed prior to cleaning the awning, remove them and wash them according to the care instructions – usually in a washing machine at a low temperature. Air dry them rather than put them in a tumble dryer.
Clean The Windows
Use a sponge or soft brush to wipe down the windows with some water.
Clean The Roof And Sides
You will be able to reach most of the sides of the awning, but for the roof, you will need to use your caravan steps or a ladder and use a telescopic cleaning brush.
An alternative way to clean it is to remove the panels and then clean the roof while it is draped down and still attached to the rail.
Leave It To Dry
Pat dry the roof and sides with a towel to get rid of excess water, and then leave it to air dry.
Cleaning A Dismounted Awning
Sometimes, it’s not always possible to clean the awning when it is up.
If you do need to clean it when it is down, place it on a groundsheet and clean it that way. Don’t attempt to do it over muddy or wet ground. Still, use a long brush to avoid treading on the fabric.
How Often Should You Clean Your Awning?
This depends on how often you use it, as well as where you use it.
If you regularly camp in locations where you are sited under trees or with more birds, chances are it’ll need cleaning quite often. Also, if you regularly visit a site close to the sea, the salt in the air moisture might, over time, gradually damage the awning canvas.
At a minimum, it should be cleaned at the end of every season, but it also makes sense to clean off any stains as and when they happen. This will reduce the need for a long cleaning process all in one go.
Keep a soft brush handy, with some cleaner, and just clean as you go.
Tent Cleaning Service
If you don’t fancy cleaning your awning or you don’t have the time, you can pay a local company to do it for you.
Using a professional cleaning service to clean your awning can be particularly useful if you have stains that are proving tricky to remove.
It’s also a good opportunity to get them to make any repairs as well as waterproof your awning.
Professional services will usually use a special washing machine where water is set to a maximum temperature so that it is warm but not too hot that it will damage the awning fabric.