How to Clean and Care for Your Awnings and Canopies with Superior Awning’s Tips and Tricks

Awnings and canopies are great additions to your property, as they provide shade, protection, and aesthetic appeal to your windows, doors, patios, decks, and more. However, to keep your awnings and canopies in good shape and extend their lifespan, you need to clean and care for them regularly. Superior Awning, a family-owned business that has been manufacturing and installing high-quality custom awnings and canopies for residential, commercial, and industrial properties in Southern California for over 30 years, offers some tips and tricks on how to clean and care for your awnings and canopies.

The first step is to identify the type of material your awning or canopy is made of, as different materials require different cleaning methods and products. Superior Awning offers a wide range of custom shade products, including:

  • Fabric awnings and canopies: These are made of durable and weather-resistant fabrics, such as Sunbrella® outdoor fabrics, that come in various colors, styles, and patterns. Fabric awnings and canopies can be cleaned with mild soap and water, using a soft brush or sponge. You can also use a fabric and vinyl cleaner, such as 303® Fabric and Vinyl Cleaner, to remove stains and dirt. Rinse the fabric thoroughly with a hose and let it air dry. Do not use bleach, detergent, or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the fabric. To protect the fabric from fading, mildew, and water damage, you can apply a fabric guard, such as 303® Fabric Guard, after cleaning.
  • Aluminum awnings and canopies: These are made of lightweight and sturdy aluminum panels that come in a range of vintage and contemporary colors, styles, and shapes. Aluminum awnings and canopies can be cleaned with a mild soap and water solution, using a cloth or sponge. You can also use a metal cleaner, such as 303® Metal Polish, to restore the shine and luster of the aluminum. Rinse the metal thoroughly with a hose and wipe it dry with a soft cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners, steel wool, or scouring pads, as they can scratch the metal. To protect the metal from oxidation, corrosion, and UV damage, you can apply a metal protectant, such as 303® Aerospace Protectant, after cleaning.
  • Wood awnings and canopies: These are made of natural wood, such as cedar or redwood, that give your property a rustic and elegant look. Wood awnings and canopies can be cleaned with a mild soap and water solution, using a soft brush or sponge. You can also use a wood cleaner, such as Murphy® Oil Soap, to remove stains and dirt. Rinse the wood thoroughly with a hose and let it air dry. Do not use bleach, ammonia, or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the wood. To protect the wood from rotting, warping, and cracking, you can apply a wood sealer, such as Thompson’s® WaterSeal®, after cleaning.

The second step is to follow some general guidelines on how to clean and care for your awnings and canopies, regardless of the material. Superior Awning recommends that you:

  • Clean your awnings and canopies at least once a year, or more often if they are exposed to a lot of dust, pollen, or pollution.
  • Sweep off any loose debris, such as leaves, twigs, or cobwebs, from your awnings and canopies before cleaning them with soap and water.
  • Clean your awnings and canopies from the bottom up, to avoid streaking and dripping.
  • Spot-clean any fresh stains, such as bird droppings, grease, or tree sap, as soon as possible, to prevent them from setting in and becoming permanent.
  • Avoid cleaning your awnings and canopies in direct sunlight, as the heat can cause the soap and water to dry too quickly and leave residue.
  • Allow your awnings and canopies to dry completely before retracting or storing them, to prevent mold and mildew growth.
  • Keep your awnings and canopies away from sharp objects, such as branches, nails, or hooks, that can puncture or tear them.
  • Keep your awnings and canopies away from heat sources, such as fire, barbecue, or heater, that can melt or burn them.
  • Keep your awnings and canopies away from chemicals, such as acid, bleach, or chlorine, that can discolor or weaken them.

By following these tips and tricks from Superior Awning, you can keep your awnings and canopies clean and cared for, and enjoy their benefits for years to come. If you have any questions or concerns about how to clean and care for your awnings and canopies, or if you want to get a free on-site consultation and estimate for a new custom awning or canopy, contact Superior Awning today at (833) 609-4900 or visit our website at www.superiorawning.com. You will be amazed by the difference that awnings and canopies can make for your home or business.