Cleaning Patio Awnings

Awnings are a great addition to any patio, whatever size or style you may have. You will notice the benefits particularly if the area is in direct sunlight for much of the day, since the awning will help to keep it shaded and more usable for longer.

But just as with any other external fixture to your home, an awning will need cleaning from time to time and if you want to keep it looking at its best you will need to do this on a regular basis.

The first step should be to check the instructions given on the packaging that came with the awning itself. Different products may have different requirements so if the instructions give you specific steps to follow then you should certainly go along with these.

However most awnings have fairly similar needs and they are not complicated either. The frames should be wiped down with a soft clean cloth which is slightly damp, to remove any dirt that the wind kicks up during the day. If you do this regularly there shouldn’t be any need for any hard scrubbing.

Awnings do differ in their design and structure, so make sure you use the right method for your particular design. If you have a fabric awning then soap and water is the best way to clean it. If you don’t keep on top of this job you may find that more stubborn stains will develop, and if this is the case you may need to call out a professional cleaner to get rid of them. This is one particular point which goes in favour of you cleaning them regularly yourself to make sure no build up occurs.

You will generally find that most awnings for use on your house patio are treated to be waterproof, or at least showerproof. In the case of retractable awnings the fabric still needs to be able to retract easily, so the awning still needs to be quite flexible.

This isn’t to say that you should leave the awning out in all types of weather though, especially not if you want to keep it clean and looking good all year round. Make sure you retract it if heavy rain is forecast.

When you do clean it, it’s best to do so in warm weather if you can. While you shouldn’t be soaking it in water to clean it, you will need to be able to sponge out any stains and so the awning is likely to be damp once you have finished. If you were to retract it while it was still damp, you might end up with mould growing on it, which could ruin the material altogether.

The moral here is to devote a little time on a regular basis to keep your awning looking as good as new. And if you find your existing one doesn’t scrub up to standard once you have cleaned it, perhaps it is time to buy a new one. After all, an awning can add a stunning touch to any patio if it is well looked after.