What Is The Number One Question Awning Installers Get Asked?

Awning installers get asked this question ALL the time: what is the best way to keep an awning clean? A new awning looks gorgeous when freshly installed, and the following simple steps will keep it looking that way for years to come.

Sweep Dirt Off With A Dry Brush First

Dirt is the number one enemy of awnings, but this statement could easily be contended as moisture, sunlight and freezing cold weather also vie for the number one spot. Dirt is more of a problem for fixed awnings since retractable awnings should be retracted when not in use anyway. The mistake most people make is to try rinsing the dirt off with a hosepipe, but the water doesn’t remove all the dirt and instead adds an additional eyesore – streaks. Sweeping the dirt off is usually enough to keep your awning clean but if you have bad stains (from birds, pollution, ingrained dirt, etc) then clean the awning with a mildly soapy solution – you can use a tiny bit of dishwashing liquid or other recommended product – and be sure to rinse thoroughly.

Retract Awning When Not In Use

This is an excellent way to keep awnings clean from dust and debris. Retractable awnings also come with a cassette or which encloses the retracted awning and not only provides further protection but looks more compact too.

Retract Awning When Dry To Prevent Mould

Mould is very unsightly and can stain your awning. To prevent mould, retract the awning when dry because a retracted awning provides the perfect conditions for mould to flourish.

Top Trends in Awnings

Awning installers get asked this question ALL the time: what is the best way to keep an awning clean? A new awning looks gorgeous when freshly installed, and the following simple steps will keep it looking that way for years to come.

Branded awnings/fixed canopies

Branded fixed canopies are very popular and a huge variety of different logos and pictures can be printed. In fact it would be difficult to say what can not be printed on an awning.

More solid colours and less striped prints.

Solid colors, especially neutrals. Beige and sand tones are very popular. Which is not to say that stripes have gone out of fashion – if traditional striped awning fabric is used, it’s typically a rich color combination such as black and caramel. Pin stripes also provide a totally unique and stylish look.

Umbrellas

Sunbrella, a solution-died acrylic fabric often used outdoors, offers more than 500 patterns. Umbrellas are wonderful for corporate branding.

Clean lines

Many awning owners are choosing straight edges over the old-school scallops and pair it with a solid or neutral earth colour for a really modern design.

Added features and functionality

Drop-down screens: These lower from the awnings, blocking out the sun as it sets. The mesh patio blind is also very popular and adds different functionality.

Remote controls: Awnings should be brought in from the rain and quick remote control operation means it is no longer a chore. Remote controls can also be used to operate indoor products such as the sunscreens.

Accent lighting: Rope lighting integrated into the awning provides ambience. Heating can also be intergrated and is very popular in outdoor seating and entertainment areas.