Over a short period of time, outdoor awnings can become covered in orange sand, dirt, and debris. You should thoroughly rinse them off at least twice a year. If large trees surround your awning, or if you live in an area that’s particularly dusty, you should rinse your awnings more often.
You don’t need any fancy tools—a garden hose and a ladder should do the trick!
If your awnings still look dirty after a thorough rinsing, you should scrub them with soap and water. Take care to use appropriate methods depending on whether you’re dealing with metal or fabric. For example, you can scrub metal awnings more aggressively than fabric ones using a brush manufactured for car washing and standard dish soap. For fabric, use a mild solution and a soft-bristled brush. If you use a brush with stiff bristles, you run the risk of damaging fabric.
It is essential that you allow the damp awning to dry completely - just like after a rain shower - as otherwise mildew stains or discolouration may appear.
If you notice stubborn stains or dirt build up on your awnings after you’ve scrubbed them, you may need to spot treat. On fabric, soak stains with cleaner made for laundry and fabric or simply with a mild detergent like Woolite.