A good drive-away awning is a significant investment — and with proper care it should last many seasons. The most common causes of premature awning failure are poor storage (storing damp), neglected seam tape, and UV degradation of the fabric. This guide covers how to clean, reproof, and store your awning correctly to maximise its lifespan.
1. Cleaning Your Drive-Away Awning
After Every Trip
- Shake out the awning and remove loose dirt and debris before packing down.
- Wipe down poles or air beams with a dry cloth.
- Check for any mud or grass on the groundsheet before folding.
Regular Cleaning
For general cleaning, use cool water and a soft brush or sponge. Avoid harsh detergents, washing-up liquid, or bleach — these strip the DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating from the fabric and can damage seam tape.
- Set the awning up if possible for cleaning — easier to clean flat panels when erected
- Use a specialist tent and awning cleaner (e.g. Nikwax Tech Wash) for a deeper clean
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all soap residue
- Allow to dry fully before packing away
Dealing with Mould & Mildew
If your awning has been stored damp and developed mould or mildew spots, treat with a specialist mould remover designed for outdoor fabrics. Do not use bleach — it damages the fabric and waterproof coating. After treatment, re-proof the affected area.
2. Reproofing
Over time, the DWR coating on your awning fabric wears off and water begins to “wet through” rather than beading off the surface. This doesn’t mean the awning leaks — the underlying polyurethane coating still provides waterproofing — but a compromised DWR makes the fabric absorb water, increasing weight and reducing performance.
When to Reproof
- Water no longer beads and rolls off the fabric
- The fabric surface looks “wet” rather than shedding rain
- The awning feels significantly heavier when wet than when new
How to Reproof
- Clean the awning thoroughly first (see above) — reproofing works best on clean fabric
- Apply a specialist DWR reproofing spray (e.g. Nikwax Tent & Gear SolarProof or Grangers Tent Repel) to the outer fabric
- Apply evenly, covering all panels including seams
- Allow to dry according to the product instructions — some benefit from gentle heat to activate the coating
- Test with water — it should bead and roll off cleanly
Reproof after every deep clean, and at least once per season for awnings used regularly.
3. Seam Care
Seam tape is the waterproofing layer applied over stitching lines. On most awnings, seams are factory-taped (either hot-air taped or factory-sealed) but the tape can lift at the edges over time, particularly on older awnings or those stored damp.
- Inspect seams annually for lifting or peeling tape
- Re-seal lifting seams with a seam sealer appropriate for your fabric type
- Pay particular attention to the roof panel seams — these take the most rain loading
4. Air Beam Care (Inflatable Awnings)
Inflatable awnings have additional maintenance considerations for their air beams:
- Check pressure before each use — air beams can lose a small amount of pressure between uses. Always inflate to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI before use.
- Inspect valves — check valve caps are secure and undamaged. Carry a spare valve cap.
- Puncture repair — small punctures can be repaired with a TPU patch kit. Locate the puncture by inflating the beam and listening/feeling for escaping air. Clean the area, apply the patch, and allow to cure before re-inflating.
- Never over-inflate — exceeding the maximum PSI rating can damage the beams permanently. Most awnings specify 7–8 PSI (0.5–0.55 bar).
5. Pole Care (Poled Awnings)
- Wipe aluminium or fibreglass poles clean after each trip
- Check for cracks or splits in fibreglass poles — replace damaged sections before the next trip
- Carry a spare pole sleeve for field repairs
- Store poles loosely — don’t leave them bent or under load in storage
6. End-of-Season Storage
Correct end-of-season storage is the single most important thing you can do to extend your awning’s life. The primary rule: never store your awning damp.
- After your last trip, set up the awning at home if possible and allow it to dry completely — including the groundsheet, inner tent (if used), and bag
- Clean thoroughly before storage (see above)
- Reproof if due
- Fold loosely — avoid folding along the same crease lines every time, which can stress the fabric. Different fold patterns extend fabric life.
- Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Avoid garages prone to damp or condensation.
- Do not store under heavy objects that could compress and crease the fabric permanently
- If storing in the original bag, ensure the bag itself is clean and dry
Quick Reference: Annual Maintenance Checklist
- ☐ Clean fabric with specialist cleaner
- ☐ Reproof DWR coating
- ☐ Inspect and re-seal any lifting seam tape
- ☐ Check air beam valves and pressure (inflatable awnings)
- ☐ Inspect poles for cracks or splits (poled awnings)
- ☐ Check groundsheet for wear or delamination
- ☐ Check guy ropes and pegs — replace worn or bent pegs
- ☐ Store dry, loosely folded, in a cool ventilated location
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put my drive-away awning in a washing machine?
No — machine washing damages the DWR coating, seam tape, and fabric structure. Always hand-wash with cool water and a specialist outdoor fabric cleaner.
How do I know if my awning needs reproofing?
If water no longer beads and rolls off the outer fabric — instead soaking in and making the fabric look wet — it’s time to reproof. The awning may still be waterproof underneath, but reproofing restores performance and reduces weight when wet.
My awning smells musty after storage. What should I do?
This usually means it was stored with some residual moisture. Set it up to air thoroughly, treat any visible mould with a specialist outdoor mould remover, clean with Tech Wash or equivalent, reproof, and dry completely before re-storing.
How often should I reproof my awning?
At least once per season for regularly used awnings. After every deep clean. Sooner if water stops beading on the fabric surface.
Shop Drive-Away Awnings at Newquay Camping Shop
Newquay Camping Shop
4 Bamber House, Victoria, PL26 8LQ
Open Monday to Friday
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