Maintenance/Repair

Acrylic fabric does not promote mildew growth; however, mildew may grow on dirt and other foreign substances that are not removed from the fabric. If stubborn stains persist, you can use a diluted chlorine bleach/soap mixture for spot cleaning of mildew, roof run-off or other similar stains.  

To clean mildew, or other stubborn stains:

• Brush off loose dirt with a broom or cloth.
• Hose down.
• Prepare a cleaning solution of one-gallon water (cold to lukewarm – never more than 100°F/38°C), eight ounces (1 cup) of chlorine bleach and two ounces (1/4 cup) mild soap such as Dawn dish soap.
• Use a soft bristle brush to clean.
• Allow cleaning solution to soak into the fabric for up to 15 minutes.
• Rinse thoroughly until all soap residue is removed.
• Air dry (never apply heat to acrylic fabrics).
• Repeat if necessary.
• Re-treatment of fabric for water and stain resistance will be necessary (see below).
• Remember to protect the area around your awning if using a bleach solution and always rinse the awning thoroughly to completely remove the bleach.

Simply brushing off loose dirt and hosing your awning off with a common garden hose (not a high pressure, power washer) will extend the life of your awning by removing the built-up dirt, pollen, etc. Regular maintenance generally means a once-a-year cleaning, with additional care if stains or dirt appears.

General or light cleaning of acrylic awning or canopy fabrics

• Brush off loose dirt with a broom or cloth.
• Hose down.
• Prepare a cleaning solution of one-gallon water (cold to lukewarm – never more than 100°F/38°C) and two ounces (1/4 cup) mild soap
• Use a soft bristle brush to clean.
• Allow cleaning solution to soak into the fabric.
• Rinse thoroughly until all soap residue is removed.
• Air dry (never apply heat to acrylic fabrics).
• May require re-treatment of the top finish (see below) depending on the age of the fabric.