Tips to clean stains from awnings

Awnings require regular attention and care. Keep your awnings clean with the following four-step method.

Hose down the awning between regular cleanings. The more you hose it off, the less you'll need to deep clean the surface. Start the water stream at the top of the awning, and then go back and forth across the fabric by pulling and guiding the dirt down off the awning.

If you have a brush fastened to a long pole, you may leave the awning attached to the building. Otherwise, unhook the awning from the building, and place it on a concrete surface. You may leave the awning within its frame during the cleaning process.

Sweep any loose dirt off the awning with a broom, and then wet the surface with a water hose. Mix together 240 millilitres of bleach, 60 millilitres of mild soap and 3.8 litres of cool water in a bucket. Do not use detergent or another type of chemical cleaner on the awning. Only use a mild liquid soap. Avoid using hot water as it may damage the awning's fabric.

Scrub mildew, bird droppings and other stains with a soft bristle brush. Avoid scrubbing too hard as it may create a tear or hole in the fabric. Rinse the awning thoroughly to remove the soap and bleach mixture, as well as the dirt and grime.

You can clean the awning in the washer if it is small enough. Use the same amount of bleach and mild soap, and set the washer to mild agitation or the gentle cycle and cool water. Do not dry the awning in a dryer.

If the awning remains attached to the building during the cleaning process, simply brush any pooling water from the surface. Otherwise, you may hang the awning over a picnic table or clothesline, or simply reattach it to the building to dry.

The awning fabric will last longer when water repellent is applied to the fabric's surface. The awning manufacturer may suggest a repellent that works with their product's fabric. Spray water repellent over the clean, dry awning, which, if applied correctly, should help repel water and prevent mildew from forming.

Awnings require a proper cleaning at least once a year. However, hosing down the awning once a month will keep it looking fresh in the short term.