The life of your awning can be extended by proper care. Your awning will be made from the finest awning fabric available, which uses only the best water repellents and mildew retardants. It is important to keep your awning clean to prevent mildew and fading. The following dos and do nots are presented to help you in the proper care of your awnings:
Some Dos
- Do keep your awnings clean. This is the best protection against mildew. Even on mildew-resistant fabric, mildew can accumulate onto native or foreign materials and remain on the top or bottom surface to eventually damage or stain the fabric.
- Do hose down the buildup on your awning every month. Do this on a hot, sunny day. The vinyl surface is washable with a mild soap solution. Rinse immediately.
- Do keep the underside of your awning clean by brushing with a clean household broom. Mildew will not attack a clean awning.
- Do keep shrubbery and vines away from the awnings, as many bushes contain an acid that can be harmful to your awnings.
- Do check the condition of awning frames. Rust may cause deterioration or staining on the fabric. Painting metal frames every four or five years is a safeguard against this.
- Do double your cleaning efforts if the awning is under any type of foliage that allows sap to fall on the fabric.
- Do inquire about the low cost of having your awning frames revered with bright, new fabrics when awnings are beyond repair.
- Do inquire about having your awnings cleaned on a regular basis by a professional awning cleaning person.
Some Don’ts
- Do not fold or roll in extreme temperatures.
- Do not drag your awning across any abrasive surfaces, such as a cement drive.
- Do not get insect spray on the fabric, as some solutions may impair the water repellency of the fabric and cause staining.
- Do not allow water to stand on the awnings, causing pocketing and possible stretching.
- Do not overlook small rips or tears. If a sharp object punctures the fabric, it can be expertly repaired by your local fabricator.
- Do not wash your awnings with a harsh or strong cleaning solution, such as an abrasive cleaner.
- Do not force or yank your awnings when raising or lowering them; do it gradually.
- Do not leave any retractable-type awning extended during rain or heavy wind, as they are for sun protection only.
- Do not charcoal grill under the awning.
- Do not store awning when damp or wet. Mildew is fabric’s greatest foe and is caused by dampness. Mildew may grow on the surface of a damp awning and permanently stain fabric.
- Do not permit leaves, twigs, etc., to remain on your awning, as they might cause a staining of the fabric.
