How to Clean Your Travel Trailer Awning (And Remove Mold Without Damaging It)

Your Awning Cops a Beating

Rain, dust, bird droppings, tree sap, bore water — your travel trailer awning deals with a lot. And if you roll it up while it's still damp (we've all done it), you'll open it next time to find mold spots.

The good news is that most awning cleaning is straightforward. The key is using the right products and avoiding the things that cause permanent damage.

Basic Cleaning (Regular Maintenance)

This is all you need for routine cleaning after a trip:

1. Roll out the awning fully so you can reach all of it
2. Rinse off loose dirt with a garden hose — no pressure washer
3. Mix warm water with mild dish soap (Morning Fresh, Earth Choice, or similar)
4. Scrub gently with a soft bristle brush or microfibre cloth
5. Rinse thoroughly — soap residue attracts more dirt
6. Let it dry completely before rolling up

The golden rule: Never roll up your awning while it's still damp. This is the number one cause of mold on travel trailer awnings.

Removing mold and Mildew

If you've got mold spots, here's how to tackle them:

Option 1: White Vinegar (Gentle)

• Mix 50/50 white vinegar and water in a spray bottle
• Spray directly onto mold spots
• Leave for 15-20 minutes
• Scrub gently with a soft brush
• Rinse thoroughly

Good for light mold. Safe for all awning fabrics.

Option 2: Napisan (Moderate)

• Dissolve Napisan (or generic sodium percarbonate) in warm water
• Apply to the affected area with a sponge
• Leave for 30 minutes
• Scrub and rinse

Effective on moderate mold. Won't bleach coloured fabric at normal concentrations.

Option 3: Wet & Forget or 30 Seconds Outdoor Cleaner (Heavy)

• Spray on, leave for the recommended time (varies by product)
• These products are designed for outdoor fabrics and work well on heavy mold
• May need a second application for stubborn spots
• Rinse well after treatment

Dealing with Bore Water Stains

If you've been camping at sites with bore water, you may notice brown or orange mineral stains on your awning. This is iron and other minerals deposited by the water.

How to remove bore water stains:

• White vinegar (undiluted) applied directly to the stain
• Leave for 15-20 minutes, then scrub gently
• Repeat if needed — mineral deposits can be stubborn
• CLR (Calcium Lime Rust) diluted with water works on tough mineral stains, but test on a hidden area first

Prevention:

• After rinsing with bore water, give the awning a final rinse with clean tank water or town water
• If that's not possible, wipe down with a damp cloth to remove mineral-heavy water before it dries

What to Never Do to Your Awning

These mistakes cause permanent damage:

• Pressure washer — the high pressure damages the fabric coating and can tear stitching. Always use a garden hose
• Bleach or chlorine — breaks down the fabric fibres and waterproof coating. Avoid pool chlorine, household bleach, or any product containing sodium hypochlorite
• Harsh chemical cleaners — anything designed for ovens, bathrooms, or industrial use is too aggressive for awning fabric
• Stiff wire brushes — scratches the fabric surface and removes the protective coating
• Rolling up while damp — creates the perfect environment for mold to grow. Even a few hours of dampness is enough

Different Awning Materials

Not all awnings are the same. Know what you've got:

Vinyl/PVC Awnings

• Most common on modern travel trailers
• Waterproof and fairly easy to clean
• Soap and water handles most jobs
• mold sits on the surface and is easier to remove

Acrylic/Canvas Awnings

• Found on older vans and some premium setups
• Breathable but not fully waterproof
• mold can penetrate the fibres and is harder to remove
• Reproofing spray recommended after deep cleaning (Fabsil, Nikwax, or similar)

Poly-Cotton Blend

• Middle ground between vinyl and canvas
• Common on bag awnings and annexes
• Treat like canvas — gentle cleaning, thorough drying

Seasonal Maintenance Schedule

After every trip:

• Brush off loose dirt and debris
• Dry fully before rolling up

Every 3-4 months (or after extended trips):

• Full soap and water clean
• Check for mold spots and treat early
• Inspect seams and stitching for wear

Annually (before the first trip of the season):

• Deep clean with vinegar or Napisan
• Check for fabric wear, fading, or coating deterioration
• Reproofing spray if you have canvas or acrylic
• Lubricate the awning roller mechanism

The Bottom Line

Mild dish soap, a soft brush, and thorough drying will prevent 90% of awning problems. Catch mold early with vinegar, avoid pressure washers and bleach, and never roll it up wet.

Stay organised on every trip with [KamperHub](https://app.kamperhub.com) — trip planning, packing lists, and everything you need to keep your travel trailer in top shape.

Useful Resources

• Dometic — Awning Care Guide
• Fiamma — Awning Installation

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KamperHub Team

Helping travellers tow safely and confidently. KamperHub provides tools for trip planning, weight compliance, and adventure management.