Disinfect Awning - Please Help!

[fkj]

Hi, I've just got a new caravan (2nd hand!) & found extensive mouse poo & wee on the upholstery & awning. I am going to steam clean all cushions & carpet. I need some advice on cleaning/disinfecting the awning too. I'm not worried about stains I just need it to be hygenic, but maintain the proofing. I have use of a domestic steam cleaner - should I be able to use this? Or would spraying on a disinfectant like dettol or the like be better or would it damage the proofing?

 

Thanks

[Guest Rita]

http://www. caravantalk. co. uk/caravan-advice/awnings/cleaning-a-caravan-awning

 

And

[gravon42]

Welcome to the forum! Just use soapy warm water on the awning.

[brilock1]

if the upholstery is acrylic then any hot water will mark the fabric by distorting the pile. so get some foam car upholstery cleaner and spray it on, leave or work in with a soft brush.

[Doosan]

Welcome to the forum! Just use soapy warm water on the awning.

And then spray Fabsil on it to reseal it and make it waterproof.

 

http://grangers. co. uk/product/fabsil-universal-cleaner

 

http://www. waudbys. co. uk/products/details/16119. html

Edited August 5, 2014 by doosan

[Paul_B]

Welcome to the forum! Just use soapy warm water on the awning.

 

To add to gravon42 post, they used to recommend gentle soap something like Lux

 

 

 

Ps

What about hosing it down with plain water, then perhaps using one of those disinfectant foggers while the awnings up, air con cleaners etc might remove whats left of the smell

[WispMan]

[fkj]

Thanks everyone.

 

I will get some soap flakes as they are as gentle as you get, and then re-proof if necessary. I suppose I'll find out if it needs it if it leaks next week!! Now it's just a case of finding somewhere I can clean the thing! Can't do it whilst it's up onsite cos then all the mouse poo will be washed into/around the awning.

 

What a polaver!

[Paul_B]

I would try hanging it over the washing line and spraying it with the hose pipe first

[JCloughie]

Did you say there was droppings in the van? Very important to find entry places and seal them. Insurance will not cover you for rodent damage.

 

John

[fkj]

Did you say there was droppings in the van? Very important to find entry places and seal them. Insurance will not cover you for rodent damage.

 

John

[fkj]

Yes, lots! Bit depressing really, got a whole load of bleaching and steaming to do, plus wash all curtains. ...cleaning never been my strong point, you should see my house ;-)! Going to sterilise the water system today.

 

I'm on the look out for some kind of mesh to cover all the inlets/outlets - any recommendation? And of how to fix it on?

 

I thought I could drape the awning over the car and hose it down, save me dragging a pooey thing through the house to get on washing line. That will prob involve me washing the car with just water 1st otherwise I'll make the awning even dirtier! Oh deep joy. I'll be too exhausted to go on holiday after this!

 

It'll all be worth it when it's done I keep telling myself!

if the upholstery is acrylic then any hot water will mark the fabric by distorting the pile. so get some foam car upholstery cleaner and spray it on, leave or work in with a soft brush.

But then I'm not sure I want to breathe those upholstery cleaners in when using the cushions to make the beds? Pretty sure there'll be some residue left in the cushions. I'm toying with the idea of replacing it all, but its so comfy, and I'm sure that would cost a small fortune. Some bits are worse than others though, sobcould just replace the ones that are really bad, but it safe to assume the mice have been all over evrything even if theres no evidence of mouse damage.

[JCloughie]

For some holes where they might get in I have used stainless steel pan scrubs (non soapy). They can fill odd shaped holes easily. To make sure I have then stapled thin plastic sheet over to stop the scrub dropping out. The mice might chew through the plastic but I think the scrub will halt them.

 

John