To clean awning fabric that has mold or mildew on it, brush off loose debris, soak the fabric with a garden hose, scrub gently with a soft brush and a mild soap solution or mildew remover, rinse well and let the awning dry completely in the sun before you retract it. A light rinse about once a month keeps mold and mildew from coming back.
A retractable awning gives you welcome shade on a deck or patio, but the fabric can become discolored if it is not cleaned regularly. Fortunately, preventing and removing mildew is fairly simple.
Why Mold and Mildew Grow on a Retractable Awning
Mold and mildew do not grow on the awning fabric itself. They grow on the dust and dirt that collect on it. Add humidity, and the growth spreads and leaves dark stains.
That is why prevention is mostly about keeping the fabric free of dirt. Rinse the awning with a hose about once a month during the season to wash away dust before anything can grow on it.
The other common cause is rolling up an awning while it is still damp. Moisture trapped inside a retracted awning is an ideal place for mildew to start.
How to Clean Awning Fabric Step by Step
Pick a warm, sunny day so the fabric has plenty of time to dry. You can leave the awning fully extended while you work.
Brush Off Loose Debris
Use a broom to sweep away leaves, twigs, pine needles and loose dirt. Sweep both the top and the underside of the awning. If you need a ladder to reach the corners, have another person hold it so you do not fall.
Spray the Awning With Water
Soak the fabric with a garden hose to loosen more dirt. You may be tempted to use a pressure washer, but do not. It can damage the fabric.
Scrub With a Mild Soap Solution
Mix mild laundry soap or dish soap with water, using about 1/4 cup of soap for every gallon of water, and stir until it is foamy. Spray or sponge the solution onto the fabric and give it several minutes to work.
Then dip a brush with soft to medium bristles into the solution and scrub in circular motions to lift stuck-on dirt and grime. A nylon dish brush works well for small areas.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse the awning with the hose until all of the soap and loosened dirt are gone. Any cleaner left behind leaves a residue on the fabric.
Let the Awning Dry Completely
Leave the awning extended until it is fully dry. If you retract it while it is still damp, you will probably find mold and mildew the next time you open it. That is unattractive, and mold is not something you want over the heads of your family and guests.
Removing Mold and Mildew Stains That Are Already There
If the awning already has mold or mildew, follow the same steps but use a mildew remover on the affected areas after soaking the fabric. Scrub the stained spots with a soft brush and repeat if necessary. Then rinse away all of the mildew and cleaner and let the awning dry in the sun.
Be Careful With Bleach
Bleach can discolor some awning fabrics and cause damage, so do not reach for it by default. Check the manufacturer’s care instructions first. Some awnings can be cleaned with a solution of bleach and water, and others cannot.
If bleach is not recommended for your awning, choose a mildew remover that does not contain it, or use baking soda on tough stains.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my awning?
Rinse it with a hose about once a month while it is in use to remove dust and dirt. Do a full cleaning with soap and a soft brush when you see dirt building up or stains starting.
Can I use a pressure washer on a fabric awning?
No. A pressure washer can damage the fabric. A garden hose, mild soap and a soft-bristled brush are enough.
Can I retract my awning while it is wet?
Try not to. If you have to roll it up wet, extend it again as soon as the weather clears so it can dry. Storing a damp awning is one of the main causes of mildew.
Thinking About a New Retractable Awning?
If your awning is beyond cleaning, or you do not have one yet, Aladdin Inc can help. We have been in business since 1949 and have installed retractable awnings for homeowners all over Connecticut. We also install aluminum and fabric patio covers for shade that stays in place.
Contact Aladdin to get a quote or call (203) 776-9996.