Fabric Cleaning Instructions

General Cleaning Tips for Awnings:
Remember awnings may be cleaned without first being removed from the frame.
Clean awnings regularly before substances can accumulate and work their way into the fabric.
Awnings are generally low maintenance. Try washing your awning once a month with a garden hose on a sunny day.

It is important to keep dirt, leaves and other debris from accumulating on your awning. Keeping shrubbery and vines off your awning is essential to the overall look and life your awning.
Never in any circumstances use a grill under an awning.
Remember to clean and dry your awning completely before storing.
If your awning is torn accidentally, call BH Awning & Tent for immediate repairs.

Vinyl/Polyester Laminates
Vinyl laminated polyester fabrics are manufactured by sandwiching a polyester mesh material between two layers of vinyl using heat and adhesive. These fabrics resist rot, mildew and fading. In addition, most are flame retardant, waterproof and easy to clean and maintain.

Regular rinsing of the top, and underside of the awning with a garden hose will help keep dirt and roof particles from soiling your awning. (We do not recommend cleaning with high pressure equipment. High pressure cleaning may damage the surface treatments or the vinyl itself.)
To remove dirt and light stains, gently wash the awning with a mixture of natural soap and lukewarm water. (Do not use detergent.) Use a soft bristle brush and gently scrub the awning cover.

Acrylics
Made from 100% acrylic fiber, these fabrics are resistant to fading, mildew, rot and atmospheric chemicals. Acrylics are "solution dyed" for unsurpassed color brightness. Since they are woven fabrics, they breathe, and are translucent.
Acrylics should be cleaned regularly before substances such as dirt and roof particles are allowed to accumulate and embed in the fabric. The fabric may be cleaned without being removed from the awning frame. Simply brush off the loose dirt, hose down and clean with a mild natural cleaner in lukewarm water (no more than 100°F). Rinse thoroughly to remove cleaner. (DO NOT USE DETERGENTS).

Another method of cleaning more stubborn cases is to soak the fabric for approximately 20 minutes in a solution of no more than 1/2 cup (4 oz.) Clorox©, and 1/4 cup (2 oz.) natural soap per gallon of water at approximately 100°F. Rinse thoroughly in cold water to remove all of the soap. (Note: Excessive soaking in Clorox© may deteriorate sewing threads.) This method of cleaning may also remove part of the water repellency. The fabric should receive an application of an air-curing water repellent treatment if water repellency is a factor.
Acrylics may be dry cleaned, but a water repellent treatment must be applied after dry cleaning. Since acrylics are from manmade acrylic fiber, they are "thermoplastic", or heat sensitive. DO NOT SUBJECT TO EXCESSIVE HEAT, as the fabric will shrink. DO NOT STEAM PRESS OR DRY IN ELECTRIC OR GAS DRYERS, but allow to air dry.