Your awning protects your property from the harsh New Jersey sun, rain and snow. Wind, bugs and everyday dirt can accumulate on the awning, making regular cleaning vital.
Whether for your home or business, knowing how to clean an awning is essential to prevent damage. Learn how in this step-by-step guide.
Why Should You Regularly Clean Your Awning?
Your awning effectively provides you with the necessary shelter while still allowing you to enjoy the outdoors. Regular cleaning enhances its function and curb appeal for a crisp, attractive awning.
More reasons why keeping it clean is crucial include:
- Protects your interiors: Dirt accumulating on the awning can wear the material over time. When the material thins and weakens, it can’t adequately protect your interiors from sunlight.
- Improves lifespan: If left for too long, debris and mildew can threaten the structural integrity and beauty of the awning. With regular cleaning, you can help improve its longevity.
- Helps control buildup: Regular washing prevents a minor job from becoming major. Dirt can also weigh the awning down, impacting its appearance.
- Controls excess moisture: Moisture attracts mold and mildew, and with awnings being outside, cleaning and drying can prevent unsightly marks and damage.
- Appeals to homebuyers: If you’re planning to sell your home, potential buyers appreciate a well-cared-for, attractive awning they can enjoy.
Know Your Awning Material
Not all cleaning solutions are suitable for all awning materials. The wrong solution may reduce the material’s luster and cause discoloration. Before cleaning your awning, know its material and use it as a guide to determine the right cleaning solution and technique:
- Canvas: Canvas is a natural and relatively durable material, but scrubbing too hard could damage the fibers. This material is also prone to mildew and water damage, so treat it with a waterproofing agent designed for canvas awnings after cleaning.
- Aluminum: Though rust-resistant, harsh brushing and cleaning chemicals can damage the aluminum finish and compromise its integrity.
- Polyester: Polyester awnings are made from durable, water-resistant synthetic fabric. They offer strength and design versatility but need gentle cleaning.
- Acrylic: Acrylic is a synthetic fabric and can be fade- and water-resistant, depending on the quality of the material. Handle it with care to preserve its stable performance.
Choosing the Right Cleaning Solutions for Your Awning
The best way to clean an awning is to use a cleaner suitable for the specific type of material. The right solution can help maintain the fabric’s longevity and enhance its brightness, resulting in a vibrant, durable and clean awning.
Follow this guide to get the right cleaning solution:
- Canvas: You can clean canvas awnings with a natural solution of water and vinegar, or get a canvas awning cleaner.
- Aluminum: Clean an aluminum awning with a specialized solvent to protect the material and maintain its durability. If you don’t have this, use a cup of bleach mixed with some dish soap.
- Polyester cloth: When cleaning fabric awnings like polyester, look for a commercial polyester cleaner specially designed for synthetic fabrics. If you can’t find one, a mild cleaning solution of laundry detergent and water at home will do. Use a soft brush or sponge, depending on how dirty the awning is.
- Acrylic: If you don’t have a store-bought acrylic cleaner, this awning material will also benefit from a homemade cleaning solution of mild soap and water.
Avoid harsh pressure washers, abrasive tools and chemical cleaners when cleaning your awnings.
How to Clean Your Awning Step by Step
Get the materials and equipment you’ll need to clean your awning. You’ll need a household broom with a soft brush and a sponge. Along with a bucket of water with the appropriate cleaning solution, you may also need a ladder, depending on how high the awning is.
1. Clear Debris
Use a soft, dry broom to remove all the dirt and leaves from the top of the awning. Sweeping once a month can make washing the awning easier.
2. Prepare Your Cleaning Solution
Once you’ve cleared the debris, you can make your cleaning solution or get the store-bought one ready. For easier cleaning, dip a sponge into the bucket with the cleaning solution and spread it on the awning before scrubbing, or pour some of the solution into a spray bottle.
3. Scrub the Awning
Allow the cleaning solution to sit on the awning to break up hard dirt, then scrub with a broom. Don’t forget to clean the underside of the awning as well.
4. Remove Stubborn Stains
You may come across some stubborn dirt that scrubbing alone won’t remove. Try the following techniques for different kinds of stains:
- Mold: When cleaning an awning with mold, use extra dish liquid to remove the stain.
- Algae: Use one part hydrogen peroxide with six parts water. Pour the solution into a spray bottle and treat the area.
- Grease: You can use your usual dish soap. Let it sit neat for a few minutes before scrubbing it off.
- Tree pitch: To remove tree pitch, mix a dish soap and turpentine solution and gently scrub.
- Splattered paint: First, test some paint remover in a hidden area, then apply it to the paint stain. For a gentler option, you can also try a grease remover.
5. Rinse Thoroughly
Use a regular lawn hose to rinse the awning. Leftover soap attracts dirt, so thoroughly rinse the awning on top and underneath.
Cleaning the Awning Frame, Arms and Joints
After cleaning your awning’s fabric, clean the frame. You can use the same cleaning solution if it’s not too dirty, or make a fresh one:
- Wash: Spray some of the solution onto the arms, joints and frame and wipe down with a clean, soft cloth. If you notice rust, apply some citric acid to the area and let it sit before wiping it off.
- Wax: As a final step, spray a small amount of auto wax onto the frames to maintain their appearance.
Seasonal Awning Maintenance
Maintenance is key to keeping the awning clean and enhancing its longevity. Wash it at the beginning of every spring before using it and at the end of summer before storage. After washing the awning, ensure it’s properly dried, then cover it with a tarp to keep it protected.
When You May Need to Repair or Replace Your Awning
While washing your awning, you may come across some stains or structural damage. Some can be cleaned and repaired, while others may indicate you need a new awning. Get professional assistance if you notice:
- Deep stains that won’t come out.
- Dirt that causes damage and impacts functionality.
- Stains causing warranty concerns.
Liberty Door and Awning Is the Leader in Awning Care
With regular cleaning, inspections and maintenance, you can keep your awning looking great and maximize your investment. However, it may not always be possible to wash the awning when you should, or some stains simply cannot be removed.
Whatever concerns you have about your awning, Liberty Door and Awning provides trusted awning services, from durable repairs to professional installations. Our team has years of experience providing low-maintenance awnings that complement your property’s aesthetics.
Contact us today to book a free consultation, and we’ll provide the right solution for your property and lifestyle.
