How to Clean an Awning Without Damaging the Fabric
A good awning will give you years of shade on the patio, but only if you look after it. Irish weather is hard on outdoor fabric: rain, damp air, falling leaves, bird droppings and the green film that builds up under trees. The good news is that cleaning an awning is simple, and a couple of sessions a year is usually enough.
This guide covers how to clean awnings safely, what to avoid, and the small maintenance checks that keep a motorised awning working smoothly.
How often should you clean an awning?
For most homes in Ireland, twice a year works well:
Spring, before you start using the awning every day
Autumn, before it spends more time closed over the winter
Between those, deal with spills, bird droppings and tree sap as soon as you notice them. Fresh marks come off far more easily than ones that have baked in over a few sunny weeks.
What you need
You do not need special equipment. Have these to hand:
A soft-bristled brush (a soft car-washing brush is ideal)
A bucket of lukewarm water
A mild soap, such as a gentle washing-up liquid
A garden hose with a normal spray nozzle
A stable step ladder, if the front of the awning is high
A soft cloth for the frame and arms
How to clean awning fabric, step by step
1. Open the awning fully
Extend the awning all the way so the whole fabric is flat and easy to reach. Choose a dry, mild day with no strong wind.
2. Brush off loose dirt first
Dry brush the fabric to remove dust, leaves, cobwebs and loose dirt. Doing this before you add water stops the dirt from turning into a muddy smear and soaking into the weave.
3. Wash with lukewarm water and mild soap
Mix a small amount of mild soap into lukewarm water. Work over the fabric in sections with a soft brush, using gentle strokes. Let the soapy water sit for a few minutes on grubby areas rather than scrubbing hard.
4. Rinse thoroughly
Rinse with plain water from the hose until no soap remains. Soap left in the fabric attracts dirt and can leave marks.
5. Let it dry fully before retracting
This is the step most people skip. Leave the awning open until the fabric is completely dry, on both sides. Rolling up a damp awning is the main cause of mildew and musty smells. If rain arrives and you have to close it wet, open it again at the next dry spell to let it air out.
Bird droppings and tree sap
These need a little more care:
Bird droppings: let them dry, brush off as much as you can, then wash the area with lukewarm soapy water and rinse.
Tree sap: soften it with lukewarm soapy water and a soft brush. Be patient and repeat rather than scraping, which can damage the fabric coating.
Green marks under trees: wash as above, and try to clean more often if the awning sits under branches.
What to avoid
Most awning damage from cleaning comes from using the wrong products or too much force. Avoid:
Pressure washers, which can damage the water-repellent finish, loosen stitching and force water into the fabric
Bleach, which weakens fibres and can affect the colour
Harsh solvents and strong household cleaners
Stiff or wire brushes and abrasive pads
Hot water, which is not needed; lukewarm is enough
The solution-dyed acrylic fabrics we fit are water-repellent and UV resistant, and gentle cleaning helps them keep those properties for longer.
Cleaning the frame and arms
The aluminium frame, cassette and folding arms only need a wipe with a soft cloth and the same soapy water, followed by a rinse. While you are there:
Clear leaves and debris from the cassette or top cover
Check the arms open and close evenly
Look for anything trapped near the fabric roller
Check the motor, remote and wind sensor
Awnings we supply come with a motor and remote included, and you may also have a wind sensor. A quick check during your spring and autumn clean is worthwhile:
Make sure the awning opens and closes smoothly with the remote
Listen for any new or unusual noise from the motor
Replace the remote battery if the range seems shorter
Keep the wind sensor clear of dirt and cobwebs so it can react to gusts
A wind sensor retracts the awning automatically in strong gusts, which is a real help on a breezy Irish afternoon when nobody is at home.
Winter tips
A retractable awning is designed for sun and light showers, not storms. Over the winter:
Keep the awning retracted in strong winds and storms
Do not leave it open in heavy rain, as water can pool on the fabric
Open it on dry days now and then to let the fabric air
Rely on the wind sensor as a backup, not a reason to leave it out in a storm
When to replace or re-cover the fabric
Even well looked-after fabric will eventually show its age. It may be time for new fabric if you notice:
Fading that cleaning does not improve
Mildew stains that keep coming back
Tears, worn seams or fraying edges
Fabric that no longer sheds water the way it did
Re-covering is often a good alternative to a whole new awning when the frame and motor are still in good order. You can browse our range of awning fabrics, with more than 150 plain and striped options. GardenZone also carries out awning repairs and fabric replacement.
If you are thinking about a new one instead, have a look at our retractable awnings, made to measure and fitted by our own installation team across Ireland.
Get a fixed quote
Whether you need new fabric, a repair or a brand-new awning, we offer a free survey and a fixed quote that includes supply and installation. Contact GardenZone to arrange your survey.
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