How to Clean and Store Your Rooftop Tent Awning
By Roofnest | Tents & Gear for Overlanders | Published: 2026-10-18
Category: Tips & Care
Learn the right way to clean and store your rooftop tent awning to extend its life. Step-by-step process with common mistakes to avoid.
Quick Answer
Clean your rooftop tent awning with mild soap and water, rinse thoroughly, and let it dry completely before folding. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid harsh chemicals, high-pressure washers, and storing damp fabric to prevent mold and fabric degradation.
Why Proper Awning Care Matters
Your rooftop tent awning takes the brunt of sun, rain, dust, and tree debris. Without regular cleaning and correct storage, the fabric can develop mildew, lose its water resistance, and fade unevenly. A little routine care keeps the material supple and the zippers and seams working smoothly, so your awning is ready when you need it.
What You’ll Need
Gather a soft-bristle brush or sponge, a bucket of lukewarm water, mild soap (like a dedicated tent cleaner or gentle dish soap), a garden hose with a spray nozzle, and a clean, dry microfiber cloth. Avoid bleach, fabric softeners, and any solvent-based cleaners—they can strip protective coatings and damage the fabric.
Step-by-Step Awning Cleaning and Storage
- Step 1: Set Up and Brush Off Loose Debris: Fully extend the awning and prop it open. Use a soft brush or your hand to sweep off leaves, dirt, and bugs. Pay attention to folds and seams where debris collects. Checkpoint: Skipping this step grinds grit into the fabric during washing, causing micro-tears.
- Step 2: Wash with Mild Soap and Water: Mix a small amount of mild soap in a bucket of lukewarm water. Dip a soft sponge or brush and gently scrub the fabric in sections, working from top to bottom. Avoid aggressive scrubbing on printed or coated areas. Checkpoint: Never use a pressure washer—it can force water past seam seals and damage the fabric coating.
- Step 3: Rinse Thoroughly: Use a garden hose with a gentle spray to rinse all soap residue off the awning. Soap left behind attracts dirt and can degrade the fabric over time. Checkpoint: Residue in zipper tracks can cause sticking—rinse zippers with extra care.
- Step 4: Dry Completely Before Folding: Let the awning air-dry fully in the open position. If you’re in a hurry, wipe down with a clean microfiber cloth, but still allow some air time. Folding damp fabric is the fastest way to grow mold. Verdict: Drying is the most critical step. Even slightly damp storage can ruin the awning within weeks.
- Step 5: Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Fold the awning neatly according to the manufacturer’s instructions and place it in a breathable storage bag or a dry area away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Avoid storing it compressed under heavy gear. Next step: Before your next trip, inspect the awning for any mildew spots or seam wear and re-treat with a fabric waterproofing spray if needed.
Products That Help
- Meadowlark 2 XL + Big Wing 270 Awning Bundle: Get your shade and sleep setup in one swoop with the meadowlark-2-xl-ba61a08ea642716a787a2c23-1902141">Meadowlark 2 XL and Big Wing 270 Awning. With a total weight of 180lbs for both items, the set is perfect for trucks and SUV's with heavy duty rack systems. If you own or plan to buy a bundled tent-and-awning setup like this, cleaning and storing the awning correctly ensures both components stay in good condition and the quick-deploy mechanism works smoothly trip after trip.
