A Guide to Cleaning an Awning and Maintenance
Many homes install an awning to welcome shade and shelter during long hot summer days. But like all things, awnings need maintenance to continue looking and working their best. Over time, awnings can look a little worse for wear, even if they’re very well made, and this can be more noticeable depending on your local weather conditions.
Fortunately, all Fraser James Blinds Awnings require very little maintenance, and these simple tips will keep it looking new and protect its lifespan.
Note: Remember to double-check the information your installer provided before doing any cleaning or maintenance work.
Why Should I Clean My Awning?
Awnings in the UK are prone to wear and tear. We have rain and wind from time to time, so they can become very dirty. Without cleaning, functions such as insulation, keeping the sun out and air discharge will not work as well as they could
What You Will Need to Clean an Awning
Cleaning your awning is easy to tackle when armed with a few essential tools for the task. You will need:
- A ladder
- A soft-bristled brush
- One large bucket
- A hose
- A soft cloth
- Mild soap or mildew remover (nothing too abrasive which can remove protective coatings or which contains bleach which can discolour your awning fabric)
- A broom
Tips For Preparing Your Awning for Cleaning
To start, you’ll want to sweep or clean awnings with a broom to remove any accumulated debris and dust on top. You can also use heavy-duty vacuums to get embedded dust and debris out of your awnings before further cleaning.
When you have brushed off debris, you should hose down the awning, and this will help eliminate any deep-seated dust your brushing may have missed and ensure that your cleaning solution is easier to spread.
How to Clean Your Awning
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Use warm soapy water.
Fill a bucket with warm soapy water, gently wipe the awning fabric, and frame clean with a cloth. If it’s really dirty, try using a recommended awning shampoo. Don’t use harsh chemicals or bleach, as these will harm the fabric.
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Scrub the fabric, but not too hard
Use a soft-bristled brush and work the dirt off very gently. If the dirt is particularly stubborn and you need to scrub your awning, don’t scrub at the fabric vigorously, as you’ll risk scratching the fabric or frame and damaging them in the long term. Take your time and let the soap do all the hard work.
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Allow the awning to dry naturally.
Ensure the awning is completely dry before rolling it up and putting it away for a long time. This will prevent moisture from getting trapped inside the awning bracket, which could cause mildew build-up or rust problems. It’s best to choose a warm, dry day to carry out the biannual clean so that the fabric can dry naturally.
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Treat with a waterproofing spray.
Use a specially formulated waterproofing spray to refresh the waterproof layer once your house awning is clean and dry. This will help the fabric repel any water and prevent rotting or mildew build-up. Ask our expert team for advice on what products to use.
Can You Pressure Wash an Awning?
We don’t recommend it. A pressure washer is a highly pressurized water spray designed to remove dirt and debris forcefully. While sturdy and able to withstand the elements for years, awnings are not meant to be hit with excessive PSI (pounds per square inch of pressure) from a pressure washer.
Even if the awning survives the episode, the fabric may have unnecessarily suffered excessive wear and tear.
3 Tips to Keep your Awning Cleaner for Longer
Intense sun, downpours, fine dust from the street, leaves from the trees. Awnings are and always will be subject to weather and external factors. However, there are some things you should consider:
- Have your awning fitted by professionals with maintenance advice.
- Position your awning in a strategic place, for example, below guttering.
- Roll up your awning when there are strong winds or when it rains.
How Often Should You Clean your Awning?
We recommend cleaning your awning at the start and end of the summer season, which is when you are most likely to be using it. A clean at the beginning of the summer will clear away any dirt that has built up over the winter, and a clean at the end will prevent any damage from occurring whilst it is rolled up over the winter.
During the summer season, it’s also a good idea to give it a quick rinse once a month to remove any loose dirt and stop it from building up or bedding into the fabric. This will make your end-of-season clean so much easier too!
In essence, high-quality house Awnings don’t need much looking after, but by following these simple cleaning tips, you’ll help to keep your awning looking and working at its best for longer. If you want to know more, ask us for more advice when fitting your awning.
Finding Your Perfect Awning
Our team of expert fitters can help transform your patio with premium quality bespoke awnings for houses. Choose from a wide range of cover styles and colours made from the finest, most durable materials. Our awnings come with manual or electric operation systems to suit all budgets.
Our clients rave about our awnings for houses. Don’t believe us? Just look at our fantastic video customer testimonials and 4.97-star ratings from 328 reviews!
Don’t forget to give Fraser James Blinds a call if you have any questions or concerns about measuring for an awning or the installation process. Enquire now by clicking here!
