Cleaning Fabric Awnings

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Cleaning Fabric Awnings

To clean the fabric, carefully follow the manufacturer's recommendations. The following are typical recommendations, although the procedures may be different for some brands:

Periodically (as the need demands) loosen hardened dirt with a dry, soft brush.
Hose off dirt, both top and bottom.
Using a mixture of 1/4 cup of dish soap and 1/4 cup of bleach in 5 gallons of warm water, wash both the top and bottom sides of the fabric
Caution: The bleach must be diluted or it will damage the awning fabric.
Roll up the awning for anywhere between five minutes to two hours (depending upon the stubbornness of the dirt) to allow the cleaning solution time to work on both sides of the fabric.
Unroll the awning and rinse thoroughly.
Allow the fabric to air-dry completely before rolling it back up.
Caution: Never use a strong detergent or stain remover on the awning because it will destroy the fabric's water repellency. Avoid the use of hard-bristle brushes, petroleum-based chemicals, and abrasive or caustic household cleaners on the awning fabric.
To remove stubborn mildew, wipe the affected areas with white vinegar, which will kill the mildew. Rinse the fabric with clear water. The fabric may require a second washing and rinsing after this cleaning procedure.