Cleaning Awnings
Awnings protect windows, doors, patios, and recreational vehicles from strong winds, harsh sunlight, sudden rains, and unexpected hailstorms. These external coverings are made of durable nylon, acrylic, and canvas fabrics that are stretched over a metal frame. Awnings are installed on outdoor structures and are angled to block harmful environmental elements.
Awnings are beneficial structures. They prevent indoor furniture from damage caused by the sun’s harmful rays. They prevent wooden walls from accumulating moisture and rotting from the inside out. They maintain a constant room temperature by blocking out sunlight. In times of unexpected rain showers, awnings provide shade for outdoor patio parties and prevent guests from getting wet. Awnings installed on the outside of RVs provide family members with additional living space, where they can place hammocks and outdoor furniture. When installed outside restaurants, diners, and stores, awnings can be painted with establishment’s trade names and serve as instant advertisement for passersby to see.
Cleaning and maintaining awnings is simple. This is because awnings are made of durable fabrics that do not tear, rip, or stain easily, as well as metal frames that are treated to resist rust and corrosion. In the case of retractable awnings, maintenance is slightly complex, especially if these awnings are equipped with a motor. Despite the metal encasement of motors, they are still prone to damage that comes with extended and long-term use.
Tips for cleaning awnings
Regardless of fabric, awnings need to be hosed down with clean, running water. This can be done once or twice a month, or depending on weather conditions. Hosing down awnings freshens up the surface and rids it of dried leaves, dirt, dust, and bird droppings. The best time to hose down awnings is on a sunny day. This way, awnings dry faster, preventing mildew build-up. As much as possible, allow awnings to air dry. You can towel them off slightly, but never use artificial drying equipment such as hair dryers. Hair dryers can emit too much heat that it can damage, singe, burn, or melt your awning fabrics.
For hard-to-remove dirt like animal droppings and dead leaves, use a mild soap and water solution. A mild detergent and tap water is the easiest awning cleaning solution to make at home. After sweeping away loose debris on your awnings, slightly rub the coverings with a soft or semi-abrasive pad or soft bristle brush dipped in the cleaning solution. Allow the solution to stand for a few minutes. Rinse your awnings thoroughly to remove any leftover detergent and let the awnings air dry.
For awnings that have been used for a long time, check if they need to be retreated. Awnings are coated with chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) which makes the fabrics water repellent and durable. If you notice water seeping in your awnings, that is a sign that you need to bring them to your manufacturer and have them resealed. If you notice any holes or tears in your awnings, do not wait for them to grow bigger. Bring your awnings to your manufacturer right away for simple sewing or patching repairs.