Awning Care Do's and Don'ts

  • Keep your awning clean.  This is the best protection against mildew.  Even on mildew resistant fabric, mildew can grow on accumulated dirt or foreign materials which remain on the top or bottom surface and eventually damage or stain the fabric.
  • Wash down your awnings.  If they are vinyl coated, brush lightly with a cloth or soft brush.  You can use mild soap, but rinse thoroughly  and immediately.
  • Hose your awning with clean water occasionally, every month or so.  We recommend you do this on a hot, sunny day.
  • Keep the underside of your awnings clean by simply brushing with a clean soft household broom.  Vinyl/polyester fabrics may also be washed on the underside in the same manner as the top.
    Keep shrubbery and vines away from the awning, as many bushes contain an acid which can be harmful to your awning.
  • Check the condition of awning frames.  Rust is not likely to form, but if it should it may cause deterioration or staining of the fabric.
  • Do not roll or fold the awning in cold temperatures.
  • Do no drag your awning across any abrasive surfaces, such as cement, asphalt, or the awning frame.
  • Do not get insect spray on your awning as some solutions may impair the water repellency of the fabric and cause staining.
  • Do not allow water to stand on the awnings, causing pocketing, possible stretching, and staining.
  • Do not overlook small rips and tears.  If a sharp object punctures the fabric, it should be repaired before it gets too large to repair.
  • Do not wash your awnings with a harsh or strong solution, or scrub too vigorously with an abrasive cleaner.
  • Do not force or yank your awnings when raising or lowering them.  Do it gradually.
  • Do not cook food or have fires beneath or around the awning.
  • Do not store awnings when damp or wet.  Mildew is a fabric's greatest foe and is caused by dampness. 
  • Mildew may grow on the surface of a damp awning and permanently stain the fabric
  • Do not permit leaves, twigs, dirt, etc. to remain on your awnings as they might cause a staining of the fabric.

Awnings