AWNING CARE & CLEANING
One of the best ways to keep Sunbrella® fabrics looking good and to delay the need for deep or vigorous cleanings is to hose fabrics off on a monthly basis with clear water. This practice will help prevent dirt from becoming deeply embedded in the fabric and eliminate the need for more frequent vigorous cleanings. In most environments, a thorough cleaning will be needed every two to three years. When it’s time for a thorough cleaning, Sunbrella fabrics can be cleaned while still on an awning frame or, size permitting, they can be removed for cleaning in a washing machine.
AWNING PERFECTION
When cleaning Sunbrella fabrics, it is important to observe the following:
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- Always use a mild soap such as Ivory Snow, Dreft or Woolite.
- Water should be cold to lukewarm. Never more than 100°F.
- Air dry only. Never apply heat to Sunbrella fabrics.
General or Light Cleaning
To clean Sunbrella while still on an awning frame, follow these simple steps:
- Brush off loose dirt.
- Hose down.
- Prepare a cleaning solution of water and mild soap such as Ivory Snow, Dreft or Woolite (no detergents).
- Use a soft bristle brush to clean.
- Allow cleaning solution to soak into the fabric.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Air dry.
- May not require re-treatment depending on the age of 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 .
Heavy Cleaning for Stubborn Stains and Mildew:
Sunbrella fabric does not promote mildew growth, however, mildew may grow on dirt and other foreign substances that are not removed from the fabric. To clean mildew, or other stubborn stains:
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- Two ounces (1/4 cup) of mild soap and/or detergent.
- One gallon of water.
- Clean with soft bristle brush.
- Allow mixture to soak into fabric for up to 20 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Air dry.
- Repeat if necessary.
*Re-treatment of fabric for water and stain resistance will be necessary.
Remember to protect the area around your Sunbrella if using a bleach solution. Carpet or other fabrics that are not Sunbrella may have an adverse reaction to the bleach.
If an awning is suitable in size for a washing machine, these steps should be followed:
- Use mild soap and/or detergent.
- For heavier stains add 1 cup of bleach to wash.
- Wash and rinse in cold water.
- Air dry. Never apply heat to Sunbrella.
*Re-treatment for water and stain resistance will be necessary after machine washing.
BEAUTY & FUNCTION
Lester Awnings – Providing Shade Solutions since 1960.
Just wanted to let you know that I love my new awning – it looks great and with the rain this past week it really came in handy! Thanks for the prompt and courteous service.
We are extremely pleased with the awnings and the honest, courteous staff of Lester Awnings.
I’ve meant to write and thank-you again for the retractable awning you installed at our cottage on Eagle Lake. It’s absolutely wonderful – your installers were very pleasant and efficient as well.
This letter is long over due, We are the people who brought our trailer to you in June 2007 and although you were very busy, you agreed to make a new canvas and cover for it. I want to thank-you very much for doing this for us, especially when I know it put you under pressure time wise, as we wanted it for camping in July. It took a professional to do it and I was much impressed with the sewing and measurements. It smells so clean and new. It was a pleasure talking to you on the phone and also working with professionals as you people are.