Awnings beautifully complement your home’s exterior in addition to providing protection from a variety of weather conditions. Yet over a season of wind, dust, rain, and sun, they can begin to look a little dirty. Keeping your awnings looking great is simple and only takes a few minutes if you make it a routine habit.
Even the highest quality fabric awnings can be susceptible to dirt, pollen, and mold. It’s a good idea to check your awnings monthly and perform a quick “clean up” to keep them looking their best. There’s no reason to remove the fabric; you can easily clean them while they are on the existing frames.
Here’s a simple checklist procedure to clean your outdoor awning:
Gather a soft bristle brush, clean cloth or rags, hose, bucket, mild detergent or awning fabric cleaner, and a ladder. Safety first! Make sure your ladder is in good condition and always set it on clear, level ground.- Begin by examining your awning for any rips or tears in the fabric. If the material is damaged, contact us at Deluxe Awning before you continue your cleaning. Some damages should be repaired before adding additional stress to the fabric from brushing or cleansing.
- Take a look at the awning structure and the home’s exterior. Contact us immediately if you find any damage to either, so we can promptly schedule a crew to perform repairs or reinstallation.
- Brush off any loose dirt, debris, and insects. You may want to wear a facial mask if you’re sensitive to pollen or dust, as these materials frequently adhere to the fabric.
- Rinse the awning well with water and then scrub it carefully with a mild detergent. A mixture of ¼ cup blue Dawn dish soap with 1 gallon of water makes a very effective and gentle cleanser. Use a stiffer brush to remove stubborn dirt but be careful not to stretch or tear the fabric.
- Allow the cleaning solution to soak into the fabric for about 15 minutes. This allows the detergent to dislodge the remaining dirt.
- Rinse the fabric thoroughly with water to remove all the detergent. For large awnings, make sure you begin rinsing at the top and work your way downwards.
- Take a break and allow the fixtures to air dry.
- If your awnings have mold on them, they will need additional cleaning. Adding a ½ cup of bleach to your cleaning solution for spot cleaning may help remove mold, but this will also remove the layer of water and stain resistance initially applied to the fabric. If your awnings are stained or have mold, it’s best to contact us first for instructions on how to best clean your specific material and discuss retreating the fabric if necessary.
Quality awnings from Deluxe Awning Company will give you decades of beauty and functionality.
If you have questions about cleaning your existing awnings or you’ve decided it’s time for a new set, give the professionals at Deluxe Awning Company a call today. We’re a small family business that’s been serving Southern Oregon for 39 years. We specialize in quality custom canvas awnings for homes and businesses, and we’re confident you’ll be wildly satisfied with the workmanship behind your new Deluxe Awning. Contact us today to learn how easy it is to add an awning to your doors and windows.
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