Awning Maintenance: Do’s and Don’ts of Awning Cleaning

Do’s and Don’ts of Awning Cleaning

Do:

1. Clean your awning at least once a month

Your awning may not require frequent cleaning but it is subjected to various weather elements such as strong winds and heavy rains. This means it can still collect dirt and debris which can accumulate over time.

By cleaning your awning at least once a month, you’re preventing build-ups of dirt and debris that can get too heavy for your awning. This will also make your deep cleaning projects easier.

2. Use the right cleaning method

Awnings are typically constructed of various materials such as canvas, fabric, metals, and vinyl. And each of these materials requires using the right cleaning supplies to prevent the degradation of the materials.

In the case of vinyl and fabric, you can clean them with mild detergent and warm water. Avoid applying too much pressure or force to delicate fabrics as they can’t handle the weight and may lose their integrity.

3. Check for frame deterioration

As the frame provides the outline of your awning and supports the awning fabric, it’s best to check for frame deterioration every once in a while before the damage increases. 

That way, you can save money and time in the long run. At the same time, you can prevent mishaps from happening.

Don’t:

1. Leave it open in bad weather

Awnings may be designed to withstand Malaysia’s weather conditions, but there's no guarantee that they can stay strong during torrential rain or strong winds. If you’re worried about leaving your awning open while you’re away from home, it’s best to retract or close it completely.

This will prevent premature damage from the weather condition and protects the lifespan of your awning. Also, you get to save time and money in the long term. Otherwise, you have to make an unexpected home improvement and replace the awning.

2. Barbecue under the awning

Everyone loves to have an outdoor barbecue. After all, it’s the perfect setting for you to bond with your family and/or friends. While the awning can provide shade for others while you barbecue, avoid doing it under your awning.

This is because the rising heat and smoke can deteriorate the awning fabric and at the same time, trap the oil onto the fabric. When the awning is exposed to such a condition for too long, the fabric may deteriorate over time, leaving you with the need to replace the fabric or the entire awning.

3. Use harsh cleaning materials/chemicals

When the time comes to clean your awning, avoid using harsh cleaning materials/chemicals such as bleach and a pressure washer. This is because these components can wear away and destroy the materials used for your awning and lead to greater issues such as mould and mildew resistance.

You can instead use a mix of water and mild cleaning detergent to clean your awning fabric. As for the framework, you can use water or soft wash systems to clean your awning. The machinery may look similar to a power washer but is much gentler on the awning.

Aside from these do’s and don’ts, the following are some tips for awning cleaning.

Tips for Awning Cleaning

1. Make sure that all soap residues are carefully washed off

Soap and water make the best cleaning combination for awnings but the residue can be detrimental to the metal as it can cause rust to form over time. Hence, you should make sure that all soap residues are carefully washed off.

2. Don't use a pressure washer to clean your awning

Awnings may be sturdy and able to withstand various weather elements but they’re not meant to be hit with excessive PSI (pounds per square inch of pressure) from a pressure washer. Even if the frame survives the wash, the fabric may suffer excessive wear and tear.

Should you require further information in maintaining your awning, you can consult a specialist like M & N France Fabric Awning. As Malaysia’s commercial awning manufacturer, our team of well-trained technicians can replace and install awnings efficiently to meet your requirements. For more information, contact 012-9891491 or visit our showroom here.