Spring Cleaning

With our unusual winter and early start to warmer temperatures, many of us are getting ready to do a little spring cleaning. This year, consider adding your awnings to your to-do list. Awnings are low-maintenance and designed to be long lasting, but periodically inspecting and cleaning awnings can help keep them looking their best.

Regardless of your awning type, the first step is taking a close look at both the outside and underside of the awnings. Make note of any stain, debris or damage you find. Using a soft bristle brush, gently brush away dirt and debris. If the awning is relatively clean, simply hose it off and let it dry. If a deeper cleaning is needed, the approach will depend on the type of awning and the specific concern.

For aluminum awnings, wiping down the metal with a gentle cleaning solution can remove most dust, dirt and spots. Use a soft cloth or sponge and be sure to avoid scrubbing hard in one area. After cleaning, rinse the awning to remove any soap residue and allow to dry.

After hosing them down with clean water, canvas awnings can be cleaned more deeply with a cleaning solution of water and mild soap (such as Woolite or Dawn dishwashing liquid) while the awning cover is still on the frame. Use a soft bristle brush to clean the canvas with the cleaning solution, allowing it to soak into the fabric. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue and allow to dry.

For stubborn stains and mildew that don’t come out with general cleaning, Sunbrella provides detailed cleaning instructions, along with a handy stain chart should you find yourself with something more difficult to remove. Click here to access the Care & Cleaning pdf and the Stain Chart.

Should your awning be particularly hard to reach or if you need help, we suggest reaching out to a professional cleaning company. The Twin Cities is home to a number of companies that provide this service. If cleaning doesn’t bring your awning cover back to life, or there is damage, it may be time for a replacement. Acme Awning is a leader in recovering existing awnings, so contact us for a no-obligation quote today.