There are many places where canvas awnings can be found, including over patios, storefronts, and even over sitting areas beside a recreational vehicle.The main purpose of an awning is to protect what's underneath from the elements.The fabrics are exposed to so much water and organic matter that they are susceptible to mold, which can ruin an awning if it isn't cleaned quickly.
Step 1: You need to gather your supplies.
You'll need a cleaning solution made from water, bleach, or a mild liquid soap to clean a canvas awning.Household cleaners may cause toxic fumes if they mix bleach with them.To get the job done, you'll need some supplies and cleaning equipment.
Step 2: The small awnings need to be removed.
You can clean smaller awnings on the ground level if they are removed from their frames.The awing should be removed from the arms and frame.Place the awning on a clean surface when you get it down.
Step 3: A ladder is needed for larger awnings.
Left in place are Awnings that are too large, heavy, or awkward.You can clean them where they are, but you will need a ladder to get to the top.The platform at the top of the ladder will hold your cleaning supplies.You can use the lift device if you have access to a cherry picker.
Step 4: Make sure the surroundings are protected.
You don't want to splash cleaning solution onto nearby items if you're cleaning the awning.Tarps or plastic sheets are used to cover the area around the awning.Plants, furniture, grass, decorations, carpets, and fabrics should not be covered.
Step 5: Dirt and organic debris can be removed.
If you want to clean off the organic materials on the awning, you should use a broom.If you leave organic matter on your awning for an extended period, it will rot and cause damage to the fabric.
Step 6: There is a disease on an awning.
Mildew requires a different kind of cleaning solution and more elbow grease.Mildew is similar to mold.It will look like a powder on an awning.If your awning does not have mildew, you can simply use a regular cleaner.
Step 7: The awning needs to be hosed down.
To get the best results from your cleaning efforts, start by hosing down the awing.The cleaning solution will be easier to spread because of this.
Step 8: Take your cleaning solution and mix it.
You will need a cleaning solution made with 1 cup bleach, 14 cup of mild liquid soap, and 1 gallon of cool water.Double or triple the quantities if you need more cleaning solution.Laundry soaps designed for sensitive skin, babies, or delicate fabrics are included in mild liquid soaps.The canvas can be damaged by chlorine bleach.To bleach colored awnings, use a color safe bleach.To test for color fastness, it is a good idea to test a patch of the cleaning solution on an area.If you want to make sure the awning is not discolored, place a small patch of solution on the top side and let it sit for 20 minutes.
Step 9: The awing should be soaked in a cleaning solution.
Spread the cleaner all over the awning by dipping the clean cloth into the cleaning solution.If you don't re-dip the cloth, the cleaning solution will not reach every inch of the fabric.After the awning has been soaked with cleaner, sit it for 15 minutes.This will give the cleaner time to clean the fabric.
Step 10: The canvas needs to be cleaned.
Take the soft-bristled brush and scrub the top side of the fabric when the cleaning solution has been used.To generate suds, use a vigorous circular motion.To clean the awning, go over every inch.Before you scrub, re-soak the area to make sure the cleaning solution doesn't dry out.
Step 11: The awning needs to be washed.
After cleaning the awning, rinse it with water from the hose.Continue rinsing until the soap and dirt are gone.If you leave bleach on the fabric, it could cause early degradation.The soaking and scrubbing steps should be repeated if there is any left on the awning.
Step 12: The awning should be allowed to air dry.
It won't take long for your awning to dry after the rain.Let the awning dry on the frame if you cleaned it in place.If you removed your awning, hang it to dry.It's never a good idea to dry canvas awnings in a dryer.
Step 13: The awning should be treated.
The awning would have been treated with a water- and stain- resistant coating to protect it from the elements.You'll need to reapply it after scrubbing it with bleach.There is a fabric guard that can be sprayed on.The fabric guard can be sprayed onto the top side of the awning.Follow the manufacturer's instructions.Silicone sprays can void some awning warranties, so make sure you check the conditions of your warranty.
Step 14: The awning needs to be returned to its frame.
After the water-resistant treatment has had time to dry, return the awning to its frame.
Step 15: The awning needs to be hosed down monthly.
It's much easier to keep your awning free of mold than it is to clean it.Dirt, organic matter, and other things can be removed by hosing down the awning with clean water.Simply set up a ladder and use a garden hose to spray the awning.Take special care to remove twigs, leaves, and other debris.Let the awning air dry after you soak it.
Step 16: It needs to be cleaned yearly.
You don't use bleach in the cleaning solution if you want to clean your awning for annual maintenance.This will remove pollutants.A ladder can be set up to reach the top of the awning.Clean the awning with water.One gallon of water and one cup of mild liquid soap are all that's needed to mix a cleaning solution.Let the awning sit for 15 minutes after soaking it.The awning needs to be cleaned with a brush.Allow it to air dry.
Step 17: Store it correctly.
When the awning is in storage, you can prevent the growth of mold.Before storing the awning, perform your annual cleaning.Before putting the awning away, make sure it's clean and dry.It's a good idea to store the awning clean and dry.The awning should be kept well-ventilated so that it won't settle.