In order to clean an awning without disassembling it, you must have enough space to unfold the awning cover completely and wipe it thoroughly from the top. In other words, if you are interested in how to clean a very dirty awning easily and without dismantling it, please note that this is only possible for terrace or balcony awnings – when they are large – and garden awnings.
Let’s take a look at how to clean the awning yourself, without any tricks.
How to clean mildew stains from awning
When we live in humid environments we are constantly putting awning fabrics to the test. Furthermore, if it is not picked up when it rains and not allowed to dry properly before storage, mould will develop.
However, cleaning an outdoor awning with mildew is much easier than it sounds, as you can remove mildew with bleach, cold water and a brush. We explain how to do it in steps:
- Moisten the affected areas with water and a cloth.
- With the help of a soft bristle brush (very important to avoid damaging the fabric treatment), apply bleach to the areas where you want to clean the mildew or verdigris from the awning.
- Scrub stains with bleach using the brush
- Rinse with water, wiping with the clean damp cloth you used at the beginning.
The only trick to remove mildew stains from an awning is to rub bleach into the awning. So repeat the process several times if the stains persist and you will see that they will eventually disappear.
When you have finished, remember to let the awning dry completely before storing it.
WARNING: Bleach should be used with care and applied only on mould stains on the awning. For occasional cleaning or other types of stains, use water and neutral soap, as explained below.
How to clean a mud awning and other stains
If you have other types of stains, such as mud or pigeon and bird droppings, you can repeat the above process, changing the bleach for neutral soap.
It is very important that you do not use abrasive products when cleaning the fabric, as this could damage the treatments that Sauleda fabrics are treated with: flame retardant, antibacterial, UV resistance.
So, whether you want to clean a white awning, or a heavily soiled awning, follow these steps:
- Moisten the awning
- Wipe with a damp cloth and neutral soap.
- If there are visible stains, remove them with a soft bristle brush.
- Rinse the awning with water and a clean, damp cloth.
- Let it dry in the sun completely before storing it.
Therefore, for optimal cleaning, clean the awning on a sunny day.
How to remove the awning valance
The awning skirt can be removed for easier cleaning by removing the trims and pulling the guide.
However, it is not necessary. You can clean the awning valance without disassembling it by following the steps above.
Tips for keeping your awning looking like new
Finally, here are some tips on how to keep your awning clean and in perfect condition, so that it lasts longer.
- Never use abrasive products to clean the awning, nor pressurised water, such as a karcher, as this can damage the technical treatments on the Sauleda fabric;
- You can keep the awning clean by vacuuming it from time to time, to remove dust from the fully extended canvas.
- Remember to retract the awning when it rains, so that it doesn’t get wet.
- If it is wet, e.g. after cleaning the awning, allow it to dry completely before storing it.
These cleaning tips can also be used to clean a sliding awning or any other type of awning.
Conclusion : Why keep your awning clean?
As with all things, if you take care of it, it will last longer. Sauleda offers a 10-year guarantee on all its tarpaulins. In addition, the treatment of Masacril products means that the colour of the fabrics lasts longer, as they are 100% solution dyed acrylic fabrics.
Find out more about treatments and characteristics of Sauleda awnings.
