For many people, their camper is an extension of their home, and your home is your castle. Not too many people want to live in a shabby, run down and tired looking home, so why would they want to live or travel in a less than clean and tidy looking camper. Camper awnings are one of the accessories of a camper, but they bring a certain life and style that just does not exist without them. It is therefore important that you keep them clean, neat and tidy. After all, how often have you gone to a campground and seen that the camper in the space next to yours had camper awnings that were run down, patched, downright dirty or even growing mold?
Camper awnings are easy to keep clean with a bit of preventative maintenance and regular care. One of the first things that you will want to do is store them during inclement weather. If for some reason you have been away during a sudden storm, then you will want to allow the awning fabric time to dry before rolling them away. Trapped moisture can cause the awning to mold, making it more susceptible to further damage. You should also always remove debris such as twigs before rolling your awning up, as twigs and branches or other debris could cause a tear or hole to develop. Camper awnings are not inexpensive to replace, so it is in your best interest to make sure that you always take good care of them.
To clean any stains, mold or mildew that has developed on your awning, you will want to clean it using a mild detergent solution such as dishwashing soap and warm water, together with a soft bristled brush. You will then want to rinse it off and allow it to air dry in the sun. It is best to do this on warm sunny days, as you will not want the moisture to pool and create a nice environment for the development of further mold or mildew. You can also use this method to remove any animal urine or fecal matter from the awning. If you feel that you would like to disinfect your awning, it is best not to use any kind of harsh or abrasive cleaning material. A very mild disinfectant or alternatively, vinegar or lemon juice, can be used when mixed with your detergent solution.
In addition to the fabric of your camper awning, you will need to periodically check the braces to make sure that they are in good working order and free of rust or mildew. Also be sure that they are tightly secured to the camper. This will help keep your awning in good and working order. If the braces are loose, the awning can become damaged if the braces break free.
Taking care of your camper awning will ensure that your camper always looks bright, fresh and in good condition. This is not only important for your enjoyment, but also for resale value, should you ever decide to sell.