How to Pack Away a Wet Caravan Awning Without Mould or Mildew (2026 Guide)

IDS Camping & Leisure
Jul 27, 2025
5 min read

Updated: Jun 7

We’ve all been there. The holiday ends, the sky opens up, and you’re left facing one of the most frustrating parts of caravanning—putting away a soaking wet awning. It’s messy, it’s awkward, and if not handled right, it can lead to mildew, staining, and a heap of hassle later on.

Here’s how to pack away a wet caravan awning efficiently and avoid nasty surprises the next time you pitch it.

Table of Contents

Should You Pack Away a Wet Awning?
Shake Off Excess Water
Dismantle the Awning Safely
Packing Away a Wet Air Awning
Rolling vs Folding
How to Store a Wet Awning
Drying the Awning at Home
Common Mistakes

Related: Read our guide on How to Put Up a Caravan Awning and our Caravan Awning Storm Protection Guide to help protect your awning during bad weather.

1. Don’t Panic—Just Prioritise

If it’s raining when you’re packing up, your priority should be getting the awning down and packed as neatly as possible—not perfectly dry. The main goal is to prevent damage and make re-drying easier later.

2. Shake Off Excess Water

Before you start dismantling, give the fabric a good shake to remove as much surface water as possible. Use a soft broom or squeegee to help sweep water off the roof and walls. This step alone can save kilos of water weight and prevent water pooling in the bag.

3. Disassemble Smartly

Take the awning down in sections:

Walls First: Remove the sides and front panels before the roof.
Poles Next: Carefully lower and collapse the frame to avoid damaging the wet fabric.
Roof Last: Fold it as neatly as possible without worrying too much about perfection.

Keep pegs and poles in their separate bags to avoid puncturing the fabric in storage.

Fenwick's Awning Cleaner 1 Litre

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4.Packing Away a Wet Air Awning

Air awnings require slightly different handling compared to traditional poled awnings when they need to be packed away wet.

Before deflating, remove as much standing water as possible from the roof using a soft brush or awning squeegee. Open any doors and vents to allow moisture to escape and wipe down the inside surfaces if condensation is present.

When deflating, open the valves and allow the air to escape naturally. Avoid forcing the awning flat too quickly, as this can trap moisture between layers of fabric. Roll the awning loosely, working towards the inflation valves where possible.

Once home, inflate the awning fully as soon as practical and allow it to dry completely. Pay particular attention to window panels, seams, and areas around the inflation tubes where moisture can remain trapped.

A wet air awning can be packed away temporarily, but it should always be unpacked and dried thoroughly at the earliest opportunity.

5. Use a Groundsheet or Tarp

Lay out a clean groundsheet or tarp to fold the awning on. This keeps the fabric from picking up more dirt and mud while you’re rolling it up. If it’s really muddy, roll it loosely to avoid grinding the grime into the fabric.

6. Bag It Right

Use the original awning bag or a large breathable holdall. Don’t stuff it in tight—looser packing allows air to circulate and makes it easier to dry later. If your awning came with a waterproof stuff sack, consider using a mesh laundry bag inside it to prevent mildew build-up.

7. Dry It ASAP

The golden rule: never leave a wet awning packed for long. As soon as you’re home (or even better, on a dry day mid-trip), unpack the awning and let it dry fully. You can:

Hang it over a washing line or fence
Set it up in the garden
Use a garage or shed if the weather doesn’t cooperate

Use fans or a dehumidifier to speed up drying indoors, but avoid direct heat like radiators which can damage the fabric.

8. Inspect Before Repacking

Once dry, give it a quick inspection for dirt, mildew, or damage. Brush off dried mud, wipe down stubborn stains, and make sure zips and seams are intact. A bit of care now saves future frustration.

Fenwick's Awning Re-proofer 1 Litre

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9. Store It Dry and Off the Floor

When fully dry and clean, store the awning in a cool, dry place—ideally off the ground to avoid damp. If you’re storing it long-term, open the bag now and then to let it breathe.

10. Consider Upgrading Your Awning

If packing away a wet awning becomes a regular event for you, consider investing in an inflatable air awning. They’re often quicker to take down and pack wet. Also, a separate awning drying kit or even a second-hand spare awning can be worth its weight in gold during a soggy season.

11. Additional Tips for Maintenance

Regular maintenance can prolong the life of your awning. Clean it regularly with a suitable cleaner, and reproof it as necessary. This will help maintain its waterproof qualities and keep it looking good.

Conclusion

Packing away a wet caravan awning isn’t fun, but it doesn’t have to ruin your trip or your gear. With a little preparation and a plan, you can manage it calmly and confidently—and hit the road without dread.

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Common Mistakes When Packing Away a Wet Caravan Awning

Even experienced caravanners occasionally make mistakes when packing away a wet awning. Avoiding these common issues can help extend the life of your awning and prevent costly damage.

Leaving the Awning Packed Away for Too Long

The biggest mistake is assuming you’ll dry it “next weekend”. Life gets busy, and before you know it, the awning has been sitting damp for weeks. Try to unpack and dry it as soon as possible after returning home.

Packing Muddy Pegs with the Awning Fabric

Wet pegs and muddy groundsheet accessories can transfer dirt and moisture onto the awning fabric. Store pegs, storm straps, and groundsheets separately whenever possible.

Storing the Awning Directly on a Garage Floor

Concrete floors can hold moisture and temperature fluctuations. Store your awning on shelving, pallets, or in a dedicated storage bag to improve airflow.

Ignoring Small Damp Areas

Even if most of the awning feels dry, damp corners, seams, and window sections can still develop mildew. Check the entire awning before storing it away for long periods.

Forgetting to Reproof the Fabric

Repeated exposure to moisture can gradually reduce the awning’s water repellency. Periodic cleaning and reproofing can help maintain performance and prolong the life of the fabric.