Property owners with canvas awnings can pat themselves on the back for making a smart investment. In addition to offering shade and shelter from the elements, these mechanisms can last upwards of 25 years—that is, if they’re well taken care of. If you’re hoping to prolong the service life of your canvas awning, take advantage of the following guidelines.

Do:

Use a brush.

As the wind sweeps small particles of dust and dirt, they will cling to the canvas fibers, slowly eroding the surface of your awning. To remove these abrasive pieces, rub a soft brush across the inside and outside of your awning every week or two. This will also help with general discoloration without damaging the canvas fabric.

Rinse it off.

About once a month, take to your canvas awning with a hose. It’s important that the water is clean and cold, as dirty water will stain the fabric and hotter temperatures will increase the rate of wear and tear. Start at the bottom edge of your awning and work upward to remove dirt stuck in the fibers, as the rain falls in the opposite direction.

Don’t:

Let stains sit.

Every time you head outside, glance at the top of your canvas awning for signs of staining. If animal droppings, leaves, or dirt have formed stains on the fabric, they should be removed immediately with a soft brush, cool water, and mild soap. Canvas is an especially porous material, and the older your awning is, the more likely discoloration is to become permanent.

Get the motor wet.

Retractable canvas awnings will feature metal arms and a motor. While the arms can be wiped dry after cleaning to prevent rust, it’s crucial to avoid getting the motor wet. Find the location of the motor before cleaning, and use a wet rag, not a hose, to clean the section of the awning that’s nearest to it. Then, allow the awning to fully air-dry before retracting it.

 

If you think this cleaning process sounds manageable, consider installing a canvas awning on your property, with the help of Central Florida Awning. Their staff has over 25 years of combined experience, so you can trust them to help you find the perfect product for your property. Whether you’re interested in a smart home or motorized awning, visit the website to learn more about their selection. You can also call (844) 629-6464 to speak to a helpful representative.