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Cleaning your awning

Spring cleaning 2.0

Permanently exposed to the elements, awnings and glass roofs need a good clean from time to time. Based on our years of experience, we have some handy spring-cleaning tips for you.
Spring cleaning 2.0

Bright prospects ahead

Awnings get dirty more quickly or slowly depending on the weather. That makes it a good idea to clean the awning fabric and frame at least once a year. That way, your awning will stay beautiful for longer and is better protected from sunlight, rain or wind in the long term. The awning fabric will be with you for around 10 to 15 years, and the frame of your awning can last 25 to 30 years with the proper care.

Regular cleaning brings a whole lot of benefits and is well worth the effort. Our tips tell you what to do if the awning frame or fabric is dirty. Learn how to remove annoying bird droppings, mildew spots and other unsightly marks carefully and also effectively. So that the cleaning takes less time and the enjoyment of your awning lasts all the longer.

Basic cleaning: Removing dirt from frame and cover

It’s not just the awning fabric that gets dirty, but also the frame. There’s no need for aggressive chemicals to clean the various elements. Any dry dirt can simply be brushed or vacuumed off. This is also how to clean the fabric of the awning. Loose dirt is best removed regularly with a hand brush. This keeps the operating elements and the basic frame of your awning clean, which significantly improves its functionality.

Mould and dirt stains have little chance of forming on the awning fabric if it is regularly brushed clean, as this prevents the build-up of green deposits and moss which could retain moisture in the fabric.

Thorough cleaning of soiling

After sweeping off any dry dirt, the awning should be thoroughly damp-cleaned. This is done with a soft scrubbing brush or sponge. With a ladder and a telescopic handle, you’ll be able to reach all elements easily. Use a garden hose to wash off solid dirt. Warning: Under no circumstances should you use a high-pressure cleaner to clean your awning fabrics, as this could damage them.

Our expert tip: Use a soft sponge and a weak mixture of mild detergent and lukewarm water (max. 40° C). Work this mixture into the awning fabric until the lather breaks down the dirt. Afterwards, simply rinse with clean water. Please avoid the use of harsh cleaning agents that could damage the waterproofing of the fabric, so that you continue to enjoy protection from the rain.

After damp-cleaning, it is important to let the clean fabric dry completely. Only then should you retract the awning. If awnings are retracted when damp, the fabric cannot dry and water stains will form, causing discoloration. What’s more, damp is conducive to mould growth.

Another tip: Pick a warm, sunny day for cleaning – it takes much less time for the fabric to become completely dry.

Insider tips for particularly difficult cases

How should I deal with minor soiling?
What is the best way to remove pollen?
What’s the best way to remove bird droppings?
Can I sometimes resort to tougher measures?

First clean and then refreshing the waterproofing.

Our quality awnings normally come with the fabric manufacturer's impregnation. This makes cleaning the awning easier, because the protective layer prevents stubborn dirt from sticking. However, after five to ten years, the impregnation can lose its protective effect. When this happens, you can either impregnate the cloth with a special water-repellent spray such as Fabric Guard™ or contact our specialist partners about replacing the fabric, which will restore the weather protection as well as the grease and dirt repellent properties.

Do you have a new color concept for your patio?

A new fabric can work wonders. With over 380 colors and designs, we’re sure to find the right eye-catcher for your patio.

Crystal clear. Cleaning a glass canopy over the patio.

Besides awning covers and frames, glazing systems also do better if they are cleaned regularly. We have some good news: it’s not always necessary to buy expensive cleaning products or hire professional window cleaners. Follow our tips and your glass will soon look sparkling clean again without a whole lot of effort.

The right weather for cleaning

Don’t clean the glass when the sun is shining on it. The warmth of the sun will make the glass dry too quickly, resulting in unsightly streaks. To remove any streaks that do form, polish the glass with old newspapers.

Heavily soiled glass surfaces

For very dirty glass, an onion can be used as an alternative to window cleaner: cut an onion in half and rub the pane with it. When the onion gets too dirty, simply cut off a slice at a time.

Streak-free glass surfaces

Does the glass look smeary after cleaning? Simply rub it with cold black tea. Then you’ll have no more problems with streaks and smears.

The right leather

Not every chamois leather is actually suitable for cleaning windows. It is important that the chamois is soft, otherwise it could scratch the glass. Once it becomes stiff and hard, you should get a new one.

Even more shine

Would you like to a sparkling clean finish for your glass roof? Polish the panes with an old pair of nylon tights. Stubborn fly droppings are easily removed with rubbing alcohol.

Making the most of the rain

For places that are difficult to reach, simply let nature lend a helping hand. When it rains, simply squirt some washing-up liquid on the pane. This has the same effect as window cleaning and the glass ends up clean.

In need of help?

Our experts will help you if you cannot remove soiling or if you want to replace the fabric.

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