Keeping your backyard in tip-top shape requires some elbow grease and attention to detail. If you’ve noticed that your awnings could use a good cleaning, you may be wondering if it’s safe to use bleach on them.
In this blog post, we will go over whether or not you can use bleach to clean awnings as well as some other tips and tricks for keeping them clean and fresh all season long.
Are you looking for a way to clean your dirty, mildew-ridden awning?
You can use diluted bleach to clean heavily soiled awnings. After rinsing, mix 1 cup of bleach, ¼ cup of mild soap, and 1 gallon of clean water to create the cleaning solution. Let this soak into the fabric for about 15 minutes before using a soft bristle brush to break loose set-in dirt and rinsing the awning thoroughly.
Keep in mind that not every awning needs immediate bleach attention. In this article, we explore the most common method for cleaning awnings with bleach. We also look at some alternative methods you can try beforehand.
Using Bleach to Clean Awnings
Bleach is great to use on dirtier awnings that have built up years of dirt and mildew.
This is because bleach has higher alkalinity, usually between 11 and 13, which makes it pretty corrosive. This gives it the extra power needed to cut through layers of grime commonly found on awnings, regardless of how well you take care of them.
Following these steps will put you right on track to tackle even the dirtiest of awnings.
Prep Work
Before you get started, make sure you gather the supplies you will need.
These include:
- Your concentrated bleach (make sure this isn’t splash-less or diluted)
- A mild soap, such as Woolite or Dawn
- Water (refer to the ratios to determine how much)
- A soft bristle brush
- Something to mix the solution in
- Rubber or latex gloves
- A tarp
Lay down the tarp underneath to protect your yard from the chemicals. You may also want to protect any areas directly underneath the awning that cannot be removed, such as the wall or any larger furniture.
If this is your first time using bleach to clean your awning, test a small, inconspicuous area about an hour ahead to make sure the fabric does not respond poorly.
Make sure you sweep off as much dust and dirt as you can before you get started, then rinse the awning with a hose. This should limit the amount of dirt the bleach needs to tackle, letting the solution work in other areas.
Creating Your Solution
The general solution for bleach cleaning involves:
- 1 cup bleach
- ¼ cup mild soap
- 1 gallon water
This is a ratio of 4: 1: 64.
You probably already have a soap that you can use, so there is no need to rush out to the store and look for a specialty product.
Wearing your gloves, mix the solution in an appropriate container. A 2 gallon or larger bucket should work fine.
Keep in mind that you need to be able to access this solution to apply it to your awning. If you are not comfortable dragging 1 gallon+ up a ladder, you can cut the solution in half.
Application
The easiest way to apply the solution to the fabric is by dipping the cleaning brush in the solution and gently scrubbing on the surface. You don’t need to do anything intense, but feel free to slop as much solution on the fabric as possible.
Once you cover the entire area, let the solution soak into the fabric for about 15 minutes.
Soft Bristle Brushing
If your soft bristle brush is dry at this point, you can use it to ward off any dirt or debris the solution knocked loose. You can also have a second brush on hand for this moment.
Make sure you still work gently. Depending on the condition of your awning, courser brushes or more aggressive work may cause damage to your awning.
Keep brushing until you have cleared as much as possible.
Rinsing
Once you’ve removed as much solid matter as you can, rinse the awning again using plain water from a hose.
Take the time to rinse thoroughly so that all the residue is removed from the awning surface. Failing to do this may cause unsightly residual marks from the soap and chlorine, and they are much more difficult to deal with after they set in.
Air Drying
Let the awning air dry before you decide how effective cleaning with bleach was.
If you have a retractable awning, make sure you have it set out to get the best chance of drying quickly.
If possible, time your awning cleaning so that you can let it dry in the sun. The heat will help deactivate any leftover bleach and get your awning dry in a fraction of the time.
Repetitions
Depending on how soiled your awning is, one round may not be enough.
You can choose to repeat this process as needed. Make sure you evaluate the cloth for wear due to the volatile nature of bleach.
Keep in mind that you should not use straight bleach on your awning, regardless of how stubborn the stains are. This is too corrosive, and it will cause damage to the awning’s fabric.
Follow Up
Because of its corrosive nature and the intense scrubbing on your part, you need to retreat the awning fabric for water and stain resistance after this process.
Your awning manufacturer should have a list of recommended products in the manual or on their site. If all else fails, contact the manufacturer to determine which one will work best.
What Else Can You Use to Clean Awnings?
As long as your awning is not very soiled, you can use simple tools such as:
- A soft bristle brush
- Water
- Mild soap
The effectiveness of these materials depends on the depth of clean that you need. You might find yourself using all three.
Soft Bristle Brush
If the majority of the filth on your awning is dirt, dust, or pollen, you can use a soft bristle brush to help dust everything off.
This is slightly more effective than a simple rinse, and it helps breath up anything attached to the awning materials.
Water
Spraying your awning down with a water hose is usually the first step in cleaning, but it can also be helpful maintenance.
Consider rinsing your awning anytime you’re out with your hose, as long as you have time to leave it out to dry.
Mild Soap Solution
Mixing ¼ cup of mild soap with a gallon of water helps you break through dirt and grime buildup.
It is not as effective as a bleach solution, but this helps when you have mild dirt buildup or issues such as grease stains.
Pair the soap solution with a soft bristle brush for a deeper clean.
Final Thoughts
You can use a bleach solution to clean an awning, but this method works best for heavily soiled fabric. Anything lighter runs a higher risk of ruin.
As long as the bleach is properly diluted, you keep it on a strict schedule, and you rinse the awning clean, this is one of the most effective ways to get your shade in top form.
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