How do I clean an awning?

Protect your Investment!

Cleaning your awning is very important if you want the most life out of your cover. It's important to stay ahead of any dirt or build-up if you want your awning to last! NEVER PRESSURE WASH YOUR AWNING! DO NOT HAVE SOMEONE THAT PRESSURE WASHES HOUSES CLEAN YOUR AWNING! If there are repairs that need to be made call us immediately so that you don't need to replace the whole cover! We can refer you to a local company that can clean and seal your awning - just give us a call. 

General or light cleaning:

Brush off any loose dirt.Prepare a cleaning solution of 2 ounces (1/4 cup) mild detergent, such as Woolite or Dawn dishwashing liquid, per gallon of lukewarm water.Use a sponge or a soft bristle brush to clean.Allow cleaning solution to soak into fabric.Rinse thoroughly to remove all detergent residue.Allow fabric to air dry.

Spot cleaning:

Apply a light mist of mild detergent and water using a spray bottle.Work the solution into the stain by lightly scrubbing the area with a sponge or very soft bristle brush.Rinse thoroughly to remove all detergent residue.Blot excess moisture with a clean, soft towel or sponge.Wet-vacuum or blot excess water.Air dry, Repeat steps 3 and 4 until all detergent residue is removed.

For removable Sunbrella fabric Hand Washing:

Soak fabric in a solution of 1/4 cup mild detergent 20per gallon of lukewarm water.Use a sponge or a soft bristle brush as necessary.Rinse thoroughly to remove all detergent residue.Air dry.Machine washing

Machine wash in cold water:

Depending on wash load size, use normal amounts of mild laundry detergent and add 8 ounces (1 cup) of bleach. Allow fabric to air dry.Heavy cleaning for stubborn stains and mildew

Sunbrella fabric does not promote mildew growth, however, mildew may grow on dirt and other foreign substances that are not removed from the fabric. To clean mildew, or other stubborn stains:Prepare a solution of 8 ounces (1 cup) of bleach and 2 ounces (1/4 cup) of mild detergent per gallon of clean water.Spray on entire area and allow to soak into the fabric for 15 minutes.Remove stain with a sponge, clean towel or very soft bristle brush.Rinse thoroughly to remove all detergent residue.Allow fabric to air dry.If stain and/or mildew are severe, bleach quantities may be increased. View the stain chart for removal of specific stains.Re-treating the fabric for ease of cleaning

As part of the finishing process, Sunbrella fabrics are treated with a fluorocarbon finish, which enhances water repellency. This finish is designed to last for several years, but must be replenished after a thorough cleaning. Based on test results, Glen Raven recommends 303 High Tech Fabric Guard™ as the preferred re-treatment product for Sunbrella fabrics. Fabrics should be re-treated after thorough cleaning or after five years of use. Applying 303 High Tech Fabric Guard™

303 should be applied to Sunbrella fabrics after each thorough cleaning, which typically removes the original finish and reduces the fabric's water repellency.Clean Sunbrella fabric, using one of the cleaning methods.Allow Sunbrella to completely air dry.Apply 303 Fabric Guard in a well-ventilated area following instructions on the container.Apply 303 in a thin, even coat and allow fabric to dry completely.Apply a second thin, even coating of 303. (Two light coatings are more effective in restoring fabric water resistance than a single heavy coating. A 15-ounce bottle provides coverage of up to 50 square feet of fabric.)

For more information, visit http://www.303products.com/ 

Professional cleaners

In evaluating the services of a professional firm, you should inquire about the firm's experience in working with Sunbrella fabrics and knowledge of cleaning and re-treatment requirements.

DO NOT dry clean Sunbrella fabrics.

Helpful Hints:

Protect the area around your Sunbrella fabric when using a bleach solution – bleach may discolor non-Sunbrella fabrics. Always rinse Sunbrella thoroughly to completely remove bleach.

Please be aware of the environment when cleaning with bleach. Bleach can have harmful effects on the natural environment around you. We do not advise using bleach if you%2

0are surrounded by a body of water or other environment that could be affected. 

Sunbrella fabric air-dries very quickly.

Machine drying is not necessary.

If fabric has some wrinkling, use an iron, if necessary, but only on the synthetic setting. As some irons exceed the recommended temperature on the synthetic setting, test a small inconspicuous area before ironing entire piece.

DO NOT use a steamer or iron set to steam setting.

We recommend using only IMAR Products. IMAR Strataglass Protective Polish, IMAR Strataglass Protective Cleaner, and mild soap (preferably IMAR Yacht Soap Concentrate) on Strataglass. (We no longer recommend the use of any other products, regardless of the manufacturer's claims.) Use of harsh cleaners like Simple Green and/or pine will dull the curtains quickly. 

Using any other product(s) void the factory warranty 

NEVER use a wash and wax product on Strataglass.