The features you add to your home or store are beyond aesthetics and extend to functionality and practicality.
An aluminum window awning is feature-rich and worth the investment if you want decor and functionality. It protects against the blazing sun rays and rain, helping you keep your place warm or cool, depending on what you want. Hence, significant bill savings.
But just like any product, it requires cleaning and maintenance for the best performance year after year.
Cleaning a window awning once in 2-3 months keeps it looking like new and helps improve its performance. You may clean it yourself or hire a professional. If your awning provider offers maintenance, it is perhaps the best choice. But if you have decided to do it, what steps should you take?
Cleaning Aluminum Awnings – Getting Started
Step 1: Gather What You Need
- Ladder
- Water
- Detergent
- Brush
- Pressure washer (optional)
Step 2: Prepare the Solution
Add 2 oz of detergent to a gallon of water to create the cleaning solution.
Step 3: Place the Ladder
A ladder makes the task efficient. Whether your window awning is beyond reach or you cannot reach its topside, place a ladder next to it and climb up with a bucket of clean water.
Step 4: Wet the Area
Spread clean water and wet the awning. If you have a hose, you could use that to ensure reaching all the corners.
Step 5: Scrub with the Brush
Follow it up by dipping the brush in the detergent blend and scrubbing the awning’s surface with it. Do not let it dry.
Step 6: Follow it by Rinsing
Once you have successfully removed the grime, rinse off the solution to ensure leaving no residue to stain the awning. Professionals may use a pressure washer for better results.
Step 7: Reach Hidden Spots
Cleaning the surface is easy, but what about the hard-to-reach spots? Spiders love corners, and finding their way into awnings and creating a shelter is nothing new for them. You can leave them be or get rid of them (we will suggest the latter).
For this, clear the underside of your awning while on the ladder. However, if you wash a pressure washer to clean the underside, be extra careful.
Pro Tip: Ensure Cleaning Your Awning Regularly
Aluminum window awnings are prone to color deterioration, just like any other. It happens because of unpleasant and unwanted elements accumulating on it. It makes them dirty and unappealing.
For instance, awnings collect bird droppings and tree leaves and branches from rainstorms. Strong winds can carry trash too. So, regularly cleaning it can make your awning look welcoming.
Additional Tip: Rinse with a Hose
While the above steps can take care of your awnings, we urge you to use a garden hose to rinse off your awnings thoroughly. It removes remaining debris and cleaning solutions above and below.
Also, leftover cleaner attracts dirt. Sub-par cleaning may not be able to prevent mold and mildew growth. Hence, drying the fabric before rolling or retracting is crucial.
Bottomline
Cleaning an aluminum window awning is not difficult if you follow the steps appropriately. You may also seek professional cleaning and maintenance services from your awning provider to keep your products in optimal condition.
