Guide · Floors, furniture and surfaces ·
How to Clean an Awning
Awnings are constantly exposed to sun, rain, dust, bird droppings and tree resin; in front of cafés, restaurants and shops they are the first thing customers see. Proper cleaning preserves the colour and water repellency of the awning fabric and helps extend the life of the mechanism. This guide explains how to clean fabric awnings, PVC canvas and pergola awnings and what to watch out for.
Before you start
- Check the awning manufacturer's care instructions; the type of fabric (acrylic, polyester or PVC canvas) determines the right product and method.
- On motorised awnings, switch off the motor before cleaning and secure the awning in the open position; do not aim water at the motor housing or electrical connections.
- If you need to work at height, use a sturdy ladder or platform, have a second person help you and do not lean out over the railing.
- Choose a dry, overcast day; in sunshine the cleaner can dry on the fabric and leave marks.
How to clean awning fabric?
- Remove the dust: brush dust, leaves and dry dirt off the fabric with a dry, soft brush.
- Wet it: wet the fabric with a hose using low-pressure water.
- Prepare the cleaning solution: add a small amount of surface cleaner or liquid soft soap to lukewarm water at the amount on the label.
- Wipe with a soft brush: wipe the fabric from top to bottom with a soft brush without pressing; a hard brush makes the fabric surface fuzzy.
- Rinse: rinse off cleaner residue with plenty of water; detergent left in the fabric attracts dirt again.
- Dry it open: leave the awning open until it is completely dry; an awning retracted while damp can go mouldy and smell.
Stains on awnings
- Bird droppings: once dry, loosen them with a brush and remove; wipe the remaining mark with cleaning solution and a soft brush.
- Tree resin and grease: remove the stain promptly with a damp cloth and a little cleaner; solvents can damage the fabric's coating and colour.
- Green and black stains: for mould and algae stains on awnings that stay damp and shaded, use the product recommended by the awning manufacturer; bleach can fade the fabric and weaken the seams.
How to clean a PVC awning?
PVC-coated canvas awnings are easier to wipe than fabric awnings. Wipe the surface with lukewarm water and a little surface cleaner using a soft sponge or brush, rinse with plenty of water and let it dry. Do not use abrasive creams, steel wool or solvents; the PVC surface dulls and scratches. For truck tarpaulins, see how to wash a truck.
How to clean a pergola awning?
In pergola systems, the roof cover is usually PVC canvas or technical fabric and is cleaned with the steps above. Aluminium profiles are wiped with a damp cloth and neutral surface cleaner; acidic and strong alkaline products are not used on aluminium (how to clean uPVC windows). Clear leaves and sediment from the gutters; a blocked gutter makes water pool on the cover. On motorised pergolas, do not aim water at the motor and sensors.
What not to do with an awning
- Holding a pressure washer close to the fabric: the fabric's coating and seams are damaged.
- Using strong products such as bleach, solvents and degreaser.
- Washing the awning fabric in a washing machine unless the manufacturer allows it.
- Retracting the awning while it is wet.
- Scrubbing with hard brushes and steel wool.
- For the caravan awning and the whole caravan: how to clean a caravan.
- For café, patio and beach umbrellas: how to clean an umbrella.
For cafés, restaurants and shops
Awnings are the shop window of cafés, restaurants and shops. Cleaning at the start and end of the season, and retracting the awning clean and dry before winter, help extend the life of the fabric. START all-purpose surface cleaner is produced in 5 L and TETİK Liquid Potash Soap in 5 kg and 20 kg packs. For café terraces and balconies, see how to clean a balcony, and request a quote for bulk purchases.
