It’s important to regularly clean the fabric on your awning. The fabric can experience extreme temperature and rain as well as airborne pollutants, leaves, dirt, grease, and other substances that may stain the fabric. And, if your awning gets retracted while it’s damp or wet, it can cause fabric mildew.
Awning fabric may be made of synthetic materials like acrylic or vinyl or from natural materials like cotton and linen. Not all fabrics should be cleaned with the same soaps or techniques, so be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific awning.
Here is a general guide on how to clean and maintain your retractable awning:
Cleaning Your Awning
The Topside
It’s a good idea to fully clean your residential awnings once a year. Use a mild liquid soap recommended for the type of fabric in your awning, and be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions for recommendations.
Use cold to lukewarm water with dish soap to wet the awning. Then, you can use a soft bristle brush to work in the soap and lift the dirt out. Rinse from the top down to thoroughly remove the soap & dirt. Be sure to let the awning completely dry before retracting.
The Underside
You’ll want to clean the underside the same way that you clean the topside. It’s also a good idea to wash & rinse the metal frame, too. The underside can often collect dirt and grease from grilling, so use grease-cutting dish soap if necessary.
Getting Out Tough Stains
Paint
If you happen to get oil-based paint on your retractable awning, dab it dry as much as possible. Then, apply paint, oil, or grease remover to it. Work it in with a soft brush and then wash it with dish soap and rinse well. If the paint is water-based (or latex), use a concentrated drop of liquid soap and work it into the paint and rinse thoroughly.
Tree Sap
Remove tree sap from acrylic or natural materials with a mixture of turpentine and liquid dish soap. Work it in gently to soften the sap. Wash it with mild soap and water, then repeat if necessary.
Grease and Sprays
Cooking grease, sunscreen, bug spray, and other chemicals can be cleaned from awnings with mild dish soap mixed with water. Wash it thoroughly and then rinse.
Keeping Your Awning Clean
- Trim vines, limbs, and shrubbery away from the awning.
- Do not allow any solid debris (like leaves or twigs) to get retracted in the awning.
- It’s also a good idea to lubricate moving parts once a year, but do not get it on the fabric.
- Do not retract an awning if it is wet. This can cause it to develop mold and mildew.
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