Tips for Keeping Your Awning in Great Shape

While awnings will look perfectly fine if left alone, there are some relatively easy ways to clean them to keep them looking new for years. You can do the following to keep your awning in good shape:

Brushing

You should use a soft bristle brush to get rid of dust, dirt and other particles that may have fallen on the awnings. While a RV awning brush is ideal for brushing, any soft bristle brush with an extendable handle can be used. A soft, weekly brush should do the job of keeping your awning looking as good as new.

Hosing It Off

A quick rinse with a garden hose is another way to clean awnings. Hosing off the awning helps get rid of dirt, as compared to brushing, which may cause particles to rub and stick to the fabric. Further, the fabric will look brighter once the awning has dried off. Thus, hosing off can be an even better way of cleaning your awning than brushing.

Washing

Awnings can also be washed with a garden hose, a brush and some dish soap. First, mix up a mild dish soap with water in a five-gallon bucket. Then, wet your awning and use a soft bristle brush and the dish soap solution to gently scrub the awning. Finally, simply rinse the awning off with a garden hose. An eco-friendly detergent can also be used to avoid soap runoffs. Awnings have to be cleaned in this way only twice a year, at the end of summer and at the beginning of spring, to keep them looking new and clean for a long time!

Letting It Dry

It is very important to let your awning dry completely after it has rained or snowed or before it is taken down for storage. Water and moisture are likely to collect in the folds and creases of a retractable awning. The moisture can lead to mold or mildew growth. Thus, the awning should be fully extended and left to dry thoroughly to prevent this.

Following the four cleaning methods stated above will help you keep your awning looking fresh and clean for years!