An awning can protect you and your family from intense sunlight and rain so you can take advantage of your patio no matter the weather. With a minimal amount of maintenance, you can keep your awning clean and in good condition. Follow these simple steps.
Get Rid of Any Loose Debris
The first thing you have to do is remove any leaves, twigs, dirt, and other debris from the awning. You can do that by brushing the surface with a broom. If you need to use a ladder, be careful and have another person help you, if necessary. Be sure to sweep both the top and bottom of the awning.
Spray the Awning with Water
The next step is to spray the awning with a garden hose to get rid of some more dirt and debris. You might be tempted to use a pressure washer, but don’t. It can damage the fabric.
Scrub the Awning
After you have gotten the awning damp, make a cleaning solution with a mild detergent and water. You can spray it on the fabric or wipe it on using a sponge or a cloth. Give the cleaner several minutes to work, then use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub away any stuck-on dirt and grime.
Rinse the Awning
Once you scrub the awning, give it a good rinse with the hose to get rid of any dirt that you loosened. Make sure that you rinse off all the cleaning solution so it doesn’t leave behind a residue.
Let the Awning Dry
It’s important to leave your patio awning extended so it has enough time to dry thoroughly. If you retract the awning when it’s still damp, the next time you open it up, you’ll probably find mold and mildew. That’s not just unattractive; it can also endanger the health of your family and guests. The easiest way to avoid that is to clean your patio awning on a warm, sunny day, then just give it plenty of time to dry out.
Get a Quote for a New Patio Awning
If you don’t currently use the patio at your Connecticut home as often as you would like because of changing weather conditions, consider installing a retractable awning. The team at Aladdin can design a custom patio awning that suits the dimensions of your space. We offer a wide range of fabric choices. Contact us today to learn more or to get an estimate.