Awnings: Care and Cleaning

Awnings are a great way to enjoy the outdoors while protecting you and your family from the heat and sun damage. Installing materials on your land or water vehicle is a great recreational investment that you will use over and over again each time you enjoy the outdoors. There are a number of important factors to keep in mind when considering the care of your awnings and ensuring the material and construction lasts a long time. Depending on the size of the material, it is often possible to clean it while still on the frame or it may be removed and inserted into the washing machine for ease of use.

One of the most important factors to consider when cleaning your awning is to always use mild soaps and gentle techniques. This means that soaps considered appropriate for baby clothes would be useful and the water should be lukewarm instead of very hot or very cold. Be sure to rinse the material thoroughly when clean and lay the material out to air dry. You should never place the material into a heated clothes dryer or use heat to dry the material as this can cause it to shrink and then it will no longer fit on the frame.

One of the simplest ways to clean the material is while it is still on the frame. To do this, simply brush off all of the loose dirt and ensure the frame is sturdy in place. With a garden hose, wet the material from top to bottom and use a soft bristle brush with mild soap to gently scrub the surface. Let the gentle soap soak into the fabric and give it time to work on the dirty spots in the material. Before it is dry, rinse the entire material with a garden hose and make sure all soap residue is completely removed. Leave the awnings on the frame and let them air dry in the sun.

Occasionally stubborn stains will be resistant to mild soap and water and may require more extensive treatment with diluted chlorine bleach. This can be especially useful when it comes to cleaning mildew and other stains caused by water run-off.

Depending on where you got your awnings from, the manufacturer may recommend re-treating the fabric after you clean it. Most fabrics are treated with a fluorocarbon material that gives them a resistant finish and enhances their ability to repel water. Consult with your manufacturer for specific recommendations.

Keep all of these items in mind when cleaning your awning material and you will extend the life of the fabric and enjoy the outdoors for years to come.