RV Awning, Windshield and Tire Cover Cleaning
By: Warren Hull | Posted: 26th July 2007
Do your awning and covers get dirty? Of course! One day in a dusty, desert campground can do it. The value you receive from your awning or cover is subject to how well you maintain them. Just cleaning them regularly will extend their lives and dramatically enhance their appearance. It will also help protect from the damaging effects of dirt, birds, sun, and plant parts.
Cleaning is important to maintain the fabric, seams, and colors. A well kept awning or cover has double the life span of an ignored awning or cover. Proper cleaning restores the luster and prevents permanent staining and discoloration. Neglect is by far the worst enemy. There are several material used in their construction such as canvas, vinyl, acrylic, and even some others. First and foremost, follow the manufacturers guide to the right cleaners. Use of the wrong chemical can destroy the protective coating on the fabric or destroy the fabric itself. Obviously this can void the warrantee or guarantee. Do not use a washing machine or dryer!
Water, mild soap, and a soft brush are suggested cleaning ingredients by most manufacturers. Rinse down the cover or awning. Wash and brush lightly with a cloth or soft brush. Rinse thoroughly and immediately. Keep them clean. This is your best protection against mildew. Mildew can grow on accumulated dirt or foreign materials. Eventually, this will damage or stain the fabric. Do hose your awning or cover with clean water occasionally, every month or so. We recommend that you do this on a hot sunny day. Allow the fabric to air dry before putting it away. Remember, mold and mildew grow in the damp and dark.
Keep your awning and covers away tree limbs, shrubbery, and other plants as much as possible. Some contain an acid which can stain. So don’t allow those leaves and branches to stay there for long. Tree sap can often be removed with a little WD-40 followed by a good cleaning. Be cautious. Not all fabrics allow this. Insect spray not only kills bugs, it can affect the fabric. Small rips or tears can be repaired. Don’t delay and allow them to grow.
Awnings and covers enhance your travel and vacation life. Someday they will need to be replaced. It’s not the end of the world. If you took care of them and their life is over, well, that’s great. They allowed you to better enjoy the outdoors. You can’t ask for much more.
Warren Hull is a co-founder of RVSungard.com. RVSungard.com carries windshield covers and tire covers for your trailer, motor home, or other recreational vehicle
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Tags: neglect, luster, life span, awning, washing machine, clean water, worst enemy, mild soap, seams, mold and mildew, warrantee, tree sap, foreign materials, tree limbs