Tips on Maintaining Your Canvas Awnings

Have you ever thought of having an awning that would never be out of style? An awning that could minimize the heat and protect you from the rays of the sun while giving your home an elegant look? Canvas is a good option when selecting materials for your awning. They are simple yet classy and elegant. But with neglect, canvas awnings would deteriorate, degrade the quality of the material and might wreck the appearance of your home. With proper ways of cleaning and regular maintenance at least twice a year, it would be sufficient to keep the material in good shape.

Canvas awnings are easily scratched and ruined. For instance, bird droppings can ruin the look of the canvas. Humidity and moisture can cause fungi and mildew to grow on the awning. Bird droppings and growths can ruin the awning by destroying the fabric. Add to these the harmful effects of dust, air pollutants, and even dried plant materials, and you really do need to clean your canvas fabric before it goes weak and becomes ugly and useless.

How can you keep your awnings clean? First, you need to brush the awning regularly, both on the inside and outside. You will need a soft brush so that you do not damage the fabric. You also might need to hose the awning down with clean, cold water from the lower edge and up to remove dirt and grime. Avoid using strong chemicals, such as cleaning liquids, soaps, gasoline, or insecticides, as they can damage the fabric. If you are concerned about bird droppings or plants ruining your awning, don't wait until the last minute to remove them: simply clean them out before they attach too closely to the fabric.

 You also need to completely dry your awning before you roll it up so that you prevent molds from growing in it. If molds cannot be completely avoided, treat the awning with White King solution. Moreover, you might have to invest in extensive cleaning and reproofing, especially when water already starts to drip through the fabric. Do not do reproofing unless you are sure that your chemicals are environmentally friendly and safe. To be sure, talk to your local hardware store and ask for tips.

Before cleaning your  awning, choose a day where you do not have to work in too much sunlight, heat, or wind. Examine your fabric to check if your awning can withstand any kind of cleaning. Test a small part of the awning before you apply any kind of cleaning solution. Before cleaning, stretch the fabric taut and keep the awning down.

Start with dry cleaning by brushing out the fabric. If there are heavy stains, use clean, warm water. You can also use White King solution on the outer part of the fabric, and clean using a brush or a broom. You can leave this solution on for about 15 minutes, but make sure to rinse it out thoroughly with water from your hose. Dry the  awning and then roll it up. Repeat this procedure at least twice a year to keep your  awning strong, functional, and elegant.