Tips for Cleaning and Maintaining Your Awning

Keeping your Caravan, Motorhome or Campervan awning clean and well-maintained is essential to prolong its lifespan and ensure a pleasant camping experience. Here are some tips to help you take care of your awning:

Cleaning:

• Regularly brush off any loose dirt, leaves, or debris from the awning fabric.

• Use a mild soap or detergent mixed with water

  • Regularly clean the awning fabric with mild soap and water to prevent dirt build up.

  • Ensure the awning is completely dry before storing it to prevent mold and mildew growth.

  • Check for any tears or damages and repair them promptly to prevent further damage. Stormsure Caravan and Awning Repair Kit fix rips and air leaks, or the Fiamma repair kit for Fiamma pull out awnings

  • Apply a protective coating or sealant to the fabric to prolong its lifespan and improve water resistance. Try Fenwicks Awning Reproofer or Fabsil

  • Inspect the zippers, seams, and poles for any signs of wear and tear, and address any issues immediately.

  • Store the awning in a dry and well-ventilated area when not in use to prevent musty odors and damage.

Maintenance:

• Inspect the awning hardware regularly for any signs of wear or damage.

• Tighten any loose screws or bolts to ensure the awning is securely attached to your caravan.

• Check the awning arms and legs for proper operation and lubricate any moving parts as needed.

• Store the awning properly when not in use to protect it from the elements and vermin

Cleaning caravan awning zips involves removing abrasive grit followed by careful lubrication to prevent sticking or damage.

1. Deep Cleaning the Zip Teeth

• Dry Brush First: Use a soft-bristled brush (like a toothbrush or small car brush) to sweep away loose dirt, sand, and grit from the zipper teeth while the zip is open.

• Wash with Water: Use warm, pure water and a soft cloth to wipe down the length of the zip. Avoid household detergents or washing-up liquid as they can strip the awning’s waterproof coating.

• Remove Salt (Coastal Use): If you have been camping near the sea, flush the zips thoroughly with fresh water to prevent salt corrosion on metal parts.

• Compressed Air: Use a can of compressed air to blow out any stubborn particles trapped within the slider or the teeth. 

  
  

2. Lubrication for Smooth Movement

Once the zip is clean and completely dry, apply a lubricant to prevent jamming. 

• Silicone Spray: The most common recommendation. It provides a dry, water-repellent coating that does not attract dust. Apply sparingly using the straw attachment to avoid getting spray on the awning fabric.

• Wax (Candle or Paraffin): Rubbing a tea candle or a bar of paraffin wax along the teeth is a classic method that stays effective without melting or attracting grit.

• Specialist Zip Lubricants: Products like

  Zip Care

  or

  AquaTex Spray

  are specifically designed for outdoor gear to clean and lubricate simultaneously.

• Graphite: For a quick fix, rubbing a lead pencil along the teeth provides dry lubrication that won't attract grime. 

  
  

3. Maintenance Tips

• Avoid Force: If a zip is stuck, do not tug it. Check for trapped fabric and wiggle it gently or use more lubricant.

• Check Sliders: If the zip "splits" behind the slider while zipping, the slider may be worn and need replacing rather than the whole zip.

• Tension Management: Ensure the awning is pegged correctly to take excessive strain off the zips, which can cause them to fail or jam

By following these cleaning and maintenance tips, you can keep your caravan awning in top condition and enjoy many more camping adventures with it.