Although RVs are built for life on the road, part of the appeal is that you can set up camp relatively easily wherever you are.
One of the most crucial components of getting your motorhome camp-ready is dropping the awning.
While awnings help keep the elements away, they can take a beating from sun, dirt, and rain.
So, you need to make sure that you protect this material with the best RV awning cleaner. Fortunately, we have five options from which to choose.
COMPARISON CHART
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1. Bugs N All – Professional Strength Multi-Surface Cleaner
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2. B.E.S.T. Awning Cleaner
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3. 303’s Multi-Surface Cleaner Spray
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4. Camco 41024 Awning Cleaner 32 Oz, 32. Fluid_Ounces
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5. 303 Aerospace Protectant
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OUR TOP 5 PICKS
#1 Bugs N All – Professional Strength Multi-Surface
Specifications
Item Weight | 8.3 ounces |
Product Dimensions | 7 x 3 x 10.5 inches |
Features
When you’ve been on the road for a while, you’ll notice different debris stuck to the exterior. Fortunately, you can clean all of your RV’s surfaces with Bugs N All cleaner. While it’s ideal for awnings, it works for everything covered in grime from the road.
Doesn’t Remove Wax or Clear Coat
If you want to protect your motorhome, one of the best options is to give it a coat of wax. However, when cleaning off bugs and other dirt, you usually have to reapply the wax to keep it protected.
Fortunately, Bugs N All is strong enough to remove the grime without taking off any wax or coating. Not only is this true for your RV’s fiberglass, but it works well on treated awnings as well.
Non-Toxic and Biodegradable
One issue you’ll come across when camping in a mobile home is that you want to avoid using toxic products. Since any runoff will go into the nearby wilderness, it’s imperative to ensure that nothing will destroy local wildlife.
Bugs N All may be tough, but it won’t damage the ecosystem. So, you can feel good about using it, no matter where you are.
- WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
- PROS/CONS OVERVIEW
Overall, this product is a necessity for any RVer. I like that it can work on all surfaces, making it both versatile and highly practical. Also, I appreciate the eco-friendly formula, as many other cleaners can be toxic.
Video
#2 B.E.S.T. Awning Cleaner
Specifications
Item Weight | 1.6 ounces |
Product Dimensions | 10 x 4 x 2 inches |
Features
As the name suggests, this next awning cleaner is one of the best in the industry. Most of the time, a generic cleaning solution should work well for awnings. However, if you want to protect your vinyl (or acrylic fabric), it’s better to use something designed for them specifically.
Ideal for Mold and Mildew
One of the most prevalent problems you’ll encounter with your awning is mold. Even if you put it away dry, water moisture can seep into the material from the outside. Fortunately, B.E.S.T. is designed for removing mildew, so it should be too hard to get rid of it.
Cleans and Protects
Typically speaking, awning cleaners are perfect for removing dirt and grime, but not necessarily at keeping the surfaces clean. For that, you will need to spray a protectant.
Although B.E.S.T. is mostly a cleaner, it does leave a protective coat so that your awning stays fresh for longer. I still recommend a protectant if you’re letting your RV sit for weeks or months at a time.
- WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
- PROS/CONS OVERVIEW
When picking out awning cleaners, I like the ones that are designed for vinyl or acrylic specifically. I also appreciate that this one protects against future dirt and grime.
#3 303’s Multi-Surface Cleaner Spray
Specifications
Item Weight | 12 ounces |
Product Dimensions | 12.2 x 9.4 x 9.4 inches |
Features
If you want to keep your RV clean, you can rely on 303 products to take care of everything. I’ve already talked about the fiberglass cleaner, but this version is ideal for all other surfaces both inside and out.
Neutral Cleaning Agent
With some cleaners, you get a strong chemical smell when wiping down your awning. Fortunately, this product is neutral, so you don’t have to worry about streaks or odors.
Versatile Application
Although awning cleaners can typically provide better results, they are only designed for one surface. If you want versatility and convenience, you’ll like that this cleaner works on everything.
- WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
- PROS/CONS OVERVIEW
Overall, 303 Products are excellent for life on the road. I appreciate that this cleaner is strong without being harsh. I also like that you can use it on all surfaces inside and out of your RV. Keeping your motorhome clean is a snap with this product.
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#4 Camco 41024 Awning Cleaner 32 Oz, 32. Fluid_Ounces
Specifications
Item Weight | 2 pounds |
Product Dimensions | 3 x 5 x 10 inches |
Features
So far, we’ve looked at both generic and awning-specific cleaners. Camco is a highly regarded brand already, but this awning cleaner is one of the strongest I’ve seen.
That being said, because it’s made specifically for vinyl or acrylic fabric, you won’t be able to use it on other surfaces on your RV.
Professional-Strength Formula
If you’re not a full-time RVer, then you know that your rig can be pretty dirty when you pull it out after letting it sit for a while. Typically speaking, you’ll have to spend most of the day cleaning everything before taking it out on the road.
Fortunately, when it comes to your awning, this cleaner should make short work of any mold, mildew, or grime that has collected. Not only that, but you’ll be able to wipe down the awning quickly when leaving camp.
Works on Fabric and Vinyl
In some cases, awning cleaners are designed solely for one material or the other. However, because vinyl is so easy to clean anyway, you should focus more on solutions that can treat the acrylic fabric.
Thankfully, this product from Camco works wonders on both surfaces. So, it doesn’t matter what kind of awning you have - this cleaner will help keep it looking like new.
- WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
- PROS/CONS OVERVIEW
As far as the best RV awning cleaners go, this product is one of the best. Although it’s not suitable for other surfaces (like fiberglass), you can clean and maintain your RV awning all year round with minimal effort.
Video
#5 303 Aerospace Protectant
Specifications
Item Weight | 1.81 pounds |
Brand | 303 / Gold Eagle |
Features
Superior UV Protection
Although dirt is a substantial problem for RV awnings, the fact is that the sun is going to do more damage than most debris you pick up on the road. Whether you have vinyl or acrylic fabric, UV rays can not only weaken the material, but make the colors fade as well.
Thankfully, you can prevent most of this damage with this product. Be sure to use it regularly so that your awning stays like new.
No Residue
When it comes to using a protectant, the primary purpose is to leave it on the surface, rather than wiping it down after spraying. Unfortunately, in some cases, these products can make your awning somewhat sticky, which attracts dust and dirt.
Fortunately, 303 Aerospace Protectant doesn’t have that problem. Also, it creates a simple matte finish, ensuring that your awning won’t look greasy or shiny.
- WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
- PROS/CONS OVERVIEW
Cleaning your awning is important, but so is protecting it from future dirt and grime. I like that this product is easy to use and works well against UV damage.
BUYER'S GUIDE
To help ensure that you get the most out of these products, I want to illustrate some of the various ways to use them effectively. Whether you’re new to RVing or you just want to take better care of your rig, here are the best options for the best RV awning cleaners.
Why do you need an RV awning cleaner?
If you plan on using your motorhome’s awning regularly, then you have to keep it clean. Because awnings are made of either vinyl or treated fabric, they require different cleaners than most of the other surfaces in your RV.
What Type of Fabric is Your Awning?
Typically speaking, your RV’s awning will either be vinyl or acrylic fabric. Here are a few differences between the two:
Vinyl - easier to clean when addressed quickly. Stains, however, are much harder to remove. Most vinyl doesn’t require heavy-duty cleaners. UV damage can cause colors to fade quickly.
Acrylic Fabric - this material is breathable, so it dries quicker. It also holds up to UV rays much better over time. Once the acrylic wears off, the awning will degrade faster.
Do they have Warranty/Refund Policy?
For the most part, cleaning products don’t have a warranty because it’s hard to be objective about whether you’re satisfied with the results. Some cleaners work well on stains, while others are meant for spot cleaning.
Higher-quality products, however, will usually have a return window available. Typically, you can get a refund within 30 days if the item didn’t work as advertised. Bugs-N-All is an example of this kind of product.
Are RV Awning Cleaners Biodegradable?
That depends on the version you use. Ideally, the cleaning solution should be biodegradable, particularly if you clean your awning while at a campsite or RV park. Some varieties, however, are not, so pay attention to the label.
Can you pressure wash RV awning?
It is not ideal to pressure wash RV awnings because they are not designed to withstand pressure washers. It can be done if you're very careful washing your RV awning.
What is the best way to clean RV awning?
Here are a few tips to ensure that your awning stays in pristine condition for years to come.
- Clean Regularly - if you’re planning on being parked for more than a week, you should clean the awning about every 7-10 days.
- Clean Before You Leave - no matter how long you’ve been parked, you should inspect and spot clean the awning before heading to your next spot.
- Let it Dry - never put the awning away while it’s wet. Otherwise, you’ll get mildew.
- Spray a Protectant - most cleaners only help to remove dirt and grime. Protectants form a thin layer to make it harder for debris to settle into the fabric (or vinyl).
CONCLUSION
When comparing the best RV awning cleaners, we have to say that Bugs N All is one of the better options out there. I like that it’s a concentrated formula because you can use as much or as little as necessary.
I also appreciate that this solution won’t remove wax or protectants, ensuring that you can use it on all surfaces without worry. Bugs N All is an overall excellent product that all RVers should have.
I bought Camco at a price of $6 so I am not really expected with it. Surprisingly, it was easily cleaning dirt and that green and black mossy stuff on my awning. Add warm or hot water wash windows, cars, and metal or wood siding. Works on cedar shake siding too, all done with a soft car wash brush.
I just used B.E.S.T. 52032 recently. It done a very good job and was easy to use. I like this product a lot. It is the BEST awning cleaner I have used yet!
Thanks for yoir review! I also use Camco 41024 Awning Cleaner. I use it on almost everything outdoor. Easily cleans dirt and that green and black mossy stuff we get in the NW. Add warm or hot water wash windows,cars and metal or wood siding .Works on ceder shake siding too,all done with a soft car wash brush.
I love the B.E.S.T. awning cleaner. I had an RV awning with stains and mildew spots caused by winter rains. I used this awning cleaner, and it did a quick and easy clean-up. The underside of the awning is now shiny white once again. I love how easy this cleaner is to use. All that I need to do is spray and hose it off. Also, I wouldn’t have to worry about my awning falling victim to sun damage either, as this cleaner offers protection against those dangerous UV rays.