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| Now you can take advantage of the tools, soaps and techniques that have been proven effective over the years. Below, professional awning cleaners' frequently questions are answered. We also offer suggestions for awning owners. | ||
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Frequently Asked Questions. |
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How
can I set myself apart from the competition?
To set your company apart from the competition, give your customers more than they expect. For instance, leave the windows under the awning cleaner than you found them! Nothing distracts from a clean awning more than a dirty window. |
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What
is the best way to clean awnings?
No one cleaning process works best all the time. You need to keep a complete line of cleaners and cleaning equipment with you. If one technique or product does not work, try another. Don't give up until you've tried everything! |
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Can
I use my pressure washer to rinse awnings?
Yes, but be careful. The initial pressure surge can easily damage or rip the material. When pulling the trigger of a high pressure gun, always point it away from the awning. |
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| A pressure washer can be
a great timesaver for rinsing, removing debris and applying cleaners and
sealers. But it can also scar the fabric so be careful.
Remember, it takes the right cleaner to clean an awning! |
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| What
is the secret to cleaning vinyl awnings properly?
To clean a vinyl awning, you must scrub it, but if you are using the wrong cleaner, all the scrubbing in the world will not clean it. |
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| What
is Q-Tip testing?
Q-Tip testing is pre-testing a small area of the material/fabric to be cleaned. Before applying cleaners to an awning, you should test the product in a small out-of-sight area to ensure the product is safe to use on the material. A good way to do this is with a Q-Tip. It's always a good idea to use this technique for testing any product that touches an awning: sealers, protectants, brushes and scrubbers. A little caution up front can save a lot of problems in the long run. |
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| Suggestions for Awning Owners | ||
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Wind will cause anything that is resting on the awning to whip back and forth creating permanent abrasions and stains. So keep branches and palm fronds cut back, and do not tie advertising banners or flags to your awning. | |
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Remove branches, leaves
and other debris from the awning as soon as possible. They can cause
staining and the weight of these objects (especially when wet) can cause
the fabric to stretch.
Bird droppings can be a real problem. The residue is acidic and can cause color fading on almost all types of material. It is a particular problem on eradicable materials. So rinse them off when you see them. |
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Most "Traditional Style" patio awnings are secured to the awning frame by string. The awning is manufactured this way so the fabric can be tightened if it stretches. If you notice stretching happening, take care of it quickly. Much staining is caused when water pools. Stretching will also increase because of the weight of the pooling water. | |
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Don't wait till your awning is filthy to clean it. More frequent cleanings are better for the material because you can use a gentler cleaning process and milder cleaners. There will also be less chance of permanent stains forming. Additionally, most manufacturers require regular cleaning to maintain the material's warranties. As a rule of thumb, we have found that under normal conditions you should clean fabric awnings 2 to 3 times per year and vinyl awnings 3 to 4 times per year. | |
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If work is being done above the awning, then make sure nothing can drop or spill on it. Paint and roofing material on an awning is difficult or impossible to get off. Cover or take down the awnings if the possibility of damage exists. | |
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When you discover holes or rips in your awning, have them repaired professionally before the damage can spread. | |
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