All items require some sort of maintenance to help them last longer and remain in pristine condition. Outdoor awnings are no different. Keeping debris off fabric awnings and oiling moving parts on their frame helps them last longer. Typically, you can get away with cleaning and retreating your awning once a year. Read on for more details about fabric awning care tips.
What Awnings Require the Most Care?
Fabric awnings do require extra care over the stationary type of metal awnings. While some fabric awnings can be cleaned once a year, most of them should be cleaned and retreated twice a year. Moreover, fabric awnings downwind of a tree that consistently sheds or below a ledge where birds rest tend to be exposed to leaves, dirt, and bird droppings—these awnings require monthly cleaning.
What Types of Weather Will Affect the Awning?
Very high winds and hard rain can affect your fabric awnings. The high winds can blow items onto the fabric top and tear it, while strong winds can also twist the metal frame. It’s best to close a retractable awning anytime it is not in use to prevent damage.
Metal stationary awnings can face the same weather factors, but they are all metal and stand up to bad weather better than an awning with a fabric top.
Easy to Follow Fabric Awning Care Tips
Fabric awnings are very simple to clean, especially with the help of specialized products that don’t void the fabric manufacturer’s warranty.
- Open your awning fully and spray off the fabric top with a garden hose. This will remove any small twigs or leaves that are resting on the fabric.
- Pour lukewarm water into a bucket and mix in a mild cleaning solution such as 303 Fabric Cleaner or Simple Green. Dip a soft-bristled brush into the solution and gently scrub the fabric to remove any other debris or stains on your fabric top.
- Rinse the fabric thoroughly with the water hose, making sure that the water runs clear and that there is no soap left behind. If not rinsed well, the soap on the fabric will leave marks on it and a chalky residue.
- Air dry the fabric. Once it’s completely dry, retreat it with 303 Fabric Guard to keep it fresh, colorful and soft. Afterwards, you can close the awning, either manually or with the remote control on a motorized version.
- Brush the underside of your awning fabric with a broom to clean it.
How to Take Care of the Frame and Hardware
The frame and hardware on a retractable awning are self-lubricating and don’t require a lot of maintenance. However, it’s a good practice to look at the metal parts at the start of the season when you will be using them.
- Wipe down the metal frame and hardware. You can hose off the fabric, but do it separately. It’s important not to include the metal frame to avoid unwanted moisture.
- Lubricate the moving parts with a dry silicone spray lubricant, so you get optimal function in the moving parts with quiet operation. If you hear odd noises when opening or closing your retractable awning, try lubrication first before calling in a service call, because this will most likely solve the problem.
- The place on your awning that needs the most lubrication is on the shoulders, elbows, and wrist of the arm, as well as the end of the roller tube on the side opposite the motor or gear.
Caution: Don’t get the spray lubricant on the fabric on top of your awning, or it can reduce the moisture resistance and stain the fabric.
Fabric Awnings: To Buy Or Not To Buy
Fabric awnings have a metal framework with a piece of fabric on the top to block out sunlight and heat from overhead on your patio, porch, or deck. Fabric-topped awnings may be fixed or retractable, so you can open and close them. You can ensure simplicity of use by purchasing a motorized retractable awning, so just one touch of a button opens, closes, and adjusts it for you.
Fabric awnings should be closed in bad weather to protect them from damage. You can choose a model with wind and rain sensors on it, so that it will automatically close and protect your awning when the rain is hard or the wind is high.
Stationary awnings stay open at all times. They are usually made of metal and are designed to stay open in all types of weather conditions, including strong winds and rainstorms.
Retractable awnings are the most versatile type of shading solution you can purchase for your home to install over a patio, deck, or porch for cooling shade in the hot summer months.
FAQs About Fabric Awning Care Tips
1. How often should I clean and maintain my fabric awning?
Most fabric awnings benefit from a deep cleaning and retreating at least once or twice a year, depending on their exposure. However, if your awning is located near trees, ledges, or areas prone to bird droppings, monthly spot cleaning is recommended. Regular care not only keeps the fabric looking great but also extends its overall lifespan.
2. Can I use any cleaning products on my awning fabric?
It’s best to use mild, awning-safe cleaners such as 303 Fabric Cleaner or Simple Green, as these are gentle on the fabric and won’t void your warranty. Harsh detergents, bleach, or abrasive scrubbing tools can weaken the fibers and shorten the life of the awning. Always rinse thoroughly with clean water to prevent soap residue from leaving marks or chalky streaks.
3. What is the best way to protect my awning during bad weather?
For retractable fabric awnings, it’s always wise to close them when not in use, especially before high winds or heavy rain. Storm conditions can cause fabric tearing, strain the frame, or twist the arms of the awning.
Conclusion
Awnings with a fabric cover are a great investment for any home. They reduce your energy consumption in the warm months and block the sun and heat from the windows and doors under the awning. They also preserve your outdoor furniture better by being in the shade, and can allow you to spend more time outside all year long while being comfortable.
Contact us at AAA Awnings as your premier awning specialist store in California for a FREE in-home estimate for the highest quality retractable awnings with the most options possible!
