7 Best Homemade RV Awning Cleaner for Tough Stains
STAR BRITE RV Awning Cleaner Spray is the top pick for most buyers because its ready-to-use formula targets common awning dirt without requiring a homemade mix. For anyone searching for the best homemade rv awning cleaner, this purpose-made spray offers a simpler way to clean fabric and vinyl awnings. It fits routine RV maintenance, especially when you want a dedicated product instead of measuring soap, bleach, or other household ingredients.
This guide is for RV owners who need a practical cleaner for seasonal washing, road grime, stains, or mildew concerns. The most important factors are material compatibility and coverage, since awning fabric and vinyl can react differently to harsh cleaners. Application method matters, too, because a spray can reduce mixing and setup time. The 7 picks below are ranked with clear reasons and honest drawbacks for each, so you can choose a suitable option for your RV.
Quick Comparison
| # | Product | Best For | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | STAR BRITE RV Awning Cleaner Spray | For Heavy-Duty Awning Cleaning | ~$17 | View → |
| 2 | Walex RV Awning Cleaner | For Routine RV Maintenance | ~$18 | View → |
| 3 | Camco 41028 Awning Cleaner | For Compact Camper Owners | ~$23 | View → |
| 4 | RV Awning Cleaner Spray | For Spray Bottle Convenience | ~$19 | View → |
| 5 | MSRXUP RV Awning Cleaner | For First-Time RV Owners | ~$9 | View → |
| 6 | Dicor CP-AC-1GL RV Awning Cleaner | For Gallon-Size Cleaning Needs | ~$24 | View → |
| 7 | Thetford 96017 Awning Cleaner | For Thetford Product Users | ~$19 | View → |
7 DIY RV Awning Cleaners Worth Trying
The list is ranked by cleaning power, material safety, cost, and ease of mixing, counting down to the top pick.
7. Thetford 96017 Awning Cleaner
Best for: Routine cleaning on RV awnings
The Thetford 96017 is a concentrated awning cleaner packaged in a 64-ounce bottle. That equals one-half gallon, giving RV owners and homeowners a useful amount for regular maintenance. It is made for RV awnings and home awnings, so buyers do not need to choose between separate products for each application. The cleaner targets the fabric area where dirt and outdoor residue collect, though the available details do not specify a required dwell time or dilution ratio.
Its main advantage is the generous bottle size. Around $19, it costs less than many specialty cleaning kits, but it does not appear to include a brush, hose attachment, or other application tool. That makes it a practical choice for owners who already have cleaning supplies. The 64-ounce container also suits people with more than one awning, or those who clean their RV several times each season. Buyers with a small awning or infrequent cleaning schedule may use the product slowly, so storage space and shelf life are worth considering.
Pros
- 64 ounces provides a half-gallon of awning cleaner.
- Works for both RV and home awnings.
- Around $19 offers a reasonable price for a specialty cleaner.
Cons
- No brush, sprayer, or other cleaning tool is listed.
- The product details do not state dilution directions or cleaning time.
6. Dicor CP-AC-1GL RV Awning Cleaner
Best for: Cleaning stained RV awnings
Dicor CP-AC-1GL is a one-gallon awning cleaner made for RV owners dealing with outdoor grime. Its formula targets stains from leaves, bird droppings, tree sap, and similar buildup. The cleaner is listed as suitable for fabric, vinyl, and acrylic awnings, so it can fit several common RV canopy materials.
The main advantage is its focus on difficult stains and reduced scrubbing. Dicor describes it as a strong cleaner for heavily soiled RVs that works quickly when compared with basic soap and water. Results can still vary based on how old the stain is and how long it has bonded to the awning. At around $24, the gallon size offers a practical supply for repeated seasonal cleanups, but it also takes more storage space than a smaller bottle.
Pros
- Targets common awning stains from tree sap, leaves, and bird droppings.
- Works with fabric, vinyl, and acrylic awning materials.
- One-gallon size provides enough cleaner for multiple maintenance sessions.
Cons
- A full gallon may be excessive for owners who clean one small awning only once a year.
- Old, set-in stains may still require hand scrubbing, despite the fast-cleaning claim.
5. MSRXUP RV Awning Cleaner
Best for: Spot-cleaning washable RV awnings
The MSRXUP Powerful RV Awning Cleaner is a targeted spray for routine RV canopy care. It helps loosen visible dirt, dark marks, road grime, and weather residue on compatible washable surfaces. Spray it directly onto a dirty section instead of mixing a bucket of cleaner. That makes it practical for small stained areas before a trip or after seasonal storage. The price is around $9, though it can change.
Its main advantage is a simple cleaning routine. First, remove loose debris. Then spray the affected area, gently wipe with the included cleaning towel, and let the surface dry fully before folding the awning. The formula is intended for compatible vinyl, synthetic canopies, and similar washable fabrics. You should test a hidden spot first, since colorfastness and material compatibility can vary. This cleaner is best suited to surface buildup, not heavy damage, mold replacement, or permanent stains.
Pros
- Direct spray application targets dirty sections without preparing a bucket.
- Included cleaning towel provides a ready-to-use wiping cloth.
- Suitable for compatible vinyl and synthetic canopy materials after spot testing.
Cons
- It may not remove deeply set stains, mildew damage, or permanent discoloration.
- Surface compatibility is not universal, so hidden-area testing is required before broad use.
4. RV Awning Cleaner Spray
Best for: Routine RV awning cleanup between trips
This three-piece RV awning cleaner is made for regular care of camper canopies, RV awnings, and other compatible outdoor surfaces. It targets everyday dust, dirt, stains, and residue that build up after camping or extended exposure outside. The cleaner is intended for suitable vinyl and synthetic awning materials, not every type of fabric or finish. Check the awning maker’s care instructions before applying it.
The spray format keeps the cleaning process simple. Apply it to the surface, let it work for the time listed on the package, then wipe or rinse as directed. That makes it useful for quick maintenance before storage or after a trip. At around $19, the three-piece package costs less than many specialty cleaning kits, though the listing does not provide bottle sizes or estimated coverage. Buyers should confirm how much product they receive before comparing value with larger containers.
Pros
- Made for RV awnings, camper canopies, and compatible outdoor fabrics.
- Suitable for vinyl and synthetic surfaces when used as directed.
- Spray application requires only spraying, waiting, then wiping or rinsing.
Cons
- Material compatibility is limited, so delicate, coated, or unknown fabrics need extra caution.
- The listing does not state the liquid volume, coverage area, or included piece breakdown.
3. Camco 41028 Awning Cleaner
Best for: RV owners cleaning full-size awnings
Camco 41028 Pro-Strength Awning Cleaner comes in a 1-gallon container for larger cleaning jobs around an RV, trailer, or campsite. Its industrial-strength formula targets mold stains, mildew stains, dirt, tree sap, and road grime. That makes it more useful than a basic dust cleaner when an awning has faced wet weather, overhanging trees, or highway travel.
The main draw is its stated compatibility with all awning fabrics. Buyers do not need a separate cleaner for different fabric types, at least according to the product details. The gallon size also suits owners with multiple awnings or repeated seasonal cleanups. Around $23, it costs more than a small household spray bottle, but the larger container may make sense for regular RV maintenance. The available information does not list coverage per gallon, dilution instructions, or a built-in sprayer. Those details matter when planning storage and estimating how long one container will last.
Pros
- Targets mold and mildew stains that ordinary soap may not address.
- Breaks down tree sap, road grime, and built-up dirt.
- Listed as safe for all awning fabrics.
Cons
- A 1-gallon container takes more storage space than a ready-to-use spray.
- No coverage rate or dilution directions are provided in the listed product details, making usage costs harder to estimate.
2. Walex RV Awning Cleaner
Best for: Cleaning stained RV awnings at home
Walex RV Awning Cleaner is a 64-ounce liquid cleaner made for vinyl and fabric awnings. Its stated uses include dirt, grime, tree sap, bird droppings, mold, mildew, and other stains. The formula is intended for RVs, campers, trailers, and motorhomes. At around $18, the 64-ounce bottle offers a reasonable amount for routine seasonal cleaning, though the cost can change by seller and time.
What stands out is the choice of sizes. You can buy 32 ounces for occasional use, 64 ounces for regular maintenance, or 1 gallon for multiple awnings and larger RVs. The cleaner is not limited to one awning material, which helps if your RV has both vinyl and fabric sections. It is designed to loosen tough residue without damaging those surfaces, and regular cleaning may help preserve the awning’s appearance over time. Still, results can depend on how old the stain is and how much scrubbing the fabric needs.
Pros
- Works with both vinyl and fabric awnings.
- Targets common RV stains, including sap and bird droppings.
- Three sizes support small jobs or repeated cleanings.
Cons
- Stubborn mold, mildew, or dried stains may still require brushing and repeated applications.
- The 1-gallon size takes more storage space and may be excessive for occasional RV use.
1. STAR BRITE RV Awning Cleaner Spray
Best for: RV owners cleaning fabric awnings
STAR BRITE RV Awning Cleaner & Protectant Spray is made for fabric and vinyl awnings. It targets leaf marks, bird droppings, bug residue, and everyday outdoor grime. The spray-on formula is designed to loosen dirt without heavy scrubbing, which can help reduce wear on awning material. It also works on outdoor furniture cushions, giving one bottle more than one job. At around $17, it costs less than many specialty maintenance products.
The main difference is the added UV protection. Special polymers leave a barrier that helps slow sun-related fading and material damage. The cleaner is also designed to avoid discoloration on RV fabrics, though a small hidden-area test still makes sense before treating the whole awning. The directions are simple: spray, wait, and wipe. It dries quickly after cleaning, so the awning should not stay wet for long. STAR BRITE has made marine, auto, RV, home, and outdoor products since 1973. Its concentrated formula may also reduce how often you need to buy another bottle, but the package does not state a coverage area.
Pros
- Cleans fabric and vinyl awnings without requiring heavy scrubbing.
- UV-protective polymers help limit fading from sun exposure.
- Works on outdoor cushions as well as RV awnings.
Cons
- Severe or old stains may still need repeated applications and light scrubbing.
- The product does not list a coverage area or how long the UV protection lasts.
Buying Guide
Material safety is the most important factor when choosing a homemade RV awning wash. Vinyl and acrylic fabrics react differently to cleaners, and the wrong formula can strip coatings, fade color, or weaken stitching.
- Awning material: Identify vinyl, acrylic, or coated fabric first. Test the mixture on a hidden 2-by-2-inch area, then wait 24 hours for fading or stiffness.
- Cleaner strength: Start with 1 gallon of lukewarm water and 1/4 cup of mild, bleach-free dish soap. Avoid undiluted soap, chlorine bleach, ammonia, and solvent-based products.
- Stain type: Use soap for dust and road film. For mildew, choose oxygen bleach only if the awning maker permits it, and keep the solution below 10 minutes of contact time.
- Tools and pressure: Use a soft-bristle brush 8 to 12 inches wide and a garden hose. Skip pressure washers, which can force water beneath seams or damage the fabric.
- Rinsing and drying: Rinse until no suds remain, then leave the awning fully open for 2 to 4 hours. Never roll damp fabric into its case.
If you must compromise, prioritize material compatibility and the hidden-spot test over stain-removal strength.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make a homemade RV awning cleaner?
Mix one gallon of warm water with two tablespoons of mild dish soap to make a safe homemade RV awning cleaner. Add one cup of white vinegar only for mildew on vinyl fabric, not acrylic. Brush gently with a soft car-wash brush, rinse fully, and dry the awning before retracting it.
What ingredients work best in an RV awning wash?
The best basic ingredients are warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft brush. Use about two tablespoons of soap per gallon of water, and avoid bleach, ammonia, powdered cleaners, and strong solvents. These products can weaken fabric coatings, fade colors, or damage stitching and waterproof finishes over time.
Can I use vinegar to clean an RV awning?
Yes, diluted white vinegar can clean light mildew from some vinyl RV awnings, but test it on a hidden spot first. Mix one cup of vinegar with one gallon of water, apply it briefly, then rinse thoroughly. Do not use this mixture on acrylic fabric unless the manufacturer permits it.
Are homemade cleaners safe for RV awning fabric?
Homemade cleaners are usually safe when they use mild soap, limited scrubbing, and plenty of rinsing. Check the awning label before cleaning, since acrylic and vinyl need different care. Never let soapy solution dry on the fabric, and keep bleach away from colored awnings and metal hardware.
Conclusion
STAR BRITE RV Awning Cleaner Spray remains the top recommendation for RV owners who want a ready-to-use option for routine awning stains and dirt. If your priority is the lowest cost, choose a simple homemade mix of mild dish soap and water instead, since it uses supplies many campers already have and suits light grime. Before buying, double-check the bottle size, compatibility with your awning fabric, quantity, and current price. A cleaner that works on vinyl may not be suitable for acrylic fabric, so read the label carefully. Follow dilution directions, test a hidden spot, and rinse thoroughly to avoid residue. The right choice depends on fabric, stain type, and cleaning frequency, not just shelf price.
