If you take care of your awnings and canopies, they’ll take care of your, i.e. create a marvelous look for your home that friends and guests will all love. They’ll last longer, and you’ll continue coming back to a home that looks amazing and gets you compliments. Let’s take a closer look at some cleaning tips for awnings and canopies.
Cleaning Canopies
Properly maintaining your canopies is crucial if you need them too look great for guests, who sometimes arrive unexpectedly. Keep the following tips in mind to keep mold and dirt from damaging your canopies:
• Clear any dust and dirt by using a brush.
• Hose the canopy with water to get rid of any mud.
• In case of water stains, use some powder detergent and warm water.
• You want to have thick soapy layers for removing the dirt and mold one section at a time.
• Use circular motions when brushings and wash quickly to keep the detergent from drying and damaging your canopy.
• Before you fold the canvas away, make sure to air it properly and ensure it’s completely dry.
Cleaning Acrylic Awnings
This is usually easy since most acrylic awnings are stain- and soil-resistant.
• Use a combination of mild dishwashing liquid and warm water and spot clean with a sponge.
• Use clean water to rinse thoroughly and air dry.
• To remove stubborn stains, use a fabric stain remover. Remember to follow the instructions on the container.
• Finally, rinse properly and air dry.
Removing Mildew from an Acrylic Awning
Keep in mind that mildew isn’t often found on the fabric itself, but on dirt, leaves and other stuff that is left on the fabric.
• Mix 250 ml of bleach with a little mild dishwashing liquid in 4 liters of warm water.
• Spread the mixture to the affected area and let it soak (but don’t let it dry).
• Use a sponge to scrub.
• Rinse properly and air dry.
• Try not to use bleach on the awning’s prints as it might erase or at least damage them.
Cleaning Fabric and Vinyl Awnings
• If you don’t want the awning to get damp before you clean it, it’s best to use a commercial cleaner.
• Use a stepladder if needed, and apply a fabric and vinyl cleaner.
• Start at the bottom and work your way up the awning.
• Use a sponge or brush (soft or medium bristles only) to scrub the awning before it dries.
• Never use scrubbers or abrasive cleaners
• Use a garden hose to rinse till you’ve cleared the run-off water.
• Remove all the cleaner because any leftover will leave a chalky film after drying down.
• Remember that pressure washer is not only ineffective for cleaning your awning, but it can also permanently damage the awning.
Removing Mildew from a Vinyl or Fabric Awning
• Create a solution of 250 ml of bleach with 4 liters of warm water (or more/less with same ratio).
• Test the solution first on a hidden section of the awning to ensure it doesn’t fade the colors.
• Make sure the bleach solution doesn’t dry on the awning.
• Rinse properly with water before finally air drying.
So there you go, the best advice on how to clean awnings and canopies. Still think it’s too much work? Find a professional cleaning service to handle it while you relax.