The luxury of outdoor blinds and retractable awnings is an excellent addition to any home. Perfect for enjoying the outdoors without the sunburn, outdoor fabrics double as an aesthetic choice, too. However, they need care in the form of regular cleaning to sustain their quality for years to come. Outdoor fabrics are designed to provide and remain as effective shelter from the sun, so it’s important they are maintained through a regular cleaning routine.
If you’re unsure how to clean blinds, you’re not alone. They can often go forgotten or thrown into the ‘too hard basket’. But with a little bit of maintenance, cleaning your outdoor blinds or canvas awning fabrics will keep the blind or awning looking as good as new.
General marking and mould are inevitable for outdoor fabrics, thanks to the exposure to the elements. However, prompt attention to the affected areas will minimise the chance of permanent staining or fabric degradation. Remember, it is far cheaper to keep up a cleaning routine for outdoor blinds and canvas awning fabrics than replace them!
How to Clean Outdoor Blinds
Cleaning your outdoor blinds and canvas awning fabrics is much easier through having a plan in place for different types of required cleaning. Furthermore, the type of required cleaning will depend on the type of outdoor blind or canvas awning you have. Use these 5 tips to clean your outdoor blinds properly.
Cleaning On-Screen Mesh Blinds
For cleaning on-screen mesh blinds, use a soft bristle brush to brush lightly. Follow the gentle brushing with a hosing. Moderate – not high pressure – hosing will assist in the removal of any debris from within the fabric weave. Allow your on-screen mesh blinds to dry properly, following the tip further down around drying procedures.
Cleaning Canvas Awnings
For cleaning a canvas awning, water-based stains should be treated first by rinsing with cold water. If this is not sufficient, canvas fabrics may be gently washed with fragrance-free soap and warm water, then rinsed thoroughly with clean water. It is critical that you do not use high pressure hoses when rinsing. Instead, like with cleaning on-screen mesh blinds, we recommend gentle brushing or rubbing with a soft bristle brush or sponge. Harsh scrubbing can microscopically damage the fabric coating.
General Stain Prevention
General stains develop easily, so it’s best to immediately clean your outdoor blinds if they come into contact with these staining substances. Such substances include:
- Bird droppings
- Earth soil
- Sand
- Vegetable or other food matter
If any of these remain in contact with your blinds or awnings, these can stain the fabrics. In addition to removing these stains quickly, it’s also best to keep petrol, oil, solvents, kerosene and other similar fluids away from the fabric. By storing these fluids separately to the blinds, you will not only increase the longevity of your blinds but reduce the risk of creating a fire hazard too.
Avoid Using the Wrong Cleaning Products
There are specially formulated cleaning products designed to clean the heavy-duty, manufactured fabrics used in outdoor blinds and awnings. That’s why it’s crucial that you do not apply detergents, cleaning fluids or insecticides that are not designed for outdoor fabrics. Both the fabric and the warranty will be affected, leaving you out of pocket if there were any defects in your product.
Proper Drying Procedures
After you have successfully removed any potential stains and cleaned your outdoor blinds or awnings, it is important that you allow the fabric to dry properly and thoroughly. They must not be rolled up or stowed away when wet. Instead, hang them out either on a clothesline or extended (or let down) in the usage position until the fabric is completely dry. By doing so, you will avoid creating a fresh opportunity for mildew to grow rapidly.
How to Prevent Mildew
One of the most serious (and common) causes of damage to outdoor blinds is mildew. Mildew spreads and builds up quickly, causing the material to be damaged over time. When it comes to cleaning canvas awning fabrics or outdoor blinds, it is always easier to take preventable cleaning measures.
Mildew builds up by attaching itself to the dirt on your awnings. Preventable cleaning of mildew looks like regular brushing of the dirt off, followed by cold water rinses to remove any remaining dirt and dust on the surface. However, mildew is removable if it is treated quickly enough. If your outdoor awing has mildew, read on to learn how to get rid of mildew without ruining the fabric.
How to Remove Mildew
If your outdoor blinds and canvas awning fabrics have already developed mildew, it is critical that you do not use abrasive cleaning fluids, such as bleach. These types of cleaning products can strip, stain, or damage the protective covering’s surface.
Instead, follow these steps:
- Purchase a specialist mildew remover.
- Spray the fabric or awning with water until it’s soaked.
- Add the mildew remover, scrubbing the stained areas using a cleaning brush.
- Rinse off the cleaner using regular hosing – NOT high pressure hosing.
- Dry awning or fabric in the sun until thoroughly dry.
How Often Should I Clean Outdoor Fabrics?
Whilst you need to clean outdoor fabrics immediately if any stains are visible, the general rule of thumb for scheduled cleaning should be for once a month. Additionally, you should conduct a deep clean (rather than just spot cleaning monthly) once every couple of years. By doing so, you will both extend the life of your outdoor fabrics whilst enjoying their high-quality protection from the sun.
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