How to Care for Your Awning Canopy

Whether you have a fixed awning or a retractable awning, you will still need to care for your awning and keep it clean; not only to keep it pleasing to the eye, but to make sure that it lasts for many years to come.

First and foremost, if you have a retractable awning and the canopy is wet, do not close it.  Wait until it dries to retract it. There are dyes in your canopy and if retracted while it is wet, it could cause the colors on the awning canopy to bleed and run.

An awning canopy should not be allowed to get a dirt build up. To prevent this from happening, regularly sweep the awning off with a broom and rinse it down with water.  It can be washed with a mild soap, but do not use a harsh detergent. If you wash your awning, be sure to rinse off all soap residue and allow to dry before retracting it. Do not clean your awning canopy in temperatures over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The heat could cause your awning canopy to crack.

If you have a retractable awning and you take your canopy down every year and store it, be sure to clean it in the spring before you reinstall it. You may need to reapply a water repellent substance to the awning to assure that it is protected from the elements of the sun and rain.  If the water repellent wears off of an awning, it could cause shrinkage of the fabric and cracking. An application such a 303 Hi-Tech Fabric Guard or something similar is recommended.

With proper maintenance and care, your awning will last for many years and stay pleasing to the eye and its surroundings. Be sure when you order an awning, whether it is retractable or fixed,  to ask your manufacturer for a care and cleaning guide.