Retractable awnings offer the best of both worlds. You can get sunlight when you want it and shade when you need it. However, like other things, retractable awnings also require maintenance so you can make the most of your investment.
If you want to be able to use your retractable awnings in the years to come, here are some things you can do.
How to Clean Retractable Awning
To begin with, it is best to clean your outdoor awnings regularly. Besides keeping it clean, you can also keep it in good condition.
Before you start cleaning, the first thing you need to do is to inspect your retractable awnings. Look at the joints to make sure they are not bulging and that they are tight with the wall.
If there are any signs of bending, you will have to have them fixed. This will be a lot easier to do if the joints are still in good condition. If you don’t fix the joints, you can be sure that eventually, your awning will stop working.
After inspecting your retractable awnings, you can then proceed to clean your awning. Here are the steps you should follow:
- Brush off the loose debris from the awning using a brush.
- Start cleaning the fabric from the bottom to the top.
- Hose down the fabric to remove debris you may have missed.
- With a soft brush and mild soap, clean stains away from the fabric.
- Rinse thoroughly and ensure you remove all soap residue to avoid leaving marks in the product.
- Allow the fabric to dry completely before retracting.
- Repeat the cleaning process once a month.
Aside from cleaning the awning itself, you should also consider its surroundings. As much as you can, keep vines, branches, and shrubbery away to avoid damaging the fabric.
Tips for Opening the Retractable Awning
If your awning is gear-operated, here are some tips you should do to avoid damaging the system:
- Turn your gear in one direction to extend the shades of the awning.
- Make sure to hold the crank’s handle at the same angle as the eyelet.
- The awning’s lateral arms will never fully straighten out. Don’t force this if you don’t want breakage.
- If the fabric rolls out past the gear, just roll it back until the fabric becomes tight again.
Tips for Retracting the Awning
In maintaining your awning, you should know the right moment when you should retract them. For instance, awnings are not made to endure snow, hail, strong winds, and heavy rains. You should start retracting them for wind speeds of 20 mph or higher.
Tips for Retractable Awning Storage
If you are not going to use your retractable awnings, you should store them properly so the fabric will stay in good condition. Here are some of the things you should consider:
- You should make sure it is packed tightly. This can be done by rolling the awning tightly or folding it. To keep the fabric in good shape, it is best to roll it.
- When rolling the fabric, use a long and stiff tube. Place a piece of soft material at the bottom of the tube, then place the rolled awning in the tube. Place the tube inside a clean plastic bag and secure the top.
- Place your awning inside a place with good ventilation to prevent mold from growing.
Final Thoughts
From the first time you put up your retractable awnings, you’ll begin to enjoy all it has to offer. Not only does it give you some privacy and shade, but it also protects you from rain and snow. Keeping your retractable awnings clean, in proper working condition, and properly stored is critical to your investment. Just follow the steps and the tips mentioned above, and you’re sure to have a retractable awning that lasts for years to come.
If you need custom-made awnings for your home or storefront, Van Nuys Awning Co. is your best choice. We design, sell, and install the best motorized and manual retractable awnings for your property. Schedule a free consultation today to learn more about your awning options.
