Awning Glory – How to Keep Your Awning in Top Condition

Picture the perfect, idyllic motorhome scene and, chances are, it will feature a large awning, unfurled in all its glory, as a happy family or contented couple relax underneath: enjoying the great outdoors with just the right amount of creature comforts.

Why Awning Maintenance Matters

A well-cared-for motorhome awning extends your liveable space, keeps the weather at bay, and adds welcome shade on hot days. With regular care, you’ll prolong fabric life, keep colours bright, prevent mould and mildew, and avoid avoidable repairs. Just as important, you’ll ensure your awning performs safely in changeable UK conditions – especially gusty coastal sites and the damp, moss-friendly climates of autumn and winter.

Key Benefits of Regular Maintenance

• Longer fabric and seam life
• Smoother operation (zips, poles, cassettes)
• Greater weather resistance and water beading
• Better hygiene and appearance
• Fewer mid-trip surprises and repair costs

Know Your Awning

Styles & Materials

Motorhome awnings vary by style (roll-out/cassette, drive-away, inflatable/air, and traditional poled models) and by fabric (polyester, acrylic, PVC-coated, breathable canvases). Each has different care needs.

• Polyester/Acrylic: Light, quick-drying; respond well to gentle cleaners and UV protection.
• PVC-Coated: Highly water-resistant and durable; avoid harsh solvents to protect the coating.
• Breathable Canvases: Excellent comfort and condensation control; benefit from periodic re-proofing. 

Check your manufacturer’s guidance for compatible cleaners and re-proofers, and always spot-test new products on an inconspicuous area first.

UK-Specific Risks to Watch

The UK’s varied climate presents a few specific challenges for awning care. Frequent showers and damp conditions make prompt drying essential to prevent mould and mildew from forming. During autumn, falling leaves, tree sap and bird lime can quickly stain or degrade the fabric’s protective coating if left untreated. 

Coastal trips also require attention, as sea breezes can deposit salt residues that attract moisture, so it’s important to rinse the awning after seaside stays. Gusty winds and sudden squalls can put strain on both the fabric and frame, so always secure the awning with adequate guying and storm straps, and pitch with one end slightly lower in wet weather to prevent water pooling.

Routine Care Schedule 

After Each Trip

• Brush off loose dirt, leaves and grit.
• Allow the awning to dry completely before packing – if you must stow damp, re-open and dry within 24–48 hours.
• Wipe poles/air-beams and check peg straps, guy lines and sliders.

Monthly During the Season

• Rinse with clean water; use a mild, awning-safe cleaner if you see marks or traffic film.
• Inspect stitching, seams, zips and window panels.
• Check frame/air system for leaks, bends or loose fixings.

Pre-Winter

• Deep clean and ensure fully dry.
• Re-proof fabric if water no longer beads.
• Store loosely in a breathable bag in a dry, ventilated space (avoid lofts/garages prone to damp).

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Guidance for Awning Cleaning & Care

When cleaning your awning, always choose gentle, awning-approved products and avoid bleach, harsh detergents or pressure washers, as these can strip protective coatings and force water into seams. Use only soft tools, such as microfibre cloths or soft-bristle brushes, to prevent abrasion. Rinse thoroughly after cleaning, as any leftover residue attracts dirt and reduces water repellency. Re-proof the fabric whenever water begins to sheet rather than bead, using a suitable product to restore weather resistance. Finally, keep zips clean and consider a silicone-free zip lubricant for smoother operation, and regularly inspect guy points, sliders and other hardware for wear.

Storage & Packing for UK Conditions

When it comes to storage, dry truly means dry – even slight dampness can encourage mildew, so if rain forces a quick getaway, make sure to re-pitch the awning at home, ideally in your garden or driveway, to allow it to air and dry fully. Pack it loosely in a well-ventilated, breathable bag to prevent creasing and protect the fabric’s coating, avoiding plastic liners that trap moisture. 

Choose an indoor storage location with consistent temperature and good airflow, steering clear of cold, damp outbuildings. To protect clear PVC window panels, place soft cloths between them before folding to prevent sticking or imprinting during storage.

Troubleshooting Common Awning Problems

Mould & Mildew Odour

• Cause: Packing damp; prolonged humid storage; residue left on fabric.
• Fix: Dry fully; clean with an awning-safe mildew remover; rinse well; re-proof. Persistent odour may require a second gentle treatment.
• Prevention: Always dry before storage; improve bag/locker ventilation; avoid shaded, damp storage spots.

Green staining (algae/moss)

• Cause: UK damp and shade encourage growth.
• Fix: Use a specialist awning/algae cleaner – never scrape aggressively. Rinse thoroughly; re-proof.
• Prevention: Rinse after autumn trips; pitch in sunnier spots when possible; store clean and dry.

Bird Lime & Tree Sap

• Cause: Parking under trees; coastal and urban sites.
• Fix: Soak with lukewarm water and a mild cleaner before gently wiping. Avoid harsh solvents.
• Prevention: Use an awning protector where practical; remove contaminants promptly.

Water Pooling/Sagging Roof

• Cause: Flat pitch; heavy UK rain.
• Fix: Lower one corner to create a runoff; tension roof poles/air beams correctly. Consider anti-pooling rafter poles or roof supports if compatible.
• Prevention: Always pitch with a slight fall; re-check tension after the fabric relaxes.

Wind Damage (bent poles, torn fabric)

• Cause: Gusts/squalls, especially on exposed sites.
• Fix: Replace bent sections; small tears can be patched from both sides with awning repair tape, following manufacturer advice. Larger damage needs professional repair.
• Prevention: Use storm straps and sufficient pegging; take awning down if high winds are forecast.

Cloudy/Stuck Window Panels

• Cause: Heat/pressure on folded clear PVC.
• Fix: Warm gently (ambient warmth), then clean with a plastic-safe polish; separate panels with soft cloths for storage.
• Prevention: Avoid tight folds; never store with windows pressed together.

Do’s and Don’ts 

Awning Care Checklist 

✔ Brush off debris after every trip.

✔ Dry completely before stowing; if packed damp, re-open to dry within 24–48 hours.

✔ Rinse monthly in season; use mild, compatible cleaners when needed.

✔ Inspect seams, zips, guy points, poles/air beams regularly.

✔ Maintain a slight roof fall to prevent pooling.

✔ Re-proof fabric when water no longer beads.

✔ Store clean, dry and loosely in a ventilated, indoor space.

✔ Keep clear PVC panels separated with soft cloths.

When to Consider Awning Replacement

If you’re seeing repeated seam failures, widespread delamination, extensive UV fading, or a frame that no longer holds tension safely, a replacement may be more cost-effective than ongoing repairs – especially if you tour frequently in the UK’s more demanding coastal and high-wind regions.

Browse Our Latest Motorhomes

If caring for your awning has inspired you to enhance your overall touring experience, why not explore our latest motorhomes? Many models come with features that make life outdoors even more enjoyable – from spacious living layouts to convenient accessories designed for effortless set-up and comfort on the road.