What Is the Best Way to Clean Window or Patio Awnings?

June 3, 2022

Awnings can be installed on your commercial or residential property to provide shade from the sun. An otherwise bland Scottsdale exterior can be given character and curb appeal by adding awnings. You should clean your awnings regularly to keep them looking great. You will make your awning fabric look better and will prolong its lifespan.

How to Clean Your Awnings If They Are a Little Dirty?


Your residential awnings should be cleaned at least once per year. Depending on the location of your commercial awnings, you may need to clean them more often. Additional cleaning may be necessary for commercial and residential awnings due to Scottsdale monsoon dust storms.


These Steps Will Help You Clean Your Awnings.


Use a broom to sweep away any dirt, dust, or debris that may have accumulated on the awning. Use a ladder or step stool if you are unable to reach the awning. Professionally installed awnings should not be removed for cleaning.

To remove stubborn dirt, spray the fabric with a garden hose. Begin at the top and work your way to the bottom. You should not let the water pressure get too high, as it could cause damage to the fabric.


Make a solution of water, mild soap, and water. It should be equal to one-fourth of a cup of soap for every one gallon. Use a sponge, soft brush, or cloth to clean the awning. The solution should penetrate the fabric.


Use clean, lukewarm water to rinse your awning. Rinse the entire awning including the valance and underside.

Allow your awnings to air dry. Retractable awnings should be dried before being retracted. Your awnings will stay dry and safe from mold if they are allowed to air dry.


How to Clean Awnings with Stubborn Stains?


If awnings have not been cleaned in a while, they can be home to a variety of hard-to-treat substances like bird droppings, grease from outdoor cooking, and mold. It will take more effort to remove these stubborn stains from your awnings.


Removal of Mold and Mildew


Make a solution of one-fourth of a cup of soap and one-half cup of non-chlorine bleach to remove mildew and mold stains. This will take one gallon of water. Allow the mixture to sit for 15 minutes before applying it to the affected areas. Use a soft bristle brush to remove the stain. Rinse thoroughly the awning, and let it air dry for a while.


Remove Bird Droppings and Grease


Use a mixture of dish soap, water, and a soft-bristle brush to remove bird droppings. For general cleaning, you can use the same soap-to-water ratio. Let the soap and water mixture sit for 15 minutes to remove the stain before thoroughly rinsing.


Is Bleach Safe For my Fabric Awnings?


Bleach can be used to clean your awnings provided you follow these guidelines:


  • It can be diluted with lots of water (1 cup of bleach for every gallon).
  • Use color-safe, non-chlorine bleach
  • After treatment, rinse thoroughly your awning.


Scottsdale Awning Service offers a range of high-quality awning fabrics. These fabrics have a reputation for being resistant to mold and mildew, so you won't need to worry about getting rid of unsightly stains.


How to Clean Your Awning's Non-Fabric Parts?


Awnings are more than just colorful fabrics. Retractable awnings are not meant to be cleaned without taking care of the moving parts like joints, arms, and rollers. These parts should be cleaned every time you clean your retractable awnings.


  • Use a broom to sweep away dust and debris
  • Rinse the parts using lukewarm warm water
  • You don't have to use silicone spray every time you clean your awning. Once a year is enough.
  • Use a lubricant, white vinegar, or a paper towel to remove rust or corrosion. Only do this when necessary.


Scottsdale Awning Service offers residential awnings and commercial awnings that are tailored to your specific needs. We are a favorite choice for Scottsdale homeowners as well as commercial clients.


Looking for the best awning services in Scottsdale, AZ? Feel free to contact us at (480) 485-0957 or fill out our online form to get your free estimate today!

You might also like

June 14, 2022
Potentially. The heat absorbed by the fabric will vary depending on its color. While lighter colors reflect heat better, darker colors absorb heat more effectively. A white awning or a black one will shade a patio and lower the temperature. However, the white awning will reflect heat more efficiently while the black awning may radiate heat down more. But color isn't the only thing that affects temperature regulation. The fabric can have a significant impact on heat transference and cooling ability. Scottsdale Awning Service understands that awnings are often purchased to keep patios, houses, and businesses cooler. We use the best fabrics for that purpose. Our clients don't feel like they have to choose a light-colored fabric to maximize the cooling power of their awning. We use fabric brands such as Sunbrella (TM) or Synthesis Commercial 95(Coolaroo). Awnings aren't limited to solid colors. An awning with a striped design can be used to offset heat absorption. You can also offset the radiant heat drawbacks associated with a darker fabric awning. To better radiate heat, an awning that is higher than the rest of your property or building will allow for more space beneath the fabric. An awning with three openings allows for greater heat dissipation. This can negate any heat absorption by a darker awning fabric. What effect will the shade sail fabric or awning color have on the temperature under your shade structure? The possibility exists that the temperature difference could be minimal or nonexistent depending on the airflow and height of your awning. Is it okay to buy a fabric color that you don't love just to have a slight cooling effect? Most likely not. Talk to our specialists in Scottsdale, AZ before you decide on a color or pattern based on reflectivity. You might find that the shaded comfort of your shade sail or awning project is not affected by the color you choose.
June 4, 2022
Scottsdale love their RVs, and with good reason. It's wonderful to be able to travel anywhere in Scottsdale, AZ, without having to rent a place. Families have a lot more flexibility while on vacation with RVs, and there is a growing number of empty nesters and retirees who are completely switching to RV living. The best thing about RV living is its proximity to nature. This is why RVs and awnings work so well together. RVs provide little or no shade protection without an awning. It can be uncomfortable to enjoy the view from your RV outside depending on the position and time of the sun. Like awnings on your home, RV awnings increase the amount of usable square footage. When they have hundreds of square feet of shade outside, RV owners aren't limited to the RV's interior. It is not surprising that RV awning installation has grown into a cottage industry. There are many types of RV awnings, each with its benefits and drawbacks. Retractable awnings are a common RV awning style. Although the tracks are placed differently and the arm extensions may vary, the principle is the same. There is one main difference between RV and home awnings. RV awnings require some form of retractability. It is not practical to drive on the highway with an eight-foot awning hanging from the RV's side. This is where the big difference lies. It's all about how retractable they are and whether or not they can be completely removed and stored. There aren’t many home awning designs that you can simply pop off the side and bring inside.
June 4, 2022
You can probably find the nearest awning shop right from your phone. Many awning installers and retailers are home service providers, similar to contractors or roofers in Scottsdale, AZ. Call them for a free estimate. They will come to your house and show you the past work they have done. Then, they will help you choose the best solution for your shade sail, patio cover, or awning. There are significant advantages for both home and business owners to working with an awning contractor that doesn't have traditional brick-and-mortar showrooms. A large building is required for showrooms that contain awnings. This means that there is a lot more overhead in Scottsdale, AZ. These higher operating costs are inevitably passed onto the customer. People also love getting customized solutions that work best for them. The only thing you can learn about patio covers in a showroom is how they look on a display. It won't show exactly how it might look in your home.
More Posts

Book a Service Today

Share by: