You’ll Need A:
To best prepare for the cleaning process, we need to prepare the following tools and equipment:
- Pressure washer
- Brush or soft sponge
- Detergent
- Awning glue
How to Clean Your Awning
Knowing which cleaner is right for your particular awning material is key to preserving your awning and keeping it looking its best until your next cleaning. Choosing a gentle cleaner and cleaning at the right pressure will prolong the life of your awning. With regular, proper maintenance, awnings can provide shade and weather protection for years.
1. Clean the Awning Gently Using a Getergent
Apply with a soft sponge or brush, and rub gently on the surface of the awning. Pay attention to the type of detergent that is suitable for your awning. You can refer to it on trade platforms or convenience stores.
You can add a little more water if it feels difficult to rub. Pay attention, and rub gently to avoid tearing an awning.
2. Rinse From the Bottom Up Using
To effectively clean your awning, opt for a low-pressure power washer instead of regular hoses and scrub brushes. Look for a pressure washer with a PSI of less than 1500 and a higher GPM output of 4 to 6. This ensures that your fabric is not damaged while saturating it with more water for better cleaning. When cleaning, use the widest fan tip nozzle designed for delicate surfaces and avoid using narrow concentrated or turbo nozzles that can rip the fabric. Apply the detergent solution evenly from bottom to top in an upward motion.
To rinse the awning, use the pressure washer on the lowest possible setting, ideally under 1000 PSI. Start from the bottom and work your way up to prevent streaking caused by trapped detergent. Using a pressure washer allows for faster and more efficient cleaning of large awnings, but it's important to never exceed the recommended PSI for your awning fabric to avoid damage.
3. Added Protection Layers
For extra protection, use awning glue or a protective spray treatment. This layer helps to increase water resistance and dust resistance, increasing the life of the awning. Also, some layers are heat resistant to help you feel comfortable under them. Follow the instructions to ensure even, thorough coverage.
How Often To Clean Your Awning
Awnings accumulate dirt and grime at varying rates depending on exposure to the elements. Given this variability, it is prudent to perform a thorough cleaning of the awning fabric and structure at a minimum of once annually. Regular deep cleans help to maximize the lifespan and appearance of awnings by protecting them from the damaging effects of sun exposure, precipitation, and wind over the long run.
Final Thought
Proper maintenance is crucial to maximize the lifespan of your awning. Regular cleaning will help remove dirt, mold, mildew and debris that can damage the fabric over time. Hose your awning down thoroughly with water to remove loose dirt. Make a soapy solution with diluted dish soap and warm water, and apply it to the fabric using a long-handled brush.
