Download Awning Cleaning & Care PDFs:
Sunbrella Awning Cleaning Guide
Dickson Care & Cleaning
Stain Removal Chart
Even the most durable materials require a certain amount of care, and fabric awnings are no exception. With only a minimum amount of attention, your awnings will remain bright and serviceable. The following DO’s and DON’Ts give the most important guidelines for proper care. With a minimal amount of effort, your awnings will provide comfort and style for both interior and exterior living space for many years to come.
Awning Care Dos
DO keep your awnings clean. This is the best protection against mildew. Even on mildew-resistant fabric, mildew can grow on accumulated dirt or foreign materials remaining on the top or bottom surface. This will eventually damage or stain the fabric. We cannot be responsible for such damage.
DO wash your awnings. You can use a mild soap, but rinse thoroughly and immediately. Special cleaners and protectants are available.
DO hose your awnings with clean water every month or so. We recommend that you do this on a hot sunny day.
DO keep the underside of the awnings clean by simply brushing with a clean household broom. Vinyl-polyester fabrics and woven acrylics may also be washed on the underside in the same manner as the top.
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 the awning frames. Rust is not likely to form, but if it should, it might cause deterioration or staining of the fabric. Please let us know if your framework needs attention.
DO inquire about having your frames recovered with bright, new fabrics when your present awnings are beyond repair.
Awning Care Don’ts
DON’T fold or roll the awning in cold temperatures.
DON’T drag your awning across any abrasive surfaces, such as cement, asphalt or the awning frame.
DON’T get insect spray on the fabric, as some solutions may impair the water repellency of the fabric and cause staining.
DON’T allow water to stand on the awnings, causing pocketing and possible stretching.
DON’T overlook small rips or tears. If a sharp object punctures the fabric, we can expertly repair it.
DON’T wash your awnings with a harsh or strong solution, or scrub too vigorously with an abrasive cleaner.
DON’T force or yank the awnings when raising or lowering them. Do it gradually.
DON’T cook food or have fires beneath or around the awning.
DON’T store awnings when damp or wet. Mildew is a fabric’s greatest foe, and is caused by dampness. Mildew may grow on the surface of a damp awning and permanently stain the fabric.
DON’T permit leaves, twigs, dirt, etc. to remain on your awnings as they may cause staining of the fabric.