Cleaning canvas awnings is an important part of maintaining the life and look of your awning. Regular cleaning will help keep it looking great while also protecting against dirt, mold, mildew, and other contaminants that can cause damage over time.
When cleaning canvas awnings, you should only use mild natural soap if you plan to use a cleaning product. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these could potentially damage the fabric. A good rule of thumb is to test any cleaner on an inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire surface.
First things first – the fabric can be cleaned without being removed from the frame, and you should not use any detergents.
Before you apply any water or soap to your awning, do your best to brush off as much dirt and other residues as possible. This will make your awning much easier to clean.
Once you have chosen the right cleaner for your canvas awning, mix it with warm water in either a bucket or spray bottle according to package instructions. If using a bucket, dip your sponge into the solution and then wring out excess moisture before wiping down the fabric from top to bottom in gentle strokes until all dirt has been removed. If using a spray bottle instead, lightly mist the solution onto one section at time and then wipe clean with your sponge or cloth until all dirt has been removed.
Be sure not to oversaturate any areas as this could lead to staining or discoloration of the fabric over time if left unchecked.
After washing each section of your canvas awning with soap and water, be sure to rinse off any remaining residue by spraying it down with clean water from either a garden hose or a pressure washer set on a low-pressure setting (if available). Once finished rinsing off soap residue, allow the fabric ample time to dry completely before retracting back into its housing unit (if applicable). This will help prevent mildew growth which can occur when wet surfaces are stored away without proper ventilation/drying first!
Finally, once everything is dried thoroughly, inspect for any signs of wear and tear, such as fraying seams, edges, or corners, and replace accordingly if needed to ensure the structural integrity remains intact throughout its lifetime.
For Stubborn stains, soak the fabric for approximately twenty minutes in a solution of no more than ½ cup (4 oz.) of bleach and ¼ cup (2 oz.) of natural soap per gallon of water at approximately 100° F. Non-chlorine bleach is recommended for Canvas Fabrics. Rinse thoroughly in cold water to remove all of the soap. NOTE: Excessive soaking in bleach can deteriorate sewing threads. This method of cleaning may remove part of the water repellency.
When washing or cleaning, DO NOT SUBJECT TO EXCESSIVE HEAT, as the fabric will shrink. DO NOT STEAM PRESS OR DRY IN ELECTRIC OR GAS DRYERS, but allow to air dry.
In case where a Canvas awning is taken down and stored, it should be cleaned, allowed to air dry, and stored in a dry, well-ventilated area. Many fabricators offer a reasonable price for removal, cleaning, storage, and re-hanging services on a yearly basis.
Regular cleaning and maintenance of canvas awnings is essential to extend their life.
Click here if you’re looking for instructions on how to clean vinyl-coated awnings.
