The majority of our customers rarely, if ever, need to clean their awnings. Our awnings and canopies are designed for the outdoors – which means the materials and construction are built to weather the weather – whatever the weather. Dirt is a natural part of that. The rain will do a great job for you of washing away the bulk of any dirt. Unless it’s absolutely noticeable and distracting, cleaning your awning is typically unnecessary.
We use only the best material to construct your awning. And we use only the best construction methods. Beyond the reasons stated above, cleaning your awning could negate the warranty. This is because there is a lot more damage improper cleaning methods and chemicals can do than nature itself.
If you need it cleaned, hire a professional.
For some home owners, the dirt, grime and debris may be more significant than normal. In these cases, give us a call. We’ll find a professional cleaner that will get the job done right, quickly and inexpensively – because when one of our preferred professionals does the job, it will ensure that your warranty is still in tact.
If you insist…
And if you want the easy, less harmful way of cleaning it yourself, here are a few tips to make sure you don’t do more harm than good.
Your awnings take care of you, your customers and your goods. So let’s spend some time talking about what you can do to take care of them. A few simple steps can help ensure that your awnings will be taking care of you for years to come.
What you’ll need:
- Broom
- Mild, non-detergent soap like Ivory or Dreft
- Cloth or soft brush
- Lukewarm water from hose or bucket
Steps:
- Use broom to brush off loose dirt, spider webs, branches and dust.
- Wet awning with lukewarm water.
- Prepare a cleaning solution of water and soap.
- Use cloth or soft-bristled brush to apply solution.
- Allow cleaning solution to soak in.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Air dry.
Avoid:
- Don’t use a power washer!
- Don’t allow twigs or vines to rest on awnings for any length of time. The acids from certain plants can stain the fabric.
- Don’t wash your awning with detergents or strong cleaning solutions.
- Don’t use hot water on your awning. Water should be cold to lukewarm and never more than 100 degrees.
- Don’t allow water to stand on the awning as this can cause pocketing and stretching.
- Don’t apply heat to your awning. Always allow it to air dry. Cleaning on a sunny day is recommended.