Awning cleaning

[ultrarider]

Hi everyone, I have a 2018 16XRB I just recently bought used, and Want to clean the awning.
Question-
1
how is everybody accessing the top of the awning to be able to reach it? Does it tilt down enough to be able to get to the top side, or do I need a step ladder?
2
What Is everybody using to clean it with that will not harm the fabric?
Thank you!

[NjNewbie30]

I know that you can purchase awning cleaning solution(i also used a clorox based cleaner for the heavy spots) at your local RV center or maybe even Walmart. I just cleaned mine front and back yesterday but mine is currently not attached to my rig. Not sure how to tell you to get to the top effectively while it is on the rig. Good luck...

[Zenar]

Originally Posted by ultrarider

Hi everyone, I have a 2018 16XRB I just recently bought used, and Want to clean the awning.
Question-
1
how is everybody accessing the top of the awning to be able to reach it? Does it tilt down enough to be able to get to the top side, or do I need a step ladder?
2
What Is everybody using to clean it with that will not harm the fabric?
Thank you!

I use my car wash and it worked well, I wet it first, then lather in the soap and let it stand for a couple minutes then rinse it off. I use a step ladder and car wash brush, I couldn't reach all the way so did in two phases with the awning retracted half way. The bottom I completed this chore from the ground, i got a free was out of that one lol

[Brownie]

1. I do the underside from the ground using a long-handled soft brush. Nest, I do the bottom half of the top side from the ground using the same brush. Finally, I climb up on the roof and do the upper half of the top side with the same brush.

2. I use to use a solution of Dawn dish soap and a bunch of bleach. Brush in on, scrub it in, then rinse it off. That method ended up making the vinyl awning very brittle, causing the vinyl to crack & flake off. It also ruined the stitching at the seams. I ended up having to replace the awning fabric last spring (after 7 years), and haven't needed to clean the new fabric yet. I would suggest a cleaner made specifically for vinyl awnings that both cleans and conditions. I have also read in another post (here) that the Dawn & bleach method is OK if you do a follow-up cleaning with just Dawn and water to wash off the bleach. Then rinse that off and let it air dry before rolling it up. That's sure less expensive than the commercial awning cleaners. Not sure what I'll use when I have to clean it this fall.

[Zenar]

Originally Posted by Brownie

1. I do the underside from the ground using a long-handled soft brush. Nest, I do the bottom half of the top side from the ground using the same brush. Finally, I climb up on the roof and do the upper half of the top side with the same brush.

2. I use to use a solution of Dawn dish soap and a bunch of bleach. Brush in on, scrub it in, then rinse it off. That method ended up making the vinyl awning very brittle, causing the vinyl to crack & flake off. It also ruined the stitching at the seams. I ended up having to replace the awning fabric last spring (after 7 years), and haven't needed to clean the new fabric yet. I would suggest a cleaner made specifically for vinyl awnings that both cleans and conditions. I have also read in another post (here) that the Dawn & bleach method is OK if you do a follow-up cleaning with just Dawn and water to wash off the bleach. Then rinse that off and let it air dry before rolling it up. That's sure less expensive than the commercial awning cleaners. Not sure what I'll use when I have to clean it this fall.

What’s cheaper awning cleaners or replacing the awning?

[sturgissteele]

I've used in the past a bottle of Awning Cleaner from Meijer, or Walmart, and a long handled brush. Depending on how high the awning is may determine how you approach washing it. My older TT, I could lower the awning to it's lowest point and clean from the ground. But my newest TT is much taller and I suspect I'll need a ladder, even with the awning lowered. (Haven't tried yet; just got the TT a little while ago.)

[Racinforthefinish]

I just cleaned my awning with dawn soap and water in a bucket, use a long handled car wash brush and brush the soapy water underneath the the awning liberally, do the top as far as you can reach using a lot of the water solution. Close the awning for about fifteen minutes. Open the awning up and spray with your water hose. If it is really dirty you may have to repeat or scrub gently with the brush. Worked for me.

[CAG]

https://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f...ing-74566.html


And various other threads on awning cleaning with a "search".

[KCSA75]

I sprayed both sides real good with Clorox Cleaner (used about half the bottle) then hit the bad spots with a sponge mop. After that I rolled it up. After a couple hours, I unrolled it and sprayed it down with the hose. Good as new!

TIP: Wear old clothes for this job!

[PaulB12]

After you get it all cleaned up check that last bit of exposed awning when rolled up.
On my old Flagstaff the very top was getting really weathered. Ex painter by trade I coated it with a quality exterior vinyl acrylic house paint. Of course I picked a color that matched the color scheme. Looked great right up until trading to my Jayco WH 23MRB. It is a 2016 and in need of the same treatment.
Oh ya, I clean my awning similar to all of the above.

PaulB12