One of the best ways to keep 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 imbedded 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, fabrics can be cleaned while still on an awning frame or a boat or, size permitting, they can be removed for cleaning in a washing machine. When cleaning fabrics, it is important to observe the following:
- Always use a natural soap. Never detergent.
- Water should be cold to lukewarm. Never more than 100 degrees.
- Air dry only. Never apply heat to fabrics.
If you are cleaning while still on a frame or on a boat, follow these simple steps:
- Brush off loose dirt.
- Hose down.
- Prepare a cleaning mixture of water and mild, natural soap (no detergents).
- Use a soft bristle brush to clean.
- Allow soap to soak in.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Air dry.
- If stubborn stains persist, you can use a diluted chlorine bleach/soap mixture for spot cleaning of mildew, roof run-off and other similar stains.
Prepare a special cleaning mixture:
- Four ounces (half cup) of chlorine bleach.
- Two ounces (one-fourth cup) of natural soap.
- One gallon of water.
- Clean with soft bristle brush.
- Allow mixture to soak for up to 20 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Air dry.
- Repeat if necessary.
If an awning or boat cover is suitable in size for a washing machine, these steps should be followed:
- Use only natural soaps. No detergent.
- Wash and rinse in cold water.
- Air dry. Never put fabrics in your dryer.
- Re-treating the Fabric
As part of the finishing process, fabrics are treated with a fluorocarbon finish, which enhances water repellency. This finish is designed to last for several years, but must be replenished after a thorough cleaning. Based on test results, we recommend 303 High Tech Fabric Guard™ as the preferred re-treatment product for fabrics. Fabrics should be retreated after thorough cleaning or after five years of use.
Applying 303 High Tech Fabric Guard™
303 should be applied to fabrics after each thorough cleaning, which typically removes the original fluorocarbon finish and reduces the fabric's water resistance. After cleaning the fabric, allow it to air dry completely and then apply 303 in a thin, even coat. After allowing the first coat of 303 to air dry, apply a second thin, even coating of 303. Two light coatings are more effective in restoring fabric water resistance than a single heavy coating. The 15-ounce aerosol provides coverage of up to 50 square feet of lightweight fabric.
Professional Cleaners
You may have access to professional cleaning firms that service awnings. In evaluating the services of a professional firm, you should inquire about a firm's experience in working with fabrics and knowledge of cleaning and retreatment requirements.
STAIN Recommended Cleaning Solutions
BEER liquid detergent, white vinegar
BERRY liquid detergent / ammonia (3-6% water)
BLOOD (DRIED) detergent / ammonia (3-6% water)
BUTTER volatile solvent (acetone)
CHARCOAL, PENCIL MARKS vacuum, then liquid detergent
CATSUP OR MUSTARD liquid detergent
CHEWING GUM volatile solvent (acetone)
CHOCOLATE liquid detergent, ammonia water
COFFEE detergent, white vinegar, volatile solvent (acetone)
COLA liquid detergent
CRAYON paint, oil or grease remover
EGG (RAW) liquid detergent
GRAPE JUICE liquid detergent
GRAVY liquid detergent
GREASE (CAR) volatile solvent (acetone)
INK (PERMANENT, INDIA, BALLPOINT) paint remover, volatile solvent (acetone), detergent
IRON RUST oxalic or citrus acids, water
LIPSTICK paint, oil or grease remover
MASCARA paint remover, volatile solvent (acetone), detergent, water
MILDEW 1/2 cup of bleach and 1/4 cup natural soap per gallon of water
MILK liquid detergent
NAIL POLISH volatile solvent (acetone)
OIL volatile solvent (acetone)
ORANGE DRINK liquid detergent, water
PAINT (LATEX) WET liquid detergent, water
PAINT (LATEX) DRIED paint, oil or grease remover
PAINT (OIL OR LACQUER) paint, oil or grease remover
SHOE POLISH (LIQUID) volatile solvent (acetone)
SHOE POLISH (WAX) apply heated iron over towel, volatile solvent (acetone)
SUNTAN LOTION Pine Power® or pine oil detergent
TEA liquid detergent
TOMATO JUICE liquid detergent
TREE SAP turpentine, liquid detergent
URINE liquid detergent, white vinegar
VOMIT detergent, water, white vinegar
WATER COLOR liquid detergent, water, white vinegar
WAX (CANDLE) apply heated iron over towel, volatile solvent (acetone)
WINE liquid detergent / ammonia (3-6% water), white vinegar
