How to Clean Your Commercial Fabric Awning
It’s easy to neglect, but don’t underestimate the importance of cleaning your awning. A canopy full of dirt and mildew isn’t a pretty sight, and it’s no surprise your customers will avoid sitting under it - they certainly won’t want to risk any falling on their heads!
Outdoor fabric awnings experience rain and temperature extremes on a daily basis. Because commercial awnings are typically used every day, as opposed to the odd sunny day, they tend to see even more exposure than a residential garden canopy. Your commercial awning is exposed to a lot of substances that can stain or bleach cloth, including:
- Airborne pollutants
- Dirt
- Grease
- Bird droppings
- Insects
- Leaf tannins and tree pitch
The rain may wash some off, but it’s easy for dirt to get into the weave and cause mould to grow. For these reasons, it’s important to clean your awning regularly.
In this guide, Broadview’s shading solution professionals outline the step-by-step method for properly caring for your commercial shading solution.
Step 1: Identify the Awning Fabric
Awning fabric may be made of synthetic materials like acrylic and vinyl, or from natural materials like cotton, hemp, and linen. Not all fabrics should be cleaned with the same soaps or techniques, so it’s important to check which fabric your awning is made out of before starting to clean it.
If you’re unsure how to tell, the simplest way is to look up the make and model of your awning online. The manufacturer’s website will likely have all specifications listed, including the fabric it is made out of.
Step 2: Spot Test the Awning
There are awning cleaning supplies you can purchase from most supermarkets. However, before you clean a canvas awning (including acrylic or vinyl), always test the awning cleaning solution in an area that isn’t visible. This extra precaution will make sure it won’t damage the material - after all, it’s better for a hidden section to be damaged than the whole thing!
Step 3: Clean the Topside of Your Awning
Regularly cleaning the topside with a fabric awning cleaner helps to protect the fabric from staining and preserves its colour. Depending on their location, commercial awnings should ideally be cleaned every 4 to 8 weeks. This will need to be done by good old-fashioned manual labour, as most commercial awnings are simply too large for a washing machine. Before washing the topside, look for any cobwebs, leaves, or loose dirt, and give them a quick sweep.
To clean your awning, you’ll need:
- A mild, eco-friendly cleaning liquid. The manufacturer’s instructions will tell you if it’s safe to use on the specific type of fabric in your awning.
- A bucket of lukewarm-to-warm water.
- A soft bristle brush
- A pressure washer set on low or a garden hose (optional)
Remember to always let the material dry completely before retracting.
Step 4: Clean the Underside of Your Awning
As you can imagine, commercial awnings tend to collect grease from open windows, vents, and BBQs on their underside. This is especially true for food venues like cafes and restaurants. You might need to clean the underside more rigorously or use a stronger cleaning agent to cut through the grease
While you’re at it, it’s a good idea to wash and rinse the metal frame too.
Broadview Outdoor Shading Solutions is the leading supplier of shop awnings across the South. Our experienced team has earned a fantastic reputation for quality workmanship, products, and customer service. To book a free, no-obligation design consultation, call us today on 01202 679012 or complete and submit our online contact form.