Cleaning Instructions:

Regular maintenance generally means a once-a-year cleaning, with additional care if stains or soil appears.

Awning care is easy, just follow these directions:

1. Before cleaning any awning fabric, consult the fabric manufacturer for proper cleaning instructions.

2. Brush off all debris.

3. Clean from the bottom and work up.

4. Gently scrub the awning and valance with a soft bristled brush and a mild soap such as dish washing liquid.

5. Wash all parts of the awning. Missed spots show when dry.

6. Thoroughly and completely rinse awning. Film left on the material will leave marks and a chalky residue.

7. About once a month rinse your awnings down with a garden hose and keep the underside of your awning clean by simply brushing with a clean household broom.

8. Keep shrubbery and vines trimmed away from your awnings, they contain acid that can damage fabric. In addition, check awning frames for rust. Though rust is not likely, it can cause deterioration of the frame and lead to fabric stains.

Material Specific Instructions:

Vinyl/Polyester Laminates:
Vinyl laminated polyester fabrics are manufactured by sandwiching a polyester mesh material between two layers of vinyl using heat and adhesive. These fabrics resist rot, mildew and fading. In addition, most are flame retardant, waterproof and easy to clean and maintain.

Regular rinsing of the top and underside of the awning with a garden hose will help keep dirt and roof particles from soiling your awning. (We do not recommend cleaning with high pressure equipment. High pressure cleaning may damage the surface treatments or the vinyl itself.)

To remove dirt and light stains, gently wash the awning with a mixture of natural soap and lukewarm water. (Do not use detergent.) Use a soft bristle brush and gently scrub the awning cover.

Acrylics:
Made from 100% acrylic fiber, these fabrics are resistant to fading, mildew, rot and atmospheric chemicals. Acrylics are "solution dyed" for unsurpassed color brightness. Since they are woven fabrics, they breathe, and are translucent.

Acrylics should be cleaned regularly before substances such as dirt and roof particles are allowed to accumulate and embed in the fabric. The fabric may be cleaned without being removed from the awning frame. Simply brush off the loose dirt, hose down and clean with a mild natural cleaner, such as Ivory® or Woolite®, in lukewarm water (no more than 100°F). Rinse thoroughly to remove cleaner. (DO NOT USE DETERGENTS).

Another method of cleaning more stubborn cases is to soak the fabric for approximately 20 minutes in a solution of no more than 1/2 cup (4 oz.) Clorox©, and 1/4 cup (2 oz.) natural soap per gallon of water at approximately 100°F. Rinse thoroughly in cold water to remove all of the soap. (Note: Excessive soaking in Clorox© may deteriorate sewing threads.) This method of cleaning may also remove part of the water repellency. The fabric should receive an application of an air-curing water repellent treatment, if water repellency is a factor.

Acrylics may be dry cleaned, but a water repellent treatment must be applied after dry cleaning. Since acrylics are from manmade acrylic fiber, they are "thermoplastic", or heat sensitive. DO NOT SUBJECT TO EXCESSIVE HEAT, as the fabric will shrink. DO NOT STEAM PRESS OR DRY IN ELECTRIC OR GAS DRYERS, but allow to air dry.