A vibrant fixed or retractable home awning can provide lasting outdoor comfort and protection for many years. But over time, dirt and grime can accumulate on your awning, affecting its overall appearance and performance. Not only is a worn awning unattractive, but it can also negatively impact the awning’s parts and materials, limiting the operation of a retractable awning’s motors and disintegrating fabrics and protective coatings before their time.
With routine awning maintenance, you can prevent premature wear and tear and repair costs, extending your awning’s lifespan and keeping your home looking pristine for longer.
Awning Maintenance Tips
Being exposed to various elements like direct sunlight, heavy winds and excess moisture can greatly impact the quality and effectiveness of your awning.
To best avoid damage and keep your awning attractive and operational for years to come, homeowners should perform regular awning maintenance at least once per month. Basic awning maintenance is easy and quick to perform and will ensure your awning’s like-new condition:
- Brush off loose dirt and debris from the awning’s surface.
- Use a hose to dampen the surface and remove additional buildup.
- Mix mild dish detergent and warm water and then use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the awning surfaces and materials.
- Allow the mixture to adequately soak into the cloth and then rinse thoroughly to remove excess soap.
- Let your awning dry completely before attempting to retract.
To minimize maintenance and cleaning efforts, homeowners should stay proactive about their care routine. Professional awning installation experts recommend that homeowners should never leave their retractable awnings open during a storm, avoid rolling up wet awnings to prevent hazardous and unsightly mildew growth, regularly trim overhanging branches, and keep moving parts well-lubricated to reduce corrosion buildup and ensure efficient operation.
How to Clean an Awning
With constant exposure to the outdoors, it’s common for heavy-duty stains to form on your awning, diminishing the look and quality of your materials. In addition to routine monthly cleanings, homeowners should also take the time to perform in-depth awning cleaning at least once every two or three years. With intensive cleaning practices, you can easily remove stubborn stains, including tree sap, bird droppings, rust, oil splotches, paint drips, or mold and mildew growth.
To properly clean your awning and remove tough stains, following these steps:
- Mix a solution of one cup of bleach, one quarter-cup of mild soap, and one gallon of water.
- Apply the mixture to tough stains and allow to soak for at least 15 minutes.
- Lightly scrub the stain with a soft-bristled brush.
- Rinse the area completely to remove excess soap.
- Allow the awning to completely air-dry before retracting.
Update Your Home With a New Awning From Garrety Glass
Garrety Glass is the premier sunroom and awning design and installation company Central Pennsylvanians have relied on for all of their home improvement needs.
By choosing us for your awning installation project, you’re assured that you’ll enjoy the most attractive, durable and reliable products available with peaceful and comfortable outdoor living for many years. For over 20 years, our team has been dedicated to providing our customers with the highest-quality products, personalized outdoor solutions and exceptional services — that’s why we offer product warranties and free project estimates.
Call us today at 717-741-9949 or fill out our online contact form to request a free quote or schedule services.