Cleaning awnings

[smlranger]

My awning fabric (vinyl) needs a good cleaning. Looking for suggestions on what has worked well for others to get them clean.

[smlranger]

My awning fabric (vinyl) needs a good cleaning. Looking for suggestions on what has worked well for others to get them clean.

[Charles99]

Good old Bleach. I mix one part bleach to three parts water and spray it on with a pump-up sprayer, After that I wash it with soap.

[Matt1616]

I have used simple green mixed with water and the Mr. Clean magic eraser (http://www.homemadesimple.com/mrclea...s/eraser.shtml). Works great. Also Magic Eraser is handy for removing bugs as well.

[troth]

I suspect there's a lot of good answers on "what cleaner". I've used the bleach, followed by a soap wash like Charles said. I've also wetted down the awning w/ bleach solution, rolled it up, then washed the coach top to bottom before unfurling the awning. That helps to let it "work" for awhile.
And I've used the Simple Green; it works well too.
One thing I will never use again is the Starbrite series of awning cleaners & black streak removers. They were very strong, and any drips/overspray that fell on the walls of my coach resulted in the wax being eaten off (dull streaks where the finish was stripped off).
Once your awning is clean, I'd strongly recommend giving it a coat of 303 Protectant. It renews the UV inhibitors, makes the vinyl soft and supple, and really helps to keep it clean. Use 303 once, then follow up one more time a month later, and you'll be surprised how nice your awning stays the rest of the season.

[Izzyblueye]

Tilex: Mold and Mildew shower cleaner. Works like a charm. Avoid getting much of it on painted surfaces. If it happens rinse with clear water. I have never had a problem with it. Keeps awning looking great all season. I spray awning, roll it up for a half hour, unroll, rinse off. Some stains may need a light brushing.

[Novi]

I too have used the bleach and roll it up for a while idea, works good. I also used a product call "spray 9" and it worked best of all, the awning look like they were just put on. After using it I washed and rinsed again just to be sure it was all off. Did it 2 years ago and havn't seen any ill effects.

[Hoverbug]

All good solutions for sure. I would reinforce the app of Aerospace 303 or Protectall for long life of the awning. As for procedure in washing, open the awning all the way then close 2/3. Wash the 1/3, open the next 1/3 wash then the final 1/3. Beats trying to battle the whole extended awning.

[Novi]

Good point Hoverbug I've used that technique and it is easier than doing the whole thing at once.

[HuBee]

SCRUB FREE(found at WAL-MART)works absolutly great. Just spray on,wipe off and hose rinse. No elbow grease required and the awning looks new when finished.

[bobnkathleen hartman]

Hoverbug, I wish you had posted sooner! I fought our awning last weekend and it was a struggle to get it all cleaned..good thing I can swear in different lingos!

[WinnieBunnie]

Try the Streak-X. My husband cleaned the awning while he was washing the motor home. Just extended the awning and used a telescoping brush while he was cleaning the roof. Doesn't require a lot of scrubbing and it really gets the grime off quickly & easily. It does a fabulous job on eliminating those unsightly black streaks too.

[kerfcutter]

one note on using the bleach roll up method which I have used many times and works great.
Rinse very very well. I know this sounds a little lame, but I must have not rinsed good enough after one cleaning and I developed small leaks at the seam next to the roller. I had to use a seam sealer to seal them. So make sure you get a good flush when you do it. I still use the method, but I pay a lot closer attention to the rinsing stage.

[PJRACER]

Simple green for the cleaner with a good brush then get ACE Hardware brand water sealer and a clean new roller and roll it on. I checked Thompson Water sealer and it didn't state canvas or fabric on the can---but the ACE brand did------------it turned my awning into looking like brand new----brought out all the color and repels the water very well.