As most of you know, I have been a fan of Dawn dish soap for many years, although I do believe it might not be good for RV sidewalls with ceramic coating or wax.
However, there are several more uses that Dawn dish soap and it’s younger brother Dawn Powerwash are good for. The advantage of the Dawn Powerwash is convenience, and it doesn’t need water.
Cleaning greasy parts and hands
I have found over the years that traditional soaps are not strong enough to clean my hands or parts that are oily or greasy. A shot of Dawn dish soap or Dawn Powerwash cuts the grease and leaves a clean, smooth skin.
Cuts through soap scum and hard water scale
Most of the water you use at the campground or even after filling your fresh water tank from home is hard water. That creates a calcium buildup on shower walls, toilets, and other places that can be a challenge to get off, even with a ton of elbow grease. Simply spray Dawn Powerwash on the entire surface and let it sit for 5 minutes. You will be amazed at how easy it is to clean the surface.
It also works on windshields and windows, as some of those can get “etched” with runoff from the roof material.
Carpet/fabric cleaner
For years I have used Windex as a carpet and fabric cleaner, not only for my own rigs, but also for sprucing up carpet and fabrics during shows where thousands of kids with grubby hands and shoes tear through display models.
Just a few years ago I started using Dawn Powerwash sprayed on the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. Then I blot it with a damp rag or towel. It also works on stains on clothing. Just make sure you test it on an area that doesn’t show on some of the more delicate materials like silk first.
Clean awnings and patio rugs
Most awnings and patio rugs are actually a weave of material and can trap dirt and grease easily. Mixing Dawn dish soap in a 5-gallon bucket makes it easy to apply the mixture with a brush or small broom to the underside of the awning. Retract the awning and let it sit for about 10 minutes so it coats the top material as well. Extend the awning and rinse it thoroughly. Let it dry before storing it, otherwise you will get mold and mildew.
Patio rugs are made of a similar material as they are exposed to environmental conditions, especially rain and morning dew. Use the same mixture to clean the material using a small broom or brush and rinse well. Spot-treat any stains, especially grease from a BBQ grill. It works wonders!
Cleaning grills and stovetops
Your favorite Blackstone grill can get pretty greasy and grimy over the camping season. Dawn dish soap or Powerwash will cut through the mess. For flat griddles like Blackstone, heat the surface and spray Dawn Powerwash heavily and let it sit for a few minutes.
You RV stovetop can get very greasy, as well as the backsplash and even the range hood above the stovetop. Use Dawn Powerwash to cut through the grease and keep it clean.
Clean dirty grab bars, door handles, and cabinets
Since our skin naturally has oils and collects dirt, anything we grab can get a layer of grime on it. Those surfaces include the RV’s entrance grab handle, cabinet handles, and even the shower curtain as we pull it aside to get in. Just spray on Dawn Powerwash and clean it off.
You might also enjoy these posts about Dawn
- Can ceramic coating be applied over decals? And DON’T use Dawn dish soap? Say what?!
- 21 unusual but brilliant uses for Dawn dish soap in your RV
- Amazing Dawn Powerwash uses less water—a huge benefit to RVers
- Does Dawn dish soap keep RV black tanks clean?
DAVE HAS ANSWERED MORE THAN 1,000 readers’ maintenance and repair questions. Read a directory here. There is so much to learn!
Dave Solberg is a leading expert in the RV industry and the author of the “RV Handbook.”
HAVE A QUESTION FOR DAVE?
Send your inquiries to him using the form below.
RVDT2908
The secret ingredient of Dawn Powerwash is rubbing alcohol. It’s easy to mix your own to save some money.
Yep. LOTS of uses for Dawn products around home or RV. But treat it like a ‘harsh chemical’ and trust manufacturer warnings about using ‘harsh chemicals’ on their product. Do a discrete test first.
I have two of the half gallon pump sprayers found at home building suppliers, etc. One has a little Dawn in water, the other sprayer has water only. I use these things constantly at home or out camping. Pump it up, spray the Dawn mix on something dirty, let it soak and then brush or wipe, and rinse with the water sprayer. The spray nozzles are adjustable, and the trigger will lock if you like. It saves dragging out a garden hose for so many chores.
Thank you for sharing the many uses you have found for Dawn or Dawn Powerwash, Dave. Have a great day and safe travels!