As well as being extremely practical and functional, outdoor patio awnings can completely transform the appearance of your Melbourne or Canberra home, providing it with some much-needed curb appeal. No matter how great the quality of your awnings, however, dirt and grime are known to build up over time. Throw in a lack of maintenance – something that most of us are guilty of – and it won’t be long before they start looking a little worse for wear.
The good news is that your outdoor awnings can be saved simply by employing some of our maintenance tips:
Whilst no one wants to spend their weekends cleaning, this will improve the look of your awnings as well as provide them with some much-needed longevity. Although it’s tempting to put off, we highly recommend cleaning up any droppings, tree sap and other dirt as quickly as possible to avoid stains settling.
And the best way to clean outdoor awnings? A solution of mild detergent and water, along with a soft brush or fabric cloth. Remember to let the fabric dry completely before rolling it back up.
There’s no hiding the fact that outdoor awnings are subjected to all sorts of weather conditions, from scorching summer sun to devastating winter storms. One of the best ways to keep them looking their best is to avoid pools of water being allowed to settle on the fabric or inside the operating mechanisms.
When exposed to too much moisture, the fabric is prone to discolouration and even stretching – both of which will really take away from the appearance of your home. The next time you’re expecting heavy rain, it’s a good idea to pack the shades up beforehand or get out there and clear any puddles quickly.
Rolling up a wet outdoor patio awning is just inviting mould and mildew in. To avoid this recipe for disaster, only roll them up when they’re completely dry – regardless of whether they’ve been exposed to rain or you’ve just given them a clean.
This can be problematic in winter - when rain and overcast days can mean the fabric takes days or even weeks to dry – but should only take a few minutes during the summer.
Tears in your outdoor awnings are a sure-fire way to ensure that no one is looking at your house twice. To keep your fabric intact, keep an eye out for potential sharp objects and debris that could become trapped on its surface. This has been known to cause tears and other damage when you roll the fabric up.
Whilst you’re at it, it’s a good idea to give any nearby branches a regular trim to prevent them from causing some serious damage.
In order to keep your outdoor awnings well maintained, you need to take good care of their frames as well as their fabric. As they’re constantly exposed to heat, rain and wind, signs of wear and even rust are not uncommon. During your regular cleaning, inspect the frames for signs of rust and remove it immediately.
Mild soap and water should do the trick. Commercial cleaners and rust removers can be too abrasive, causing more harm than good to the delicate frame.
If you are the proud owner of outdoor patio awnings in Melbourne or Canberra, we hope that the list of tips provided above has given you a better idea of how you can keep them in tiptop condition for as long as possible. Even with all your best efforts, some damage is inevitable and there is not much that can be done to rectify it. This is why we highly recommended partnering with a reputable awning supplier to ensure that you have quality on your side.
