6 Best RV Awning Cleaners For Mildew Prevention Nomads Swear By

You pull into your perfect campsite, ready to extend the awning and create your outdoor living room. But as the fabric unrolls, you see them: the tell-tale black and green specks of mildew. That musty smell hits you, and your relaxing afternoon suddenly turns into a cleaning project. An RV awning is your front porch, your shade, and your shelter from a light rain, but only if you keep it in fighting shape.

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The Importance of Proactive Awning Maintenance

Your awning is more than just a piece of fabric. It’s an extension of your living space, and mildew isn’t just an eyesore—it’s a destructive force. Those little spots are living organisms that feed on the fabric’s coating and fibers, weakening the material over time and leading to tears and leaks.

Think of it like changing the oil in your engine. You don’t wait for it to seize up. Regular, proactive cleaning is far easier and cheaper than dealing with a full-blown mildew infestation or, worse, a full awning replacement. A little effort every few months prevents the kind of deep-set stains and fabric degradation that can cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars down the road.

Before you grab any old bottle of cleaner, know your material. Most RV awnings are either vinyl or acrylic. Vinyl is a waterproof, non-porous material, like a mini tarp. Acrylic is a woven, breathable fabric that is water-resistant, not waterproof. Using the wrong cleaner can strip protective coatings, cause discoloration, or even damage the fabric itself.

Camco Pro-Strength for Tough Grime & Stains

When you’re dealing with more than just dust, Camco’s Pro-Strength Awning Cleaner is the heavy-hitter you call in. This stuff is formulated to cut through the worst of it: caked-on grime, stubborn tree sap, bird droppings, and those ugly black streaks that run down from the roof. It’s a workhorse for awnings that have seen a lot of miles and a lot of weather.

Application is straightforward. It’s a concentrate, so you mix it with water in a bucket or sprayer, apply it to the awning, and give it a gentle scrub with a soft-bristled brush. You can see it breaking down the dirt as you work. It’s incredibly effective, especially on tough, non-porous vinyl awnings that can handle a more aggressive cleaning.

The tradeoff for all that power is that you need to be careful. Always test it on a small, inconspicuous spot first. On older, sun-baked awnings or certain acrylic fabrics, its strength can be too much if not properly diluted. Make sure to rinse it thoroughly, as leaving any residue can degrade the fabric over time.

Thetford Premium for Vinyl & Acrylic Awnings

Thetford’s Premium RV Awning Cleaner is the reliable daily driver of the cleaning world. Its biggest advantage is its versatility. It’s specifically formulated to be safe and effective on both vinyl and acrylic awnings, which takes the guesswork out of the equation for many owners.

This is a non-bleach, non-petroleum distillate formula. That’s important because bleach can yellow vinyl and damage stitching, while petroleum-based cleaners can degrade the water-repellent coatings on acrylic fabrics. Thetford cleans without stripping away those essential protections, making it an excellent choice for routine maintenance.

This is the cleaner you use to prevent major problems. It will easily handle the dust from a desert campsite or the pollen from a spring trip. While it might struggle with deep, set-in mildew stains that have been there for years, it’s perfect for keeping a relatively clean awning looking great and stopping mildew before it ever gets a foothold.

Star brite Mildew Stain Remover for Deep Stains

Sometimes, prevention fails or you inherit an awning with existing problems. When mildew has already dug in and left its signature black spots, you need a specialist. Star brite Mildew Stain Remover is that specialist—it’s not a general cleaner, it’s a targeted treatment.

This product uses a buffered bleach formula designed to attack mildew at its source, killing the spores and lifting the ugly stains left behind. You simply spray it on, let it sit for a few minutes until the stains disappear, and then rinse it off thoroughly. There’s often no scrubbing required, which is a huge bonus for saving your fabric from abrasion.

A word of caution: this is a powerful chemical. It is absolutely essential to test it on a hidden area of your awning first, as it can discolor some fabrics, especially older or brightly colored acrylics. It works wonders on stubborn vinyl, but you must rinse it completely to neutralize its effects and prevent it from dripping onto your RV’s paint or decals. Use it for the problem, then switch back to a gentler cleaner for maintenance.

303 Multi-Surface Cleaner for Gentle Cleaning

If you’re wary of harsh chemicals, 303 Multi-Surface Cleaner is your best friend. The 303 brand is famous for its UV protectants, and their cleaner follows the same philosophy: be effective without causing harm. This is the go-to for anyone with a sensitive or high-end acrylic awning.

Its power lies in its gentle, residue-free formula. It’s pH neutral, non-toxic, and biodegradable, so you don’t have to worry about it damaging your fabric, your RV’s finish, or the environment. You can clean your awning, then use the same bottle to safely clean your RV’s siding, tires, and even interior surfaces. It’s incredibly versatile.

The tradeoff for being so gentle is a lack of deep-cleaning muscle. It won’t magically lift a year-old sap stain or eradicate a deep mildew colony. But for light, frequent cleanings to remove dust, pollen, and water spots, it’s perfect. It keeps a well-maintained awning in pristine condition without any risk of chemical damage.

B.E.S.T. Cleaner: A Two-in-One Protectant

For the nomad who values efficiency, the B.E.S.T. Awning Cleaner and Protectant is a standout. This isn’t just about getting your awning clean; it’s about keeping it protected from future damage in a single step. It’s a true two-in-one product that simplifies your maintenance routine.

The formula is designed to break down dirt and grime while simultaneously leaving behind a protective coating. This coating provides crucial UV protection to prevent sun fading and fabric degradation. It also renews the water repellency of the fabric, helping rain bead up and roll off rather than soaking in.

This product is ideal for proactive owners. By cleaning and protecting at the same time, you’re not just solving today’s dirt problem—you’re actively preventing tomorrow’s sun and water damage. It saves time and ensures your awning is always shielded from the elements, which is a massive advantage for full-timers who are constantly exposed to changing weather.

Wet & Forget Outdoor: No-Scrub Application

Let’s be honest: scrubbing a massive RV awning isn’t always fun or even possible for everyone. Wet & Forget Outdoor offers a completely different approach. This is the ultimate low-effort solution for preventing mildew, moss, and algae growth over the long term.

The application couldn’t be simpler. You attach the bottle to your hose, spray it on a dry awning, and walk away. That’s it. There is no scrubbing and no rinsing. The product works with the wind and rain over the following weeks and months to gently break down and wash away organic growth.

This is not an instant fix. If you need your awning spotless for guests arriving this weekend, this isn’t the product for you. But as a long-term preventative measure, it’s brilliant. You apply it once or twice a year, and it creates an environment where mildew simply can’t thrive. It’s a game-changer for maintaining a clean awning with minimal physical effort.

Long-Term Awning Care and Mildew Prevention

The best cleaner in the world can’t replace good habits. The real secret to a long-lasting, mildew-free awning isn’t a magic bottle—it’s consistent, preventative care. Products make the job easier, but your routine is what makes the difference.

The most important rule is also the simplest: never, ever roll up a wet awning. Trapped moisture is the number one cause of mildew. If you have to retract it during a storm, be sure to unroll it and let it dry completely at the very next opportunity. Even a little dampness can start a mildew colony in just a day or two in warm, humid climates.

Beyond that, a few simple practices will save you a world of trouble.

• Sweep it Clean: Regularly brush off leaves, twigs, and other debris. Decomposing organic matter is food for mildew.
• Get the Angle Right: Always pitch one side of your awning slightly lower than the other. This ensures rainwater runs off immediately instead of pooling on the fabric.
• Add a Protectant: After a deep cleaning, apply a dedicated UV and water-repellent spray, like 303 Aerospace Protectant. This recharges the fabric’s defenses against the two things that damage it most: sun and water.

Ultimately, your awning’s health depends on a partnership between the right products and the right practices. Use a cleaner suited for the job at hand, but rely on your habits to minimize how often you need to bring out the heavy-duty stuff. That’s how you ensure your outdoor living room is ready to enjoy for years to come.

Your RV awning is a simple machine, but it requires thoughtful care. Choosing the right cleaner for your fabric type and cleaning needs—whether it’s a gentle wash or a deep stain treatment—is the first step. The second, and more important, step is building the simple habits that prevent problems before they start.