how to clean awnings

How To Clean Your Awnings

Thank you for allowing us to advise you on how to obtain the longest life and optimum appearance from your awnings.

Awnings should be cleaned on a regular basis (every 60 to 180 days) to prevent pollutants from becoming embedded into the surface of the fabric which causes premature material failure. Also, the longer the residues remain in contact with the surface, the greater the chance that stains will become permanent.

Deposits of auto exhaust, air pollution, industrial fallout, mold, mildew, fungus, bird droppings and environmental dirt allowed to remain in contact for extended periods of time will cause deterioration of the threads thus breaking down the seams and bindings, shortening the life of your awnings.

Keeping awnings properly maintained not only protects your awning investment but has the added benefit of attractive, clean awnings. -

“It’s not just an awning, it’s your Image!”

Materials Required:

-Awning Cleaner
(We recommend AC-12 for woven fabric or AC-22 for vinyl fabric) or a mild natural soap i.e. Ivory Snow, Dreft or Woolite.
-Soft bristled cleaning brush (with extension pole if needed) or sponge or towel
-Water source and hose
-Ladder (if needed)
-2 gallon or larger pail or 1.5 gallon hand sprayer

For best results do not work in direct sunlight, in the heat of the day or on windy days. Before cleaning, always check the stitched seams, both sides to ensure the thread is sound and will withstand cleaning. For compatibility, always spot test in an inconspicuous area before using any product on awnings. Rinse immediately if cleaning solution comes in contact with polished, painted, glass, exotic surfaces or noncolor fast materials. Eye protection and rubber gloves should be worn during cleaning.

For General Maintenance Cleaning -

1. Fill pail with one gallon of clean lukewarm water (less than 100 degrees F.) or fill hand sprayer with one gallon of clean water.

2. Add 8 to 16 ounces of awning cleaner. (AC-12 for woven fabric or AC-22 vinyl fabric)

3. Thoroughly rinse awning with clean water to remove all loose dirt and debris.

4. Dip brush, sponge or towel in awning cleaning solution (or spray with hand sprayer) then, gently scrub awning fabric in a circular motion, starting at the bottom and gradually moving to the top of the awning, this helps eliminate streaking. (Wash no more than about 8 square feet at a time. Do not allow awning cleaning solution to dry on awning fabric.)

5. Rinse awning thoroughly with clean fresh water.

6. Repeat if necessary.

For Deep Cleaning
(for neglected or improperly maintained awnings) -

1. Fill pail with one gallon of clean lukewarm water (less than 100 degrees F.) or fill hand sprayer with one gallon of clean water.

2. Add 32 to 48 ounces of awning cleaner. (AC-12 for woven fabric or AC-22 vinyl fabric)

3. Thoroughly rinse awning with clean water to remove all loose dirt and debris.

4. Dip brush, sponge or towel in awning cleaning solution (or spray with hand sprayer) then, vigorously scrub awning fabric in a circular motion, starting at the bottom and gradually moving to the top of the awning, this helps eliminate streaking. (Wash no more than about 8 square feet at a time. Do not allow awning cleaning solution to dry on awning fabric.)

5. Rinse awning thoroughly with clean fresh water.

6. Repeat if necessary. (Realistically, there may be some awnings that through neglect or improper maintenance or other reasons may be impossible to clean satisfactorily, consider fabric replacement.)

For questions or Awning Cleaning Supplies, Training & Professional Cleaning contact:

Awning Cleaning Services - 817-577-9454

email info@AwningCleaningServices.com