If you’ve been enjoying the shade of your awning all summer, now’s the time to think about awning maintenance. It’s a good idea to clean the fabric twice a year – in the spring and autumn – so it’s ready to provide the cooling shade you crave all summer.
Why should I clean my awning?
Powerful UV rays, summer storms, and gusts of wind can all affect your bespoke awning. Fortunately, a simple cleaning and maintenance routine twice a year will keep your sun-shading system in the best condition to provide years of fuss-free service.
How often should I clean my awning?
We recommend tackling awning cleaning and maintenance twice a year. First in the spring to ensure your awning is operating correctly before the summer. Then again, as the cold weather arrives, so you can store your sunshade ready for use again next year. In between, you can rinse the fabric once a month with a garden hose to stop dirt from getting embedded.
When’s the best time to clean an awning?
It’s essential to clean your awning on a dry (but not too sunny) day, so check the weather forecast. It should be warm enough to dry your sunshade naturally but not so hot that your cleaning products dry too quickly, leaving marks. You’ll need to work on your awning fully opened, so check for any strong breezes that could cause rips and tears.
Five simple steps to clean your awning
These simple tips make awning maintenance a breeze:
1, Remove dirt
Start by unrolling your awning fully and removing any dirt with a soft brush. Take your time and try to avoid rubbing the dirt into the fabric. Then use a damp cloth to lift any stubborn dirt and rinse it away with a gentle spray from a garden hose.
2. Use a cleaning solution
Mix up a cleaning solution using a recommended awning cleaning product. Then, before applying, do a patch test on a piece of material that won’t be seen to ensure the solution is compatible with your awning.
3. Check the hardware
Now’s a good time to check the hardware on your awning to ensure everything is functioning correctly. Start by checking that all fasteners are tight. Then hose down the frame and cassette, avoiding the motor, before wiping over with a soft cloth. You may need to repeat this more frequently if you live by the sea.
4. Allow to dry naturally
Before you store your awning for the winter, it needs to dry thoroughly. This will prevent mould, algae and mildew from forming on your awning, which can ruin the fabric.
5. Treat and protect
Once your awning is completely dry, it’s the ideal time to apply any waterproofing or protective treatments. These will keep your sunshade in perfect shape until you use it again.
Awning maintenance: do’s and don’ts
Cleaning and maintaining your awning means you can enjoy summer shade for years to come. But you’ll need to take care to ensure the best results.
Do:
- Cut back vines and shrubs that can damage the fabric.
- Remove any puddles of water before they stretch the fabric.
- Use a mild cleaning product designed for awnings.
Don’t:
- Scrub the material vigorously.
- Use aggressive cleaning products.
- Use a pressure washer.
The ultimate shading solution from Cambridge Blinds
At Cambridge Blinds, we know an awning is the ultimate summer shading solution. And our award-winning blinds will add beauty and value to your home. For our complete design and installation service, get in touch today.