How to Maintain Your Retractable Awning

With the spring in full swing and summer just around the corner, you will certainly be spending more time outdoors. When you're doing so at home, you can take advantage of the nice weather and relax on your porch or patio at your leisure. If you have a retractable awning, it makes the experience even better. It's important to know how to properly maintain your awning to keep it in tip-top shape. Here are some great tips.

Use it Properly

Of course, it's important to always use your retractable awning properly. Follow the rules of usage and it will last for years to come for you, your family and your friends to enjoy. Always handle it with care and roll or unroll the fabric at the top of the tube that holds it together. Being gentle with the fabric will ensure that it doesn't tear.

Clean it Regularly

Cleaning your retractable awning on a regular basis is wise and ensures that it is in good use. When you do this, you prevent it from becoming too dirty and dusty, which can lead to problems using it and allergic reactions in your family members. You should aim to clean your awning at least once per month. Doing this is easy and only requires you to remove it, lay it on the ground and spray it with your garden hose. If there are any lingering stains, use an old toothbrush and dishwashing soap to scrub them away.

Keep it Dry

If your retractable awning becomes wet or even just a little damp, it can lead to the development of mold or mildew or for the fabric to stretch or become discolored. To that end, you should always keep it dry. Thoroughly dry it out after cleaning it and retract your awning anytime there is rain in the forecast.

Keep it Away from Vegetation

Your retractable awning should always be kept a safe distance away from vegetation. Avoid installing it in a location where there is a tree or climbing vines. This can help to keep it in better condition as vegetation can get caught up and prevent the awning from properly working. Additionally, some plants may have chemicals that can damage the awning.

Inspect it for Rust

One of the most important parts of maintaining your retractable awning is to ensure that it doesn't have any signs of rust. Inspect it regularly and check for rust in the metal frames. If you find any, you can scrape it off gently. Too much rust can prevent the mechanism from functioning properly.

These tips can help you to better maintain your retractable awning. They can also ensure that you get many more years of use out of the awning, which benefits everyone.

Tom James,