Whether you just moved into a home with an existing fabric awning or you just purchased one from Eclipse Shading Systems, there are some things you should know about caring for your awning. Just like any other fabric item, your residential awnings are not resistant to dirt and grime. In addition, it’s important to be aware of the surroundings near your awning and how they may affect it over the years. Make sure to read up on this simple yet effective awning cleaning tips to keep your Eclipse retractable awning in great shape for years to come.
General Cleaning
Although Eclipse awnings are made with exceptionally durable, water-repellant, fade-resistant fabrics, you still need to give them a good cleaning once in a while. This will help the fabric to remain strong and look more attractive on the exterior of your home.
Before cleaning, make sure to carefully remove your awning from the frame. In order to keep your residential fabric awnings clean, it is important to brush off loose dirt that accumulates throughout the months of use. This can be done with a simple broom or cloth. Fabric awnings can also be hosed down with a simple garden hose to get rid of dirt.
If you want a more thorough cleaning, prepare a solution of one gallon of water (not more 100° F) and a quarter cup of mild dish soap. To clean, use a soft bristle brush, gently scrub into the fabric, and then let it soak before rinsing. Ideally, you should complete this step about twice a year to keep your awning in top shape. If you’re worried about water run-off into your yard or drainage grates, use an eco-friendly dishwasher detergent. These are especially mild and won’t cause any environmental damage in your yard.
Heavy-Duty Cleaning
Just like any other fabric, awnings can be susceptible to mildew and stubborn stains. For example, if water sits on the fabric for an extended period of time without getting the chance to dry it, it may develop mildew. Additionally, something as simple as a leaf could fall onto the fabric and leave behind a slight stain.
Fortunately, most awning odors and stains are easy to address, especially if you’re using an Eclipse retractable awning with durable Sunbrella fabric. After carefully removing the awning fabric from the frame, simply soak it in warm water with a cup of chlorine bleach and a quarter cup of mild dish soap. Scrub with a soft bristle brush, then allow fabric to soak for up to 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and allow the awning fabric to air dry thoroughly before reattaching it to the frame. For extremely stubborn stains, retreatment may be needed.
Protection and Extra Tips
To keep your awning in good condition, make sure to keep bushes and vines away from awnings as many plants contain an acid that could be harmful to the fabric. You should not wait until the awning is extremely dirty to clean it. Make a schedule to clean your awning once a month with a garden hose to keep it from becoming too dirty. If you notice spiders, cobwebs or birds nesting in your awning, gently brush them away with a household broom or remove the nest.
These simple steps are all you need to keep your Eclipse awning clean. Use these tips to keep it looking sharp year after year.
