PancakeBill
Well-known member
I have the fabric awning, what cleaner is best for this? Always had vinyl in the past, and haven't gotten around to wandering the CW aisle at lunch yet.
Awning Cleaning?
- Thread starter PancakeBill
- Start date
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Gary RV_Wizard
Site Team
I've been through that and the acrylic fabric is a $%&*# to clean once the grime gets down in the pores. If it is tree sap, grease, or just the black detritus of leaves and bark from parking under trees, I'm afraid there is not a lot of hope. None of the so-called "awning cleaners" I have tried did much of anything for it and usually less effective than regular household detergents.
Here's one trick for deep-set grime: wash it down well with your favorite fabric cleaner, e.g. a liquid laundry detergent or general purpose detergent. Rinse copiously cause the loosened dirt goes right back in the pores otherwise. Then make a STRONG solution of OxyClean detergent and wet is down thoroughly, then roll up the awning and let it sit for 45-60 minutes. This keeps the solution wet and in contact with both sides and all parts of the awning. Then unroll and re-wash & rinse.
Use isopropyl alcohol to remove pine tree sap - it dissolves the stuff. But it is still hard to get out the part that has seeped into the fabric pores. Nearly impossible to get it all out.
The fabric itself is strong and won't be harmed bu detergents or scrubbing, but the fabric may leak in spots after using strong cleaners or scrubbing in one spot - it relies on a waterproofing substance in the pores like an old canvas tent did. You can re-waterproof, though, and it isn't too hard. Waterproofing that is safe for acrylics is available in many outdoor stores - read the labels. Spray cans are the easiest to use, especially if you just need to touch up a spot.
Here's one trick for deep-set grime: wash it down well with your favorite fabric cleaner, e.g. a liquid laundry detergent or general purpose detergent. Rinse copiously cause the loosened dirt goes right back in the pores otherwise. Then make a STRONG solution of OxyClean detergent and wet is down thoroughly, then roll up the awning and let it sit for 45-60 minutes. This keeps the solution wet and in contact with both sides and all parts of the awning. Then unroll and re-wash & rinse.
Use isopropyl alcohol to remove pine tree sap - it dissolves the stuff. But it is still hard to get out the part that has seeped into the fabric pores. Nearly impossible to get it all out.
The fabric itself is strong and won't be harmed bu detergents or scrubbing, but the fabric may leak in spots after using strong cleaners or scrubbing in one spot - it relies on a waterproofing substance in the pores like an old canvas tent did. You can re-waterproof, though, and it isn't too hard. Waterproofing that is safe for acrylics is available in many outdoor stores - read the labels. Spray cans are the easiest to use, especially if you just need to touch up a spot.
Howdy, Gary.
Then make a STRONG solution of OxyClean detergent and wet is down thoroughly, then roll up the awning and let it sit for 45-60 minutes. This keeps the solution wet and in contact with both sides and all parts of the awning. Then unroll and re-wash & rinse.
What a good idea!! Thank you!!
Regards,
Liz
Summering in Buena Vista, CO
Then make a STRONG solution of OxyClean detergent and wet is down thoroughly, then roll up the awning and let it sit for 45-60 minutes. This keeps the solution wet and in contact with both sides and all parts of the awning. Then unroll and re-wash & rinse.
What a good idea!! Thank you!!
Regards,
Liz
Summering in Buena Vista, CO
rsalhus
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jul 20, 2006
- Posts
- 1,335
Dometic says you should clean awnings with acrylic fabric differently than vinyl fabric. Acrylic fabric should be cleaned only by hosing it down with fresh water and letting it dry. They also discourage using hard bristle brushes and state that scrubbing an acrylic fabric may remove the water retardant finish. For nasty grease spots on acrylic fabric, Dometic advises using K2r Stain Remover.
For awnings with vinyl fabric, Dometic does not recommend using mildew removers or household cleaners. They say grease on a vinyl fabric should only be removed with soap and water. A good cleaner recommended by Dometic for vinyl awning fabrics consists of a mixture of:
1/4 cup of dish soap
1/4 cup of bleach
to five gallons of fresh water.
They recommend applying this soapy mixture to the bottom of the awning as you roll it up and letting it soak for 5 minutes. Then pull the awning back down and rinse both sides of the fabric off with fresh water from a garden hose. Again, let the fabric dry before rolling the awning back up.
A Dometic PDF on the care and cleaning of awnings can be found here.
For awnings with vinyl fabric, Dometic does not recommend using mildew removers or household cleaners. They say grease on a vinyl fabric should only be removed with soap and water. A good cleaner recommended by Dometic for vinyl awning fabrics consists of a mixture of:
1/4 cup of dish soap
1/4 cup of bleach
to five gallons of fresh water.
They recommend applying this soapy mixture to the bottom of the awning as you roll it up and letting it soak for 5 minutes. Then pull the awning back down and rinse both sides of the fabric off with fresh water from a garden hose. Again, let the fabric dry before rolling the awning back up.
A Dometic PDF on the care and cleaning of awnings can be found here.
