Cleaning awnings and canvas need ideas

racetech · 04-09-2019, 04:34 AM

Looking for a good product to help remove dirt and mildew from canvas tent ends on my recently purchased hybrid. Also the awning is gonna need a good scrubbing. I think this thing sat opened up for a year or 2 at a rv park or something, looks like it was under trees. Just bought it and need to give it a good cleaning.

**JRTJH** · 04-09-2019, 06:03 AM

I'd try 1/4 cup blue Dawn (dish soap) and 1/4 cup of Clorox bleach mixed in 1 gallon of hot water. Spread liberally over the TOP of the awning, roll it up, let it sit for 2 hours, unroll and brush as needed. Rinse well and apply Aerospace 303 to the top and bottom surface.

racetech · 04-09-2019, 06:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JRTJH

I'd try 1/4 cup blue Dawn (dish soap) and 1/4 cup of Clorox bleach mixed in 1 gallon of hot water. Spread liberally over the TOP of the awning, roll it up, let it sit for 2 hours, unroll and brush as needed. Rinse well and apply Aerospace 303 to the top and bottom surface.

Thanks ill try that on the awning. Im worried about using any kid of bleach on the canvas as i've heard it weakens the stitching. Which seems plausible. And I do have 303 protectant

**JRTJH** · 04-09-2019, 06:28 AM

Every Tee shirt and every pillow case are "sewn with thread" and washed regularly with bleach. They stay together, at least at our house they do....

Not being contrite, but using properly diluted Clorox is beneficial to removing stains. Using "too much" can and will destroy not only the thread used to sew an awning but also the awning fabric. This is one time to remember that 1/4 cup per gallon is beneficial, 1 cup per gallon may cause more damage than it does benefit.

racetech · 04-09-2019, 06:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JRTJH

Every Tee shirt and every pillow case are "sewn with thread" and washed regularly with bleach. They stay together, at least at our house they do....

Not being contrite, but using properly diluted Clorox is beneficial to removing stains. Using "too much" can and will destroy not only the thread used to sew an awning but also the awning fabric. This is one time to remember that 1/4 cup per gallon is beneficial, 1 cup per gallon may cause more damage than it does benefit.

Good reminder. I guess it just shows how easy it is to take stuff you read online to heart lol. Ill add some bleach and do a test cleaning see how it does. Thank you

**JRTJH** · 04-09-2019, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by racetech

Good reminder. I guess it just shows how easy it is to take stuff you read online to heart lol. Ill add some bleach and do a test cleaning see how it does. Thank you

Yup, just this morning I ran across an article that said, "Don't use Phillips screwdrivers because they strip out and destroy Phillips screws" and then I saw an article that said, "Keystone builds the worst trailers" and right behind that was one that said, "Keystone builds the best trailers".... Imagine that LOL

**hankpage** · 04-09-2019, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by racetech

Good reminder. I guess it just shows how easy it is to take stuff you read online to heart lol. Ill add some bleach and do a test cleaning see how it does. Thank you

I think that you will find that the mold and mildew will rot the stitching faster than the diluted bleach could ever harm it. After cleaning be sure that all fabric is dry before rolling up or closing. X2 on what John said on treating with 303 after cleaning. Travel safely and enjoy your new to you trailer, Hank

Bnrc73 · 04-14-2019, 09:02 AM

I used that same recipe. Worked great. I applied it with a $6 Walmart weed sprayer. The kind you pump up. Worked really well.

bpd528 · 04-15-2019, 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JRTJH

I'd try 1/4 cup blue Dawn (dish soap) and 1/4 cup of Clorox bleach mixed in 1 gallon of hot water. Spread liberally over the TOP of the awning, roll it up, let it sit for 2 hours, unroll and brush as needed. Rinse well and apply Aerospace 303 to the top and bottom surface.

Question re: Aerospace 303, which version do you all use, looking at Amazon there are several "models" of it. Thanks for the info

Alan

travelin texans · 04-09-2019, 07:50 AM

I think the soap/bleach mixture is a great idea on the vinyl roll up awning & the vinyl pull out tops, but it might be a bit strong on the canvas ends. The canvas has some sort of sealer to make it somewhat water proof so wondering what that strong of bleach mix may do to it. I'd try it in an inconspicuous spot before using it all over the ends. I'd probably just use the Dawn or Simple Green on the ends.

ChuckS · 04-09-2019, 11:34 AM

Dawn and bleach as suggested above is the best. Also the bleach will aid in preventing mildew from returning as quickly in the future.

Been using this mix for over 40 years. Never had and threads or fabric degrade from its use.

travelin texans · 04-09-2019, 03:13 PM

I just reread through all these suggestions & it just soaked in, a 1/4 cup of Dawn in a "gallon" of water is a LOT of soap, in 5 gallons of water would still be plenty of soap! Not sure you could ever get that much rinsed out of the canvas, the vinyl it would run off.

racetech · 04-10-2019, 06:20 AM

Well they do say one drop and grease is gone lol. I think ill just add a couple squirts to 5 gallons and adjust accordingly.

gearhead · 04-10-2019, 08:57 AM

I just read about using Tilex on the awning. The usual "spray it, roll it up" routine.
I think it was on that other RV forum several of us are on. I'd go searching for ya but I've got one foot out the door.
Maybe travelin Texans will search it for ya. He's "over there" too.

racetech · 04-10-2019, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gearhead

I just read about using Tilex on the awning. The usual "spray it, roll it up" routine.
I think it was on that other RV forum several of us are on. I'd go searching for ya but I've got one foot out the door.
Maybe travelin Texans will search it for ya. He's "over there" too.

Do you mean the other site ran by the same folks that run this one? If so im a member there.

gearhead · 04-10-2019, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by racetech

Do you mean the other site ran by the same folks that run this one? If so im a member there.

RV.net Probably in 5th wheel section.
Just back from a visit to my Ram dealer. Recall on the nut that secures the drag link. They torqued and tack welded it in 20 minutes total time.

gearhead · 04-10-2019, 04:27 PM

https://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/f...g/1/page/1.cfm

racetech · 04-10-2019, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gearhead

https://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/f...g/1/page/1.cfm

Good read, thank you for looking it up!

racetech · 04-10-2019, 05:28 PM

And another awning question, this camper has an electric awning, is there anything I need to do to secure or support awning when extended that I may not know about??

Cougar1957 · 04-14-2019, 07:48 AM

I've tried all these methods, and none have worked for me. Keep in mind that I was dealing with very stubborn stains from a black walnut tree. The one thing that finally worked for me was the green bottle of Clorox Clean-Up Cleaner+Bleach. I highly recommend this. Just wet the surface, spray on, and lightly scrub with a soft to medium bristle brush, then hose off. Make sure to wear clothing that you don't care about, and also wear eye protection. Good luck!

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