Maintenance Recommendations
Cleaning
Simply brushing off loose dirt and hosing your awning off with a common garden hose (not a high pressure, power washer) will extend the life of your awning by removing the built-up dirt, pollen, etc. Regular maintenance generally means a once-a-year cleaning, with additional care if stains or dirt appears. The regular cleaning schedule starts the first year in which the awning is in service. Also, remember that your awning is an exterior product. In the same way you wouldn’t leave your automobile outside without washing it for very long, you’ll also need to clean your fabric awning to preserve and extend its good looks and service life.
General or light cleaning of acrylic awning or canopy fabrics
- Brush off loose dirt with a broom or cloth.
- Hose down.
- Prepare a cleaning solution of one gallon water (cold to lukewarm – never more than 100°F/38°C) and two ounces (1/4 cup) mild soap such as Dawn dish soap.
- Use a soft bristle brush to clean.
- Allow cleaning solution to soak into the fabric.
- Rinse thoroughly until all soap residue is removed.
- Air dry (never apply heat to acrylic fabrics).
- May require re-treatment of the top finish (see below) depending on the age of the fabric.
Heavy cleaning (stubborn stains and mildew) of acrylic awning or canopy fabrics
Acrylic fabric does not promote mildew growth, however, mildew may grow on dirt and other foreign substances that are not removed from the fabric. If stubborn stains persist, you can use a diluted chlorine bleach/soap mixture for spot cleaning of mildew, roof run-off or other similar stains. To clean mildew, or other stubborn stains:
- Brush off loose dirt with a broom or cloth.
- Hose down.
- Prepare a cleaning solution of one gallon water (cold to lukewarm – never more than 100°F/38°C), eight ounces (1 cup) of chlorine bleach and two ounces (1/4 cup) mild soap such as Dawn dish soap.
- Use a soft bristle brush to clean.
- Allow cleaning solution to soak into the fabric for up to 15 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly until all soap residue is removed.
- Air dry (never apply heat to acrylic fabrics).
- Repeat if necessary.
- Re-treatment of fabric for water and stain resistance will be necessary (see below).
- Remember to protect the area around your awning if using a bleach solution and always rinse the awning thoroughly to completely remove the bleach.