An awning tent gets dirty over time. Tree residue, dust, rain and long periods of storage allow dirt to settle into the fabric. The good news is that you can clean your awning tent yourself, as long as you use the right method. With the Ultramar maintenance process, you extend the life of the fabric and keep your awning tent looking good and water-repellent for longer.
Why an awning tent gets dirty so quickly
New awning tents leave the factory with a protective treatment. This helps repel water and dirt, but it does not last forever. Sunlight gradually breaks down this protection. As a result, dirt can attach itself to the fabric more easily.
When dirt stays in the fabric, it holds moisture. The tent dries more slowly and starts to look dull and tired. Regular cleaning and re-protection stop this process.
Do not use soft soap on your awning tent
Soft soap may seem harmless, but it is not suitable for tent fabric. It leaves a greasy layer on and inside the material. This layer actually attracts new dirt faster.
Another problem is protection. A fabric treated with soft soap does not accept protective products properly. The protection cannot bond well to the fabric and quickly loses its effect.
The Ultramar 3-step maintenance process
Ultramar always works with three clear steps. Each step has its own purpose. By keeping these steps separate, you achieve a better and longer-lasting result.
Step 1 – Cleaning
Cleaning removes loose dirt and general contamination.
- Wet the fabric with lukewarm water.
- Loosen the dirt using a soft brush.
- Apply Ultramar Sprayhood & Tent Shampoo to the wet fabric.
- Let it work for about 20 minutes.
- Brush lightly and rinse thoroughly with plenty of water.
- Allow the awning tent to dry completely.
Step 2 – Treat stubborn contamination
If difficult-to-remove discoloration remains after cleaning, use Ultramar Power Cleaner. This product is designed for deeply embedded stains that normal cleaning cannot remove.
- Use Power Cleaner only on dry fabric.
- Apply it directly to the affected areas.
- Work it in gently with a soft brush.
- Allow enough working time and repeat if needed.
- Rinse thoroughly and let the fabric dry again.
Step 3 – Protect
Protection restores water repellency and helps reduce future dirt buildup.
- Make sure the awning tent is clean and dry.
- Apply Ultramar Sprayhood & Tent Protector generously and evenly.
- Ensure the fabric is well saturated.
- Treat the inside of the awning tent as well.
- Allow the fabric to dry completely.
If your awning tent is made from cotton or canvas, use Ultramar Canvas & Cotton Protector. Each material needs the right type of protection.
Practical tips for the best result
- Never use a pressure washer on tent fabric.
- Do not use household cleaning products.
- Do not be too economical with product use.
- Having extra product is useful for touch-ups later.
- Always treat plastic windows separately, never with fabric products.
What do you need?
For complete awning tent maintenance:
- Ultramar Sprayhood & Tent Shampoo
- Ultramar Power Cleaner (for heavy contamination)
- Ultramar Sprayhood & Tent Protector or Canvas & Cotton Protector
- A soft brush and a spray bottle
Ultramar also offers maintenance bundles. These combine the correct products and are often more cost-effective than buying separately. They also help prevent running out of product during treatment.
In short
Cleaning your awning tent yourself is straightforward when you follow the right process. Regular cleaning, targeted stain removal and proper protection keep your awning tent looking good and working properly for longer.
Ultramar
Ultramar helps you clean, maintain and protect awning tents, boat covers, awnings and other outdoor fabrics yourself, using PFAS-free maintenance products that are easy to use at home.
