The durability of your awnings may largely depend on how well you take care of them once they have been installed. This article discusses some of the things that you should not do as you take care of your awnings.
Never Let Dirt Accumulate on Them
You should never take long without cleaning your awnings. Accumulated dirt will eventually become embedded in the fabric of the awnings. Such embedded dirt will cause the fabric to become discoloured or to lose its water repellent abilities. It is, therefore, necessary for you to sweep or hose off your awnings regularly, such as monthly, so that they remain free from dirt. This should be done gently to avoid damaging the fabric.
Never Use Detergents
Some people may use detergents to clean their awning fabric to complete the cleaning job quickly and thoroughly. However, those detergents are likely to have some detrimental effects on the fabric. First, the detergents will destroy the water repellent treatment in the fabric. Secondly, the detergents are harsh, so the fabric will weaken until its starts tearing if you use detergents. Prolong the life of your awning fabric by avoiding such detergents.
Don't Use Plastic Bags
How do you store your awnings at the end of the season? Never use a plastic bag to keep your awning fabric. Plastics will trap heat and moisture within the fabric. Consequently, mould and mildew will flourish and eventually degrade the fabric. Instead, use a breathable bag, such as those made from cotton.
Never Let Lubricants Reach the Fabric
Awning owners are advised to use silicon-based products to lubricate the moving components of awnings. Take extreme care to prevent the lubricant from getting in contact with the awning fabric. The lubricants can cause the fabric to become stained or discoloured.
Avoid Using Heat
You should completely avoid using any form of heat, such as the heat from a steaming unit, while you are cleaning the awning fabric. Heat will degrade the material. Heat will also destroy the water repellent within the fabric. This can shorten the service life of your awnings.
Based on this information, it is evident that you can play a big role in prolonging or shortening the service life of your new awnings. Get the best from them by avoiding this harmful behavior. Contact the manual or your supplier for advice on how to deal with any other issues, such as a tear that may develop in the awnings.
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