How to Clean an Awning

Co-authored by Dario Ragnolo

Last Updated: September 27, 2021

Awnings are great for enjoying beautiful days without having to expose yourself to the harsh rays of the sun. Awnings will, however, begin to break down if you don’t clean them properly. Typically, you will just need a cleaning solution, brush, water, and a ladder to complete the cleaning. Whether you have a canvas, vinyl, or aluminum awning, doing a regular cleaning will keep it in a good condition for protection from sunny days to come.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Cleaning a Canvas Awning

1
Mix water and soap. Fill up a bucket with cold or lukewarm water. Pour three ounces of a mild laundry soap in the bucket. A soap that is made for delicates or baby clothes will work. Mix the solution in the bucket until it begins to foam.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Dario Ragnolo
House Cleaning Professional
Expert Interview. 13 August 2019.}
- Do not use detergent instead of laundry soap. Detergent is typically too harsh.
2
Set up the ladder. If your awning is beyond reach, you will need to set up a ladder. The ladder should be an appropriate size for the height of your awning. Position the feet correctly, and set up any safety features that your ladder comes with.^{[2]
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3
Remove debris. Remove as much debris from the awning as you can before you use the cleaning solution. Take off the cobwebs, leaves, and anything else that is on the awning. You can use a broom to sweep off the debris.^{[3]
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4
Scrub with a brush. First, you will need to wet the awning with a spray bottle or garden hose. Once you’ve done that, saturate a stiff scrub brush in the cleaning solution. Then use the brush to scrub the awning in a circular motion. Only apply the cleaning solution to the area that you’re working on.^{[4]
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Expert Source

Dario Ragnolo
House Cleaning Professional
Expert Interview. 13 August 2019.}
- You should apply the soap as you work so that it doesn’t dry on other areas of the awning.
5
Rinse off the awning. Use a garden hose to rinse off the soap and water mixture. If you don’t have a hose available, you can fill a clean bucket with water, and pour it on the awning. Let the awning air dry once you’ve rinsed it thoroughly.^{[5]
X
Expert Source

Dario Ragnolo
House Cleaning Professional
Expert Interview. 13 August 2019.}

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Washing a Vinyl Awning

1
Use a commercial cleaner. Any type of vinyl and fabric cleaner should work. If the cleaner is in a spray bottle, spray the cleaner over the entirety of the awning in an even mist. Begin by applying the cleaner to the bottom of the awning, and work your way up to the top. The cleaner works best if you don’t wet the awning before using it.^{[6]
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- Depending on the height of the awning, you may need to use a ladder to apply the cleaner.
- Do not use an abrasive cleaner. Abrasive cleaners use friction to take off dirt, sand, and other particles.
2
Scrub with a sponge. You can also use a soft or medium bristled brush. Begin to scrub the awning while the cleaning solution is still wet. Scrub every part of the awning.^{[7]
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3
Spray with a garden hose. Use a garden hose or bucket of water to rinse off the cleaner. Make sure you’ve rinsed it off thoroughly. A chalky film will develop on the awning if the cleaner hasn’t been washed off. Allow it to air dry.^{[8]
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- Do not pressure wash an awning. Pressure washing can cause damage.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Cleaning an Aluminum Awning

1
Hose down the awning. Use a hose to wet all of the awning before you begin to clean. If you don’t have a hose, you can use a bucket of water or spray bottle to do the job. Make sure the awning is still wet before you apply the cleaning solution.
2
Mix water and solvent. Fill a bucket with water. Look for a dissolvable solvent that is made for or will work on aluminum. It is best to buy a solvent that is specifically made for aluminum, because a general cleaner may be too harsh or not work. Pour the solvent into the water. The amount of solvent you use depends on the type you’re using, so check the label for instructions.
3
Scrub the awning. Submerge a brush into the cleaning solution you’ve created. Begin to scrub the awning. Continue to scrub until you’ve cleaned the entire awning.
4
Rinse off the cleaning solution. Use a garden hose and rinse off the awning. Make sure you rinse off every part that you used the cleaning solution on. A film will appear on the awning if you haven’t rinsed it off properly.
- Rinse off any concrete or wood that the cleaning solution may have gotten on.

Expert Q&A

Question

What can I use to get into hard-to-reach grooves?

Dario Ragnolo
House Cleaning Professional
Dario Ragnolo is the Owner and Founder of Tidy Town Cleaning, a home cleaning service in Los Angeles, California. His business specializes in residential & commercial cleaning. He is a second generation home cleaning expert, who grew up around his parents cleaning business in Italy.

Dario Ragnolo

House Cleaning Professional

Expert Answer

Grab a clean toothbrush and use that! Toothbrushes are perfect for this. Realistically though, any kind of hard-bristle brush will work.

Warnings

Using too harsh of a cleaning solution on your awning can cause damage. Check what materials the cleaner can be used on before applying it to the awning.

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