Now that warm weather has arrived, you are probably planning to spend a lot of time outdoors on your patio or deck. If you have a retractable awning, it needs to be cleaned once a year and maintained to keep it in good condition. The process is fairly simple and straightforward. Here are some tips.
How to Clean Your Awning
- Use a broom to remove any loose debris from the awning. Start out at the bottom and work your way up to the top.
- Hose off the framework and wipe it with a cloth before you begin to use the awning for the season. Use a soft brush and a mild natural soap (not detergent) mixed with lukewarm water to clean the awning.
- Be sure to clean the entire awning. If you miss spots, they will be noticeable when it dries. Rinse the awning thoroughly to remove all of the soap. Any soap that is not removed can leave marks and a chalky residue. Let the awning dry completely before you retract it.
- Rinse the awning once a month with a hose. Clean the underside by brushing it with a broom.
Other Maintenance Tips
- Trim vines and shrubbery to keep them away from the awning. Their acid can damage the fabric. You should also check the awning for signs of rust.
- A retractable awning is only designed to provide protection from the sun. It should not be used in rain, snow, hail, or strong winds because those types of weather can cause damage. You should retract the awning if the wind is 20 miles per hour or more.
- Do not allow any solid debris, such as leaves or twigs, to get rolled up with the awning. Do not jam the front bar tight against the fabric when you retract the awning. Make sure the fabric falls off the top of the roller tube, not the bottom.
- Lubricate moving parts once a year with a dry silicone spray lubricant. Lubrication is needed most often at the end of the roller tube. Do not get spray on the fabric.
Where to Buy a New Retractable Awning for Your Home
If you do not yet have a retractable awning, you can order one from Aladdin. We have installed retractable awnings for many homeowners in Connecticut so they could enjoy relaxing on their decks and patios on spring and summer days.