Awnings offer many benefits for homes and businesses alike. Not only do they save energy and protect from the elements, but they also create a fabulous business front and brighten your home’s exterior.
Like any outdoor product, exposure to the elements will diminish the coating on the fabric over time if not addressed. Tree debris, dripping water from signage, and bird droppings will also cause damage. Fortunately, routine cleaning will prolong the life of your awning, and the necessary tasks are relatively easy to do.
We have previously written about proper care and cleaning for Sunbrella awnings, which is one of the most commonly used awning fabrics. This time, we’re focusing on awning cleaning and maintenance basics. Check out our simple tips below!
If you’re still unsure about caring for your awning, contact Canvasworks to connect with an expert who can provide customized advice for your particular awning.
The Best Maintenance Is Also the Easiest
To keep your awning clean, gently hose it down once a month. Use clean water and brush the underside carefully with a soft brush or broom. That’s it!
By doing this easy step monthly, you can avoid most dirt, mold, and grime issues on awnings.
For added protection, keep your awning clear of tree branches, drippy signs, shrubbery, and anything that could rub or drop something on the fabric's surface. The more dirt or debris accumulates on your awning, the harder it is to clean it off with a hose.
That said, doing a deep clean at least once a year or every two years is still a good idea.
How to Do a Deeper Clean for Your Awning
If you notice debris building up on your awning, bird poop, or other gross things on your awning, it’s time for a deeper clean. It’s also a good idea to do this about once a year in general, just to be on the safe side.
Clear Off Dust & Debris
Dust, dirt, and tree debris encourage mold and mildew growth when left on an awning. Tree debris is particularly troublesome because the leaves stain fabrics over time and are especially good at growing mold and mildew.
A simple, gentle brush, similar to one for washing vehicles, can be used without water to dust off light dirt and debris. Regular brushing will help avoid future problems.
Clean With Soap & Water
First, avoid using a power washer on your awning; it will remove the finish on the canvas, reducing its lifespan.
Instead, use only water, gentle soap, or a cleaner the fabric manufacturer recommends. Some gentle cleansers that work well include Dreft, Ivory Snow, or Woolite.
Bird droppings should be gently washed off immediately with a gentle brush and soap, as the acidic reaction will eventually damage your awning.
Always air dry your awning and avoid dry cleaning.
Our Pro Tips for Troublesome Stains & Concerns
Even if you do everything you can to prevent tree sap from dripping on your awning or leaves from falling on it, nature happens. That’s OK; here’s what to do.
Stubborn Stain Treatment for Fabric
If stubborn stains, such as dried bird droppings, tree sap, or grease, remain, follow the fabric manufacturer's pre-treating or other cleaning instructions. If you cannot locate the cleaning instructions directly on the canvas, you can find this information on the manufacturer's website.
If you are spot-cleaning your awning to remove stains, always rinse the entire awning with water, not just the stained area, to avoid water rings.
Mold & Mildew Cleaning
Address any water pooling on the awning as soon as possible to avoid mold and mildew problems. Removing mold and mildew from awnings becomes more complicated once it has been allowed to set in for a longer time.
Once this happens, harsher cleansers are necessary, which increases the likelihood that the awning fabric or the thread will be damaged during cleaning.
If mildew or mold is just starting, try to test clean in a small spot (remember to read the fabric label) or use a professional-grade mildew awning product, such as Star-Brite mold and mildew stain remover.
Be sure to test a small area of the awning before proceeding and follow the product instructions. If cleaning instructions for your awning material were not included when you purchased the awning, you can find them on the manufacturer's website.
Hire a Professional
You might have an awning that is too high to reach with a regular step ladder, creating a safety hazard. If so, hiring a professional cleaning service might be a good option.
It’s also helpful to have a pro inspect your awning for any concerns, like scooping or bunches in the fabric, general wear and tear, and fraying laces that indicate you’ll need an awning recovery soon.
Recovering Your Awning
Maintaining an awning is necessary for its longevity and appearance. If the skins have not received proper maintenance or have been up for many years, they may be ready for replacement.
Contacting your local awning shop is an excellent way to determine if your awnings are due for recovery. In addition, it is helpful to take pictures of your awnings and measure their length, height, and projection. Once you have this information, most awning shops can give you an estimate.
Ready to Explore Your Awning Options?
Awnings, whether residential or commercial, are a great way to add style and save energy for your home or business. So, if you’re ready to see what a residential awning can do to expand your living space or what a commercial awning can do to make your building stand out from the crowd, give us a call!
If your building awnings are damaged or stained, or you want to change the look of your storefront or home, we can help! At Canvasworks, we can recover your awning and repair the frame if needed. Give us a call at 320-559-0165 or send us an email today.