Maintenance Tips for Retractable Awnings

Retractable awnings are relatively easy to care for and clean. They will do just fine if left alone, but there are a few things you can do to keep them looking like new. Here are four tips on awning care to keep your outdoor awning looking delightful year after year.

Brushing

A weekly brushing with a soft bristle brush will go a long way toward keeping your awning clean. Brush the entire awning to get rid of dust, dirt, and other particles that may have fallen on it.

Washing

Using a hose with your brush and a little dish soap will really get your awning clean. Just mix up a batch of regular dishwater using a mild dish soap of your choice. Eco-friendly detergents are the mildest that you can find, so any of them would be a good choice for awning care.

You only need to do this twice a year: at the end of summer and the beginning of spring. The results will speak for themselves every time you wash your awning.

Letting It Dry

One of the biggest awning care mistakes is not letting a retractable awning dry after it has rained or snowed.

The folds and creases of a retractable awning will collect water. The water itself will not affect the fabric, but the moisture may result in mold or mildew growth. The best and easiest way to make sure that doesn’t happen is to extend the awning and allow it to dry thoroughly.

This is also true if you take down an awning for storage. Make sure it is fully extended and it has dried completely before taking it down, or the next time it is used you may find mildew.

By following these four simple cleaning tips, you’ll keep your retractable awning looking fresh!